More Con Edison Gas Woes

  This is what has popped up across the Bronx (and New York City). Ugly High Pressure gas connections to buildings. Most of the gas connections are behind fences to hide them from public view, but this connection however is one of those visible with plantings that are to grow in front to block it view. These high pressure gas connections have no protection from the elements such as rain and snow, or any other thing that it may come in contact with. A tree fell right near this connection, and what could of happened if the gas connection had been where the tree fell. This particular connection has been red flagged twice, and on two separate occasions I have walked by this site to hear a hissing sound coming from this connection.  According to Con Edison there should be no noise at all coming from this high pressure gas connection, but the local FDNY Engine 52 has been called over 10 times to this location to answer calls of sounds coming from this connection by various different residents and people. I was told by one firefighter when I saw the truck elsewhere that a clicking sound is normal when the high pressure gas engages. I told him that Con Edison had said no sound should be coming from these connections, but he said not to worry. I do not trudt Con Edison, but I have to have trust in our fire department.

This photo of very recent markings by the above high pressure gas connection leading from a Con Edison sewer (in between the two parked cars) makes me wonder if Con Ed is going to redo this connection.

Here is another fine example of the work being done by the contractors hired by Con Edison because this is way to big a job for Con Ed to handle alone. Above is the corner by the building connection pictured above where Con Edison's contractor has worked. Enlarge the photo to see what else went into this section before it was covered. Also note that the size is much larger than the street cut markings. 

Here is how the crosswalk of this intersection was left. When you enlarge the photo you can notice that there is a several inch gap in the pavement still where Con Ed worked, and that the gas main head in the middle of the patch work is sticking up a few inches from the patch. This is a hazard waiting to happen as once the sun goes down the difference of the levels of the road, the patchwork, and the gas main head are very hard to see. 

Grand Opening of the Throggs Neck Shopping Center

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce 

invites you to join...

    The Grand Opening of the New 

Throggs Neck 

Shopping Center

Over a dozen New Stores and Restaurants

- Including -

Target - TJ Maxx

Sleepy's - Petco

Skechers - Metro Optics

BX Sports

Applebee's - Subway

5 Guys Burgers & Fries 

Sarku Japan

and more to come.

Grand Opening 

Thursday Nov. 20th 2014

11 AM.

Free Parking

 

Latino Leader & Former Mayoral Candidate Demands Better Latino Representation in de Blasio Administration

Erick Salgado to Join Rally Critical of 13% Decline in 

Latino Presence Since the Bloomberg Administration

      Latino community leader and former Mayoral candidate, Rev. Erick Salgado is demanding that Mayor Bill de Blasio make his administration more representative of New York City’s Latino population by immediately recruiting and hiring more qualified Latinos.  

       There has been a 13 percent decline in the number of Latinos in the city administration since Mayor Bloomberg left office.

      “With Latino’s comprising almost a third of this city’s population it is unbelievable that Mayor de Blasio has reduced the number of Latinos working in his administration by 13 percent.  If anything, he should have increased our number. This is disrespectful of the Latino community.  Does the mayor not care about 2.4 million New Yorkers? We cannot allow this to remain unchallenged,” Salgado stated.

       “Latino New Yorkers play a significant role in every aspect of this city.  To ignore us as the 

mayor has done is to deny every New Yorker the talent, experience and energy that so many of us have and want to use to make this city an even better place in which to live,”  Salgado continued. 

       Salgado will join a rally, sponsored by The Coalition of Latino Organizations, to be held on the steps of City Hall Monday, November 17th, at 10 a.m., calling on the mayor to hire more Latinos.

      “The Latino community has been patient long enough.  We have waited almost 11 months for the mayor to do the right thing; we will not wait any longer.  Mayor de Blasio must immediately demonstrate that he cares about New York City’s 2.4 million Latinos,” Salgado said.

COMPTROLLER STRINGER QUARTERLY ECONOMIC REPORT SHOWS NEW YORK CITY ECONOMY CONTINUES STRONG PACE IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2014

 Job Creation in New York City at Fastest Pace in at least a Quarter Century

  New York City created private-sector jobs at an annual rate of 5.4 percent in the third quarter of 2014, the biggest quarterly increase in at least 24 years,according to an analysis of the City’s economic performance released today by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer.

“New York City’s economy has been gaining strength the past two quarters and continues to outpace the nation’s,” Comptroller Stringer said. “Venture capital investment in our region’s burgeoning start-up economy has surged, the real estate market has continued its strong pace and tourism remains on an upswing.  The City has put another strong quarter in the books as we head to the end of 2014.”

“The NYC Quarterly Economic Update” examines economic trends and reports data from New York City’s economy within the national context. It analyzes a broad range of economic indicators that reflect the City’s current conditions. These indicators include Gross City Product (GCP), job growth, income tax withholding, unemployment rates, inflation, commercial real estate vacancy and rental rates, residential real estate sales, hotel occupancy rates and public transit ridership.

In the third quarter, New York City’s Real GCP grew at an estimated 4.0 percent annual rate, the fastest growth since this quarter last year and half a percentage point faster than the pace of the U.S. economy in the same period. New York City’s private-sector added 47,000 jobs, a seasonally adjusted annualized growth rate of 5.4 percent, a record gain.

The report highlights factors that contributed to the quarter’s impressive performance:

• Reflecting job gains and salary increases, City Personal Income Tax withholdings rose to $1.6 billion, the highest ever third quarter level.
• The Manhattan office vacancy rate, including sublease space, fell to 10.2 percent in 3Q14. New leasing activity in 3Q14 totaled over 7.6 million square feet, the best third quarter in eight years.
• New York City’s unemployment rate fell to 7.3 percent in 3Q14, the lowest quarterly average since 4Q08, when unemployment was at 6.6 percent. All five counties displayed a significant decrease in unemployment.
• Local startups are gaining momentum, with record venture capital investment in the New York metro area surpassing $1.7 billion in 3Q14, more than double the $0.72 billion invested in 3Q13.
• The city’s hospitality industry continued to prosper. Hotel occupancy in Manhattan averaged 92.6 percent in 3Q14, and over 3 million people attended Broadway shows, 12.7 percent more than in 3Q13.

“After a long road back, job creation continues to be a positive indicator that our City is on a sustainable path forward,” Stringer said. “However, I continue to be concerned about the fact that too much of our job creation is concentrated in low-wage industries. The economic recovery is not reaching the middle class of our City.  We need to continue to find the on-ramps to opportunity for every New Yorker and emphasize the importance of educating our children so that they can fully participate in the 21^st century economy in our own great city.”

To view the full report, click here. 

Wave Hill Events Nov 28–Dec 5

  We do see some wildlife here—the occasional wild rabbit, coyote and lots and lots of birdlife—34 species were identified on our November 9 bird walk—but very rarely turkey. What we do have in spades is a fully immersive experience of nature at her most abundant. Harvest-time!  As a special bonus, come enjoy a free session of Meditation on Friday for a therapeutic hour recuping from Thanksgiving and om-ing yourself into the holiday shopping season.  

Speaking of holiday shopping, I am also enclosing a release about our Holiday Workshop Weekend. I can’t think of a better opportunity to transform shopping stress into a serenely creative day.

THU, NOVEMBER 27    THANKSGIVING

Closed to the public.

FRI, NOVEMBER 28

This Black Friday, avoid the malls in favor of a serene outlook on the holiday season! Mindfulness meditation helps relieve stress, increase focus and even make you happier! Led by a member of the Yoga for Bliss team, this class is offered free of charge, and admission to the grounds is free until noon—but registration recommended, online only.  Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. All levels welcome.

WAVE HILL HOUSE,11AM–NOON

SAT, NOVEMBER 29    FAMILY ART PROJECT: HARVEST TIME HANGINGS

Gather fall leaves, cones, pods and seed heads. Weave them together with other materials from the gardens and meadows to create a decorative wall hanging celebrating the bounty and beauty of the season. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

SAT, NOVEMBER 29    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 indoors. 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, NOVEMBER 29    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, Hilary Lorenz creates an immersive environment by experimenting with the arrangement of large shaped paper constructions printed with plant and animal imagery that appears to dance around the room, Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 30    FAMILY ART PROJECT: HARVEST TIME HANGINGS

Gather fall leaves, cones, pods and seed heads. Weave them together with other materials from the gardens and meadows to create a decorative wall hanging celebrating the bounty and beauty of the season. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 30    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. 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, NOVEMBER 30    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, NOVEMBER 30    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

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 and Tuesday mornings 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.

Bronx Borough President Invites You to Celebrate

Bronx BoroughPresident Ruben Diaz Jr. In conjunction with The Albanian-American Society Foundation & Sons and Daughters of Albania in the  United States Invites you to attend the The 102nd Anniversary of Albania's  Independence Celebration Saturday, November 22,  2014 @ 11:30 a.m. Monroe College-King Hall 2501 Jerome Avenuein the  Mintz Auditorium Seating is Complementary  and Limited RSVP is Required. smalave@bronxbp.nyc.gov 718.590.3989

COUNCILMEMBERS, TENANTS RALLY FOR “UNDERLYING CONDITIONS” LEGISLATION

  Broad Support For New “Housing Quality Act” Bill That Would Empower Tenants To Bring “Underlying Conditions” Claims Against Landlords 

   The Mayor’s plan to preserve 120,000 units of affordable housing will require renewed focus on housing quality.  On Wednesday, tenants from some of the city’s most troubled housing units – joined by advocates and elected officials – rallied outside City Hall to call for legislation that would give tenants the power to require landlords to fix “underlying conditions” - such as a water leak – rather than merely painting over it.

Council Members Ritchie Torres, Rafael Espinal, and Antonio Reynoso are set to introduce a bill on Thursday that would expand a 2013 law that empowered HPD to bring “underlying conditions” claims.  Noting that tenants are the eyes-and-ears on the ground, the new bill would extend to tenants the right to bring such claims against landlords in Housing Court.  The bill is part of a broader “Housing Quality Act” package aimed at equipping tenants with the tools they need to ensure that their housing is not just affordable, but also livable.

“In housing – as in life – superficially painting over a problem is not an acceptable solution.  Yet under current law, when a landlord fails to cure an underlying problem, such as a water leak, and opts instead to paint over the problem, tenants have limited options.  This bill would enable tenants who deal with underlying conditions problems day in and day out, to hold their landlords accountable.  This bill would help ensure that housing is not just affordable, but also livable,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

“We have some of the highest rent rates in the country and yet too many New Yorkers are living in substandard and unsafe housing conditions," stated Council Member Rafael Espinal. "Often times, necessary work to correct the root causes would be covered up with shoddy patch repairs. This is unacceptable. This bill will give additional teeth to existing law by allowing tenants to take action in housing court and bite down on their negligent landlords to correct these substandard and unsafe housing conditions. It is my hope that this piece of legislation, when enacted, will lead to more New Yorkers living in decent and quality housing."

“Too often, landlords will do only the minimum repairs necessary to correct a violation or issue.  This bill  seeks to empower tenants to address conditions that lead to recurring problems but remain unaddressed.  Our goal with this bill, and the other pieces of the Housing Quality Act, including the expansion of HPD’s Alternative Enforcement Program and the creation of re-inspection fees for HPD inspectors, is to improve quality-of-life for all tenants,” said Council Member Antonio Reynoso.

“This bill gives tenants the power to demand more than superficial repairs from their landlords, by compelling owners and management companies to address the root causes of dangerous and unhealthy apartment conditions. Neglectful landlords have consistently gamed the system by doing the bare minimum. This substandard work has caused tenants across the City to suffer further, problems like leaks and mold are simply covered up and painted over versus being addressed and corrected. I would like to thank Councilmember Torres as well as Councilmembers Reynoso and Espinal for their leadership on tackling this legislative oversight on this issue as well as many other housing concerns that plague NYC tenants,” saidKerri White, Director of Organizing and Policy, Urban Homesteading Assistance Board (UHAB).

"By empowering tenants to compel correction of systemic building problems that result in recurrent housing code violations, this important bill will reduce the need for repetitive litigation which demoralizes tenants and wastes the time and resources of the City and the court system.  The bill also discourages landlords from ignoring dysfunctional building systems by increasing the penalties for landlords who fail to correct systemic problems,” said Edward Josephson, Director of Litigation at South Brooklyn Legal Services.

“The Legal Aid Society commends Council Members Ritchie Torres, Antonio Reynoso and Rafael Espinal for introducing this important legislation which will allow tenants to pursue cases against their landlords to repair the underlying conditions in their apartments which caused the housing maintenance code violation.  Now tenants can act in partnership with HPD to ensure that New York apartments are kept in safe and good condition.  Finally, landlords will be held accountable for repairing the problem and not just re-painting the problem,” said Ellen Davidson, staff attorney at The Legal Aid Society. 

Greenway Walk at West 254th Street

  The above photo is of the Community Board 8 Special Greenway Committee Chair Phil Friedman walking next to the Hudson River on the water side the Metro North tracks. Mr. Friedman led a tour of over 50 people this past Sunday morning who met in the parking lot of the station. They then went upstairs and over to the southbound platform where towards the end of the platform was a ramp leading to an opening to a short walkway along the Hudson River. The pathway was as long as the train station, and was fenced off (as in the above photo) from track 6 which is a non electrified track that is not in service.  

  As you will see in the photos below this area between the Hudson River and Metro North tracks could be the starting point for the Riverdale link to the north and south to complete the Hudson River Greenway. There are two more tours of this area  will be Sunday Nov. 16th from 2 - 3 PM with assembling at 1:45 PM in the West 254th Street Metro North station parking lot, with a third site visit planned for sometime in December. The next meeting of the CB 8 Special Greenway Committee meeting will be on Monday Dec. 1st starting at 7:30 PM at a location to be determined. You can call the community board office at 718-884=3959 in 1 - 2 weeks for the location. 

Left and Right - People assembled in the parking lot of the West 254th Street Metro North Station. 

This was the view south as you walked over the station bridge. Track 6 is to the right, and the blue bridge is to the Riverdale Yacht Club only.

This is taken from track 6 looking back at the platform. on the left side is a ramp leading down to the crossing over of track 6.

The path over track 6 to the waterfront park area.

Left - Two people are fishing in the forground.

Right - One of the two overlooks of the Hudson River. 

Community Board 8 Chair Dan Padernacht explores north of where the pavement ends as seen in the bottom of the photo.

Here the group is at the bottom end of this path, with the Riverdale Yacht Club in the foreground and track 6 can be seen at the bottom.

Mr. Rob Spalter shows just how much space there is in this section of the waterside area. This however is over a storm sewer overflow pipe that leads into the river.

The empty path next to the water on the other side of the West 254th Street Metro North Station, which is NYC Parks property. 

This photo with people on the path.