Wednesday, January 21, 2015

STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: Gov. Cuomo's 'State of the State'


“Gov. Cuomo continues to outline a strong agenda for the entire state, especially for The Bronx. Our governor continues to put forward policy proposals that have real impact on the lives of people in my borough.

“His continued support of our proposal to expand Metro North services to the East Bronx is incredibly welcome, and shows his commitment to creating new transit options and new opportunities for investment in our borough. While I appreciate the governor’s suggestion that one of these new stations bear my name, his considerable support of this proposal is all the recognition I need. I am grateful that Governor Cuomo has already outlined significant funding for this proposal in his budget, and I will continue to work with the governor, the MTA and the State Legislature to bring this transformative transit proposal to life.

“The governor’s expansion of employment programs in our borough, specifically for young adults of color, is also a major victory for The Bronx. In August, I joined Governor Cuomo, the State Department of Labor and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation to launch the ‘Bronx Works’ strike force, which is putting unemployed Bronxites in direct contact with the employers who need them. New projects are taking root every day in The Bronx, and this $10 million proposal will ensure that more Bronx residents, especially young adults of color, will be prepared for the jobs we are creating.

“Governor Cuomo’s plan to raise the minimum wage statewide, and to increase the minimum wage to a higher rate in New York City, shows that the governor continues to understand the realities of living in the five boroughs. The cost of living is considerably higher in The Bronx than upstate, and this increase would allow more New Yorkers to make ends meet.

“Governor Cuomo understands what is important to this borough: economic development and job creation, making sure Bronxites are getting the jobs we create, and making sure those jobs pay a decent wage. I will continue to work with my good friend, our governor, and his administration to enact strong policy proposals and affect positive change for the people of The Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.


State of the Borough Address


The Honorable Ruben Diaz Jr.

President, Borough of the Bronx


 State of the Borough Address

Thursday, February 19, 2015

10 a.m.

The Mall at Bay Plaza

200 Baychester Avenue

THIRD floor Pavilion

The Bronx

SEATING IS STRICTLY LIMITED


Council Member King to Host Funding Workshop on Monday, Jan. 26th


 New York City Council Member Andy King will hold a workshop on Monday, Jan. 26, for community-based organizations that would like to apply for discretionary funding from his office.

The applications for Council Discretionary Member Item funding, which is awarded each year by council members to non-profits and other eligible groups in their districts, must be completed online. But the workshop will help to make sure those applying for funding to fully understand the process.

Those organizations applying for funding from Council Member King are strongly urged to attend the  workshop on Monday, 6-9 p.m., at the Williamsbridge NAACP ECE Center, 680 East 219th St., Bronx.

Applications must be completed online in one session and applicants cannot save the information as they work or navigate away from the page while they are working. But the application does not time out, and applicants can go back to correct mistakes.

Applications are currently available on the city council website – http://council.nyc.gov (click pull down button `Budget’).

The FY 2016 timetable is as follows:
•           Currently – FY 2016 applications available on the city council website (applications may only be submitted online);
•              Feb. 20 - FY 2016 discretionary expense funding applications must be completed no later than 5 p.m.;
•              Feb. 26 - FY 2016 capital funding applications to the borough president and city council for the same project must be completed no later than 5:00 p.m.;
•             March 26 - The deadline for FY 2016 capital applications to the city council only must be completed no later than 5:00 p.m.

For more information on the applications or budget process, please contact Brian Melford, Special Assistant to Council Member Andy King at (718) 684-5509.


Tenant Forum on Heating, or Lack Of


Is your apartment COLD?

Are your calls to your landlord going unanswered?

Do you want to DO something about it?

Let your voice be heard at the

Simply Better Homes

Tenant Forum


Tuesday, January 27, 2015 7:00 PM

Sister Annunciata Senior Center

243 E. 204th Street | Bronx, NY 10458

(at Valentine Avenue)

Sponsored by:

West Bronx Housing

In collaboration with:

Council Member Andrew Cohen,

 Council Member Fernando Cabrera, 

& Bronx Community Board 7


Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Croton Filter Project - Continued Closure of Eastbound Right Lane on Sedgwick Near Goulden through Winter 2015


Thus cane in from the DEP about the current lane closures on Sedwick and Goulden Avenas.


        A small portion of the right eastbound lane on Sedgwick Avenue was closed in April 2014 in order perform work at an existing  100 year old water supply structure that lies partly beneath the closed lane at the corner of  Sedgwick Avenue and Goulden Avenue. It was originally expected that this work would take six months.
        A traffic analysis was performed before starting this work.  Based on this analysis and after consultation with the DOT Bronx Borough Commissioner and OCMC, a plan was developed to make the traffic impact minimal and manageable. Three (3) Traffic Agents are assigned to control traffic and help pedestrians from 7 AM to 10 PM on weekdays.  Signs are installed to guide traffic and pedestrians. A well-lighted pedestrian corridor was constructed through the work area and later paved to improve pedestrian accessibility.
        The delay in construction is due to age of the water supply structure and the equipment in it. We are taking additional precautions to prevent damage to the equipment that remains and we are replacing parts of the structure that were discovered to be in poor condition when we excavated.
        We anticipate that the traffic lane will be re-opened by mid- April 2015.  NYCDEP also intends to improve the sidewalks in this location, which may take another month. Included in the sidewalk improvements are removal of the existing above-ground black painted entrance structure that is on the corner of Sedgwick/Goulden Avenues.
        The Contractor is actively working to complete the work and if the lane was re-opened (even temporarily at this time), the work could not be completed and would only get delayed more. Note that a significant portion of the work since April 2014 has been performed underground inside the water supply  structure and this may have given the impression that no work was being done. That having been said, the contractor did give the workmen a break at Christmas/New Year. Current working hours are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday with overtime when deemed productive by the contractor.
        The water main work on Sedgwick Avenue at Hillman is being performed by NYCDEP but is unrelated to the Croton project. Also. the long term work that is being performed by Con Ed on Sedgwick Avenue is unrelated to this project.
        This work has no impact on starting the Croton Plant.
        This work is completely unrelated to the schedule for the  Mosholu Golf Course Club House at the Croton Plant.


Any comments for the DEP?


NYCHCC Empowerment Seminar


Below are two sizes of the same event, as I could not size it to fit the area.


I'm running for Congress by Adam C. Powell


This came in from Adam Clayton Powell for Congress.

Hello my friend, I hope the new year is treating you well.
 
Now that Congressman Charlie Rangel has begun his last term, it's time to begin the journey to replace him.  The 13th Congressional District covers most of Northern Manhattan and parts of the Northwest Bronx.  It has been represented by two legendary figures:  my father, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. (who created the seat and became the first African American Congressman from NY 1944-1970) and Charles B. Rangel (1970-Present).  We need a progressive voice to preserve the rich history of these last 70 years.  I intend to run for that seat.
 
This is not an exploratory committee;  I've been exploring this district for over 20 years.  It's time to run.  I know this congressional district as well as anyone.  From El Barrio to Harlem to Washington Heights & Inwood to the Bronx, I've represented various parts of this district in the City Council and in the State Assembly.  Most of the leaders in these various neighborhoods are people I know and have worked with throughout the years.  I hope you pray for me and join me in this exciting journey.
 
All the best,
 
ADAM
 
 
 
 
 
Paid for by Powell for Congress
Adam Clayton Powell for Congress
420 E. 117th St
Suite 2
New York NY 10035

Monday, January 19, 2015

Celebrating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr


These three reflections of Martin Luther King Day come from Public Advocate James,  Bronx Assemblyman Sepulveda, and Brooklyn City Council member Williams


.Friends,

Today, Americans from coast to coast are honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

We're doing so because our country - and our world - would not be the same without Dr. King's unmatched success in advancing civil rights and equal opportunity. 

Whether it's racial justice, economic justice, or criminal justice, Dr. King's example is not academic. It's a road-map for us to expand fairness for ourselves, our communities and our country. It's a call to action for all of us.

But, just as Dr. King didn't march alone, we too must act with arms locked, heads held high, and a gaze towards a brighter tomorrow where opportunity is present and prosperity shared.

May this day inspire us to recommit ourselves to work together for the betterment of all.

Sincerely,
 






   A civil rights leader, community activist, humanitarian and Nobel Laureate, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remains a remarkable and influential figure. As we observe Martin Luther King  Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19, it is important to remember Dr. King’s legacy and how we can continue to honor it with our actions. In the words of Dr. King himself, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” It is up to us as individuals to follow his lead and embrace his values as we work for the betterment of others and our community as a whole. 
Addressing inequality ingrained in society, Dr. King gave a voice to those who needed it the most, tirelessly advocating for civil rights and social justice. He encouraged change through peace and discourse, respect and unity, and he remained committed to these principles. In 1964, Dr. King became, at the time, the youngest recipient of the Noble Peace Prize. His work was integral to the passage of such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Though his life was cut tragically short in 1968, his philosophy and vision live on.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” said Dr. King. These words ring as true today as they did nearly 50 years ago. Although strides have been made in the fight for equality and social and economic justice throughout our state and our nation, there are still many problems we cannot ignore. As Dr. King said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” In facing and dealing with these issues head on, we must act as Dr. King did. By acknowledging our problems and working together, we can enact positive change and restore trust. Only by working together, can we achieve this important work.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not only a time to reflect on the tremendous achievements of a remarkable man and national hero, but also a day to think about our own actions and how we can contribute to bringing Dr. King’s vision to life today. It’s a vision to embrace as we address those concerns of humanity and rise above the differences that divide us.
Your Assemblyman,
Luis R. Sepulveda


 
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER 
JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS
Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn), Deputy Leader and Chair of the Council's Housing and Buildings Committee, released the following statement on the occasion of the 29th celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

  "Dr. King once said 'Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.' As our City addresses difficult social issues affecting communities of more color, those words spoken half a century ago couldn't be more applicable to our lives today. Dr. King's agitation and resistance against systemic injustice helped point America in the direction of peace, healing and unity. To celebrate his life and legacy, I encourage community members to see the powerful film 'Selma,' which reminds us that we must all strive to advance his work on civil rights for those in our own communities and beyond. Let us not use this day to sanitize Dr. King's message, but instead, use it to remember that we cannot be afraid to stand up and stand out for what's right. Only then will we reach the mountaintop that he envisioned for all of us."