Some Photos From the State of the Borough Speech

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. emphasizes one of his many points in the State of the Borough.

  BP Diaz looks at Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie while stressing for needed help from Albany.

   Could it be that there are two off the 'men in the room' sitting on both ends of State Comptroller Tom Dinapoli? Former State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein to his right. and on his left Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

  Could Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson be asking for some political advice from former Bronx Borough President Ferrer, for this years Bronx District Attorney's race? Behind them are city council members Annabelle Palma and Jimmy Vacca. 

  Councilman Fernando Cabrera chats with soon to be new Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo whose back is to the camera. Also in the photo is the 'Dashing Colorful City Councilman Andy King, in whose council district the state of the borough speech was given. 

BP DIAZ DELIVERS SIXTH ‘STATE OF THE BOROUGH’ ADDRESS

Editors Note:

  This year was the 6th State of the Borough speech by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. In his last 5 State of the Borough addresses BP Diaz was energetic, happy to list his accomplishments, and spoke very fast to get everything in. This year however BP Diaz sounded like the seasoned elected official we all knew was there, speaking softly and at a slower pace, and spoke of how the borough  of the Bronx, and even other boroughs will move ahead under his leadership in the coming years. 

As previously stated this was the Ruben Diaz Jr. many of us were waiting for.

Below are excerpts from the 6th State of the Borough speech by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. given at the new Mall at Bay Plaza. 

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ DELIVERS

SIXTH ‘STATE OF THE BOROUGH’ ADDRESS

  “We've seen unprecedented, transformative growth since I became the borough president,” said Borough President Diaz. The state of The Bronx is stronger than it has been in decades. We are maximizing our assets, while improving our quality of life.” Unemployment has dropped, and The Bronx has seen record investment, including over $1 billion in new investment last year alone.

   “We will examine possible costs and potential density, and will take the first step towards creating new space as a key component of our city's housing and economic development future,”  The study of the potential decking of three borough train yards—149^th Street, the Grand Concourse yards (near his alma mater, Lehman College), and the 1 train yards connecting Riverdale and Kingsbridge.  The expansion of “impact investing” in New York City. Impact investments are ventures made with the intention to generate measurable social and environmental benefit, alongside a financial return. Borough President Diaz’s proposal would leverage a revolving fund with private sector investment to accelerate the greening of large residential buildings.

  On education, Borough President Diaz noted the racial disparities in admissions at the city’s three specialized high schools—the Bronx High School of Science, Stuyvesant High School and Brooklyn Technical High School. He proposed the creation of new specialized high schools, one in each borough that would use a portfolio system to select its freshman class. These new schools would also guarantee admissions to the top two performers in each city middle school. “We must ensure that the best and brightest from every community have a chance to excel,” added Borough President Diaz.

  He highlighted a number of new projects coming to the borough, including the redevelopment of the former Bronx General Post Office by Youngwoo & Associates, Freshdirect’s relocation to Port Morris, York Studios’ plan to build a new film and television studio in Soundview and the future Kingsbridge National Ice Center. Also highlighted the future redevelopment of the Harlem River waterfront, he urged the State to move on the reconstruction of the Sheridan Expressway, and called on the City to create a new freezer facility for the fish and produce markets at Hunts Point.

  He discussed his office’s efforts to employ Bronxites, highlighting the success of “NY Works” in his speech. Launched in August in partnership with the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, Governor Andrew Cuomo and the State Department of Labor, “NY Works” puts Bronxites into direct contact with borough employers, and has so far led to more than 4,000 job placements. “We are bringing together development and job placement like never before.” He then thanked Ms. Marlene Cintron the head of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. 

  He highlighted his office’s legislative agenda, including his continuing push for a citywide and statewide public gun offender registry. Borough President Diaz also discussed his proposal for a letter grading system for cosmetology businesses, which he announced in September 2014. 

  

  Borough President Diaz noted several other future initiatives in his speech, and closed with a remembrance of former Bronx Borough President Herman Badillo and former Governor Mario Cuomo, both of whom passed away in 2014. “We move forward, in the spirit of Herman Badillo and Mario Cuomo. We move forward, understanding that we can design and enact a transformative agenda for our future while also respecting the hardships and the glories of our past,” he said. Borough President Diaz ended the speech by saying - “Look at where we are today, 'The Mall at Bay Plaza'. Look at the hundreds of Bronxites working here this morning. Look around you at this tremendous structure, and the new opportunities it has brought to our borough. “We can, and we will. because we deserve it.” 

The full speech can be read at http://on.nyc.gov/1zOPJF9.

  

INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE TO UNVEIL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO REINVEST IN AFFORDABLE AND PUBLIC HOUSING IN NEW YORK

Multifaceted vision outlines clear pathway to transforming housing for millions of New Yorkers

NEW YORK, NY - Independent Democratic Conference Leader State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) unveiled the IDC’s bold and comprehensive housing agenda to members of the New York Housing Conference at a luncheon event on Thursday.

Klein, joined by fellow IDC member Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland), gave a thorough and engaging hour-long presentation which outlined the current state of housing in New York City and State and presented the IDC’s policy proposals to preserve the nation’s largest housing stock and increase the funding and construction of new affordable housing units for middle-income and low-income New Yorkers. The plan, presented to housing advocates, stakeholders and developers seeks to combat the high cost of living, deteriorating state of public housing and increased demand for middle class affordable housing. Highlights included the IDC’s Mitchell Lama 2020 agenda, Middle Income Housing Tax Credit and Public Housing Revitalization Plan and Senior Housing Capital Investment.

The IDC’s housing plan, which is the cornerstone of the IDC Invest NY 2015 legislative agenda, creates a roadmap to:

• Preserve current housing stock in new and tangible ways with targeted maintenance, repairs and upgrades
• Make smart capital funding investments to increase investments in construction
• Prioritize new construction that is affordable to New Yorkers
• Develop smart and sustainable construction

Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein said: “This vision ensures that every New Yorker, regardless of income, can live safely and comfortably in an affordable apartment or home for many years to come. Our plan also revitalizes public housing with vital upgrades and repairs while holding NYCHA accountable, enhances funding for much-needed middle income housing and provides increased housing support for our seniors and other vulnerable populations. This plan charts a clear course for New York to demonstrate that we not only have the largest housing stock in the nation, but the strongest.”

Senator Diane Savino (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) said: "This forward-thinking plan revitalizes and expands New York's much-needed affordable housing stock. Too many hardworking New Yorkers pay more than 30 percent — some more than 50 percent — of their incomes on rent. We recognize the need for more middle-income housing options so that these New Yorkers could afford to stay right here. Our vision also includes a major investment in NYCHA to finally cure the deplorable conditions that residents live with day in and day out."

Senator David Valesky (D-Oneida) said: "Housing, especially for our vulnerable populations, is a critical issue, and the IDC proposal ensures that funding will be available statewide."

The IDC housing plan three-pronged approach includes:

Enhanced funding for the Mitchell-Lama 2020 Agenda

The IDC plan invests an additional $650 million in middle-income housing on top of the $100 million already secured in the 2015-2016 Executive State Budget, for a total of $750 million over five years. The $100 million in the executive budget is dedicated to a Moderate Income Loan program for new construction ($50 million) and for preserving existing Mitchell Lama developments ($50 million). The IDC is calling for an additional $650 million to be used for the Moderate Income Loan program.  

In addition the IDC proposes using $25 million for the Middle Income Housing Tax Credit which would provide tax credits for developers financing the construction of middle-class units.

NYCHA 2020 Public Housing Revitalization Plan

The IDC proposes a three-point plan that will provide much needed funds for NYCHA to repair and maintain current units while ensuring greater accountability and streamlining essential upgrades. This includes (1) $500 million ($250 million from the state & $250 million from the city) through a Public Housing Revitalization Fund for repairs, rehabilitation and upgrades (2) a restoration of $12 million in annual State operating subsidies for NYCHA, and (3)  proposing the NYCHA Repair Certificate program – this program would allow private developers to obtain a zoning bonus (higher FAR) in areas being up-zoned in exchange for conducting expeditious repair work in NYCHA buildings.

The NYCHA 2020 plan creates accountable guidelines to reform the authority’s management, streamline its procurement and repairs, improve its customer service, reduce its bureaucracy, and set NYCHA on a path to long-term financial sustainability.

Housing for Our Vulnerable Populations

In order to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health issues, and our seniors have a safe and comfortable place to call home, the IDC calls for: (1) a $40 million fund dedicated to providing a direct subsidy for developers to incentivize housing for middle- and low-income seniors; (2) a REPAIR 2015 tax credit of up to $7,500 for repairs to seniors’ homes where the resident cannot afford the cost of the project; (3) the creation of a $25 million housing disability fund that would be used to leverage up to $180 million in private financing to be used to develop or retrofit up to 1,400 housing units for people with mental or developmental disabilities. (4) setting aside $10 million of existing Medicaid redesign team supportive housing funds for the upstate region (Valesky S.625).

NYC Councilmember Ritchie Torres, Chair of the Committee on Public Housing:“For too long the state has abdicated its responsibility to public housing and complacently accepted its rapid decline. I commend Senator Klein and the IDC for providing a long overdue roadmap for Albany’s reinvestment in NYCHA and common sense reforms to ensure public housing is accessible to New York’s most vulnerable populations.”

Rachel Fee, Executive Director of the New York Housing Conference said: “The IDC pays special attention to seniors in need of affordable housing.  With a growing senior population, it makes sense for the State to invest $40 million in cost-effective housing opportunities for seniors to age in place with dignity. I applaud Senator Klein for his forward-thinking approach to planning for the housing needs of the State’s aging population.”

Jolie Milstein, President and CEO of NYS Association for Affordable Housing said: “Supportive housing is a proven cost-effective tool for enhancing stability and quality of life for New York’s most vulnerable populations. Given the tremendous need for this type of housing, NYSAFAH supports an equitable allocation of MRT funds throughout the state to ensure that no community is left behind.”

U.S. Census Bureau statistics show that between 2000-2012, New York State’s housing stock grew by a mere 5.8%.  Federal data also cites New York as having the oldest housing stock in the nation and a greater percentage of residents living in multi-family dwellings and buildings than anywhere else in the United States. According to the New York State Comptroller’s Office 50% of state households pay more than 30% of their gross income on housing and more than a quarter of renters (28%) spend more than half their gross income on housing.  

Wave Hill Events Mar 6–Mar 13

SAT, MARCH 7    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 in March 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 Membership card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, MARCH 7   FAMILY ART PROJECT: TREE-RING MANDALAS

As a tree grows, it produces a new ring of visible growth each year, creating a beautiful, mandala-like pattern of its life history. How old are you? Use special papers and natural materials to create your own mandala, with a unique ring for each of your years. Free, and admission to the grounds is free untilnoon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, MARCH 7    IN THE SHOP AT WAVE HILL: SPRING SALE IN THE TEA ROOM

Celebrate spring with a seasonal clearance event! The Shop will present deeply discounted merchandise (up to 75% off!) in a special tearoom sale event in Wave Hill House. The Shop at Wave Hill offers unique, seasonal gifts inspired by nature; all proceeds from sales support Wave Hill’s world-class gardens and outstanding programs.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–4PM

SAT, MARCH 7    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: MONOTYPING THE WINTER LANDSCAPE

Winter Workspace artist Elizabeth Hoy extends her experiments in working plein-air, seeking to capture the luminosity of this Hudson estate in her layered abstract paintings. At her workshop, select patterns, shapes and colors foraged from the grounds to experiment with monotyping, a quick and fun printmaking medium. Hoy’s workshop begins in her Glyndor Gallery studio with an introduction to her creative process. Unless otherwise noted, art materials are provided. Newcomers and practicing artists alike are welcome. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. $15/$5 Wave Hill Member per session, which includes admission to the grounds. Advance registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1–4PM

SUN, MARCH 8    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 such a wide variety of 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 recommended, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER,  9:30AM

SUN, MARCH 8    FAMILY ART PROJECT: TREE-RING MANDALAS

As a tree grows, it produces a new ring of visible growth each year, creating a beautiful, mandala-like pattern of its life history. How old are you? Use special papers and natural materials to create your own mandala, with a unique ring for each of your years. Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MARCH 8    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 in March 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 Membership card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

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

SUN, MARCH 8    IN THE SHOP AT WAVE HILL: SPRING SALE IN THE TEA ROOM

Celebrate spring with a seasonal clearance event! The Shop will present deeply discounted merchandise (up to 75% off!) in a special tearoom sale event in Wave Hill House. The Shop at Wave Hill offers unique, seasonal gifts inspired by nature; all proceeds from sales support Wave Hill’s world-class gardens and outstanding programs.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–4PM

SUN, MARCH 8    MEDITATION

Let nature inspire you to find your center and reconnect with your true self using guided mindfulness and other meditation practices. Each session, led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other qualified instructors, includes instruction in simple techniques, followed by guided meditations. Sessions in March are held indoors. All levels welcome. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AMon the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Membership card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

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

SUN, MARCH 8    FAMILY WALK: SIGNS OF SPRING

After today’s Family Art Project, continue exploring the theme on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands, led by naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow. If you look close enough, you’ll find early signs of spring budding all around you. Discover early blooms and bursting buds on this walk.

Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER,1PM

SUN, MARCH 8    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, MARCH 9

Closed to the public

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.

Call for Bold Change to Fix Failing Schools Crisis.

   Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Michael Blake, and Mark Gjonaj, Stand with Prominent Clergy and Parents to Call for Bold Change to Fix Failing Schools Crisis.

Standing in the freezing temperature in front of failing P.S. 52 on Kelly Street State Senator Diaz calls for more choice for parents as he advocates for the option of more charter schools such as the successful Girls Prep Charter School that shares the P.S. 52 building. To Senator Diaz's left is Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, and to Senator Diaz's left are Assemblymen Michael Blake and Mark Gjonaj amid the children, parents, ad Clergy members.

A bundled up Assemblyman Marcos Crespo a product of the NYC public schools explains why he is part of this push for better school options for parents.

 Assemblyman Michael Blake said that he went to PS 79 which became a failing school in District 10 after he graduated from the school. He wanted to know why the worst teachers wind up in the communities of color.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj of Morris Park/Norwood explains why he agrees with the need for more charter schools. He added 'Charter Schools are here to stay'.

 When it was time for questions I asked - With 12 years of Mayoral Control under Mayor Michael Bloomberg that was a disaster, and with Mayoral Control up in June of this year, what are each of the elected officials present doing to change Mayoral Control. 

 Unfortunately I can only say that these four elected officials could not give any answers, and one by one they either stood up for continuing Mayoral Control under current Mayor Bill deBlasio,  or said that is not why they are here. They are here to give parents more options such as the Girls Prep Charter School. 

Bronx Business Bridge Opens at Lehman Concourse Campus

In a collaboration of The New York City Economic Development Corporation, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, and Lehman College CUNY on the Concourse had the ribbon cutting for the Bronx Business Bridge. 

Above Lehman College President Ricardo Fernandez is joined by Assemblymen Michael Blake and Jeffrey Dinowitz, BOEDC head Marlene Cintron, and others in cutting the ribbon to open the new Bronx Business Bridge. 

Bronx Business Bridge is an incubator type of area to support new small business ventures know what will be expected of their business, and how to succeed in their business by having a plan for their new business. Eric Ganter of the NYCEDC said that it is the over 90 percent of small business owners that provide the largest portion of jobs in the city. 

Left - State Senator Gustavo Rivera said that he could not run a small business. While unemployment may have dropped in the Bronx under 10 percent that in his district it is still at 13 percent. 

Right - Assemblyman Michael Blake speaks of the opportunities that are now available through the Bronx Business Bridge for men and women of color where no such opportunity existed before, 

A photo of the three men in the room from Albany. State Senator Gustavo Rivera is between Assemblyman Michael Blake (on his right), and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (on hir left). 

Council Member Andy King to Host Coat Giveaway on Sunday, Feb. 22

  The polar vortex is expected to unleash even more bitter cold in our area in coming days.

And, unfortunately, far too many Bronx residents are unable to afford a warm winter jacket or coat.

To help, New York City Council Member Andy King will distribute coats to the neediest residents of our borough on Sunday, Feb. 22, at noon, at his district office, 940 East Gun Hill Rd., Bronx.

“There are far too many people – children and seniors included – who have been suffering through these bitter cold days without a coat. It is our hope to bring warmth and comfort to as many needy residents as possible,” said Council Member King who accepted the coats from the Bronx Clergy Taskforce.

The coats, some new or slightly used, range in sizes from age 3 to adult for males and females.  Council Member King and his staff will distribute the coats from noon to 2 p.m.

For more information, contact the office of Council Member Andy King at (718) 684-5509.