BP DIAZ KICKS OFF BRONX WEEK 2015

  With the Bronx Week backdrop Bronx Borough President officially kicked off Bronx Week 2015 today at the old Bronx General Post Office on the corner of the Grand Concourse and East 149th Street. 

  This year’s 2015 Bronx Walk of Fame inductees include actor and activist Malik Yoba; NBA Legend and Hall of Famer Dolph Schayes; and actress, author and television commentator Stacey Dash. Longtime borough business leader, philanthropist and the founder of Delicioso Coco Helado, Alfredo Thiebaud, will also be posthumously inducted in to the Bronx Walk of Fame.

The festival “block party” was hosted by the developer of the Bronx Post Office, Youngwoo and Associates and the Bristol Group, at the back of the building on Anthony J. Griffin Place. The event was designed to share with the community the inventive plans for this unique space, and will also focus on highlighting and celebrating local culture and entrepreneurship as you will see in the photos below. 

  Bronx Week 2015 begins on Thursday May 7th with the Centenarian Celebration Breakfast hosting those Bronxites 100 years or older. This event keeps getting larger each year as more Bronxites continue to join this Centennial Club. 

  Bronx Week 2015 culminates on Sunday May 17th with the Bronx Walk of Fame 2015 Induction Ceremony (on the steps of the Bronx County Building), the Bronx Week Parade, and then the Bronx Week Food and Arts Festival both being held on the North and South sides of Mosholu Parkway between Southern Blvd. and Van Cortlandt Avenue (where the parade viewing seating will be). 

Left - BP Diaz stands with City Council members Vanessa Gibson and Andy King. That is Roberto Garcia of Montefiore Hospital (a major sponsor of Bronx Week) with his back to the camera.

Right - Councilwoman Gibson poses with the new Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo.

Left - Bronx Borough President Diaz stops by the Bronx Baking Company to sample some of the Delicious Pretzel Bites.

Councilman Andy King and one of his staffers are all smiles as they eat their samples of the Bronx Baking Company. 

Left - Bronx Professor Historian Lloyd Ultan is signing his new book on the History of the Bronx.

Right - Ms. B. Campbell-Adams (right) owner of Lloyd's Carrot Cake located at 6097 Broadway is with one of her employees. There is no relationship between the Bronx Historian Lloyd Ultan and Lloyd's Carrot Cake.

Left- Food from Havana Cafe located at 4251 East Tremont Avenue is available for sampling.

Right - The Brothers Ramirez Anthony and Paul of the Bronx Beer Hall on Arther Avenue could not sample their wonderful pilsner, but did give out samples of their new Bronx Hot Sauce.

Left - There are hundreds of bees in the photo with the director of the City Island Gold and his two assistants.

Right - A few members of the Bronx NYPD while on a break before the event. 

Johnson Avenue festival huge Success

  As you can see Johnson Avenue was jumping with entertainment as with the beautiful weather the Johnson Avenue Festival Was enjoyed by all who attended. on hand were many of the local elected officials, and I arrived just after Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz had finished and the music continued. Also on hand were State Senator Jeff Klein and Councilman Andrew Cohen. 

  Tracy Shelton, Linda Manning, Cliff Stanton, and the rest of the members of KRVC along with the many exhibitors and merchants who were able to bring their wares to the community outside their stores deserve congrats for a very successful event. I was told that over 75 people received free health screenings from the local Montefiore office on Johnson Avenue. I then got into a discussion with a couple of people who were mad that Montefiore was not able to build the full service medical center nearby, because they said the current site on Johnson Avenue is much to small for the needs of the community. 

  The photos below will tell the rest of the story.

Above - One of the two stilt walkers during the day'

Below - The Bouncy Castle for the little ones to enjoy.

Above - Some friends with the Animal Doctor at the ne One Love Animal Hospital that has opened up at 3547 Johnson Avenue.
Below the manager of the Country Bank located on West 235th Street around the corner of Johnson Avenue may not have been giving out any money, but she had a great rate on a special CD the bank is offering.

Council Member Cohen Re-Names West Mosholu Parkway South as Margaret J. Mack Triangle

On Saturday, May 2^nd, Council Member Andrew Cohen was joined by Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and many others to re-name West Mosholu Parkway South by Jerome Avenue to Margaret J. Mack Triangle. Ms. Mack was a lifelong resident of The Bronx, having lived most of her life in Tracey Towers. She passed away in February 2014.

Throughout her life, Ms. Mack was a leading advocate on issues concerning the living conditions at Tracy Towers. She was outspoken and won on issues related to: no heat or hot water, dirty hallways, roof leakage, as well as other health and safety issues. Most memorably, Ms. Mack revived the “Committee for Survival,” a group dating back to the 1990’s, as part of a fight against a 77% rent hike in 2011. Ms. Mack’s determination and persistence resulted in the case being brought to court, in which the judge trimmed the hike for the elderly and fixed income tenants of Tracy Towers.

On February 5^th, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed a bill into law, sponsored by Councilman Cohen, that would recognize Margaret Mack by re-naming the street in front of Tracy Towers. As an exemplary citizen of the Bronx, this street re-naming honors Ms. Mack’s passion for civic engagement and improving her community.

Above - Councilman Andrew Cohen, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and others gathered for the renaming ceremony.

Below CB 7 member Bill Francis tells a story of himself and Ms. Mack whom he said was for the community first.

Above - Ms Mack's daughter speaks about her mother.
Below - The family is given a second sign by Councilman Cohen.

Above - The covering starts to be taken off.

Below It is almost all off.

KLEIN ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION STUDY TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT HUTCHINSON METRO CENTER IN THE BRONX

NYC DOT Design Study to Examine New Access Ramp to Hutch Metro Complex Via Hutchinson River Parkway

New Access Point Would Significantly Reduce Congestion, Improve Traffic Flow, Provide Emergency Exit for More Than 10,000 Employees & Visitors

BRONX – State Senator Jeff Klein , together with New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto President of Simone Metro Properties Joe Kelleher, the Department of City Planning, Community Boards 10 and 11, local activists and community groups, today announced $1 million in state funding for the new NYC DOT preliminary design study to reduce congestion at the Hutchinson Metro Center in the Bronx.

The study will examine the feasibility of and develop a conceptual plan to construct a new southbound access ramp to the Hutch Metro Center via the Hutchinson River Parkway, in addition to the creation of a service road and two way-public street connecting to the complex.

“Today, there is no doubt that the Bronx is booming. We have seen an economic resurgence like never before, and thriving commercial developments like the Hutchinson Metro Center have played a central role in that growth. With this tremendous success, we have also seen an increase in the number of employees, students, patients and visitors to the Center causing additional traffic congestion,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “A new access ramp connecting the Hutch Metro Center to the Hutchinson River Parkway is not only feasible, but necessary. I commend Commissioner Trottenberg, Assemblyman Bendetto and Councilman Vacca for their efforts to see this plan through to fruition. I look forward to working with the DOT, Simone Metro Properties and the local community as we continue to make smart investments in infrastructure, economic development and transportation for years to come.”

“DOT is glad to work closely with the Pelham Bay community and elected officials to explore options near the Hutchinson River Parkway that will keep pedestrians and motorists moving safely,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “It is critical that our infrastructure, including key thoroughfares like this one, supports the significant growth we are seeing in this area.”

In 2013, the Department of City Planning conducted a preliminary study of the Hutch corridor to address community concerns regarding traffic mitigation. The NYC DOT study will build on the initial work of DCP, further investing traffic flow, while focusing specifically on the design and construction of a new southbound on-ramp, off-ramp on the Hutchinson River Parkway. With widespread community support and new developments on the horizon, the access ramp would significantly reduce congestion, improve existing traffic patterns and provide an emergency exit for the more than 10,000 employees, patients and guests visiting the Hutch Metro Center each day.

"I am extremely pleased the DOT will be pursuing a preliminary design study in regards to the Hutchinson Metro Center.  It shows that when people look creatively at a problem, solutions can be found,” said Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. “This design will benefit all stakeholders: the Hutch Metro Center , the workers, the clients and the local community."

“We are in the middle of a dramatic resurgence of the northeast Bronx with over three million square feet of new office and retail construction along the Hutch/I-95 corridors in the past several years. In order for the job-creating development to continue and expand throughout this region, we need to have intelligent, planned infrastructure enhancement,” said Joseph Kelleher, President of Simone Metro Properties. “We commend Senator Jeff Klein for recognizing this need and for his role in advancing this critical initiative. We are thankful for his vision and leadership. We want to thank Assemblyman Benedetto and Councilman Vacca for being part of the process as well. With the cooperation of our elected officials and with continued investment by private developers, we are confident that the resurgence of the New Bronx will continue.”

The preliminary design investigation is slated to begin this summer. The project includes a topographic survey, traffic analysis, schematic design, cost assessment and environmental impact statement. In the coming year, the 42-acre Hutch Metro Center will see construction completed on the new Marriott Residence Inn and the addition of an expansive 550,000-square-foot 911 call center adjacent to the office complex.

Above - The proposed new Exit/Entrance to the Hutch Metro Center from the Hutchinson River Parkway/

Below - The study area.

Above - Senator Klein speaks of the future of the area, and the needs such as this new exit/entrance ramp for the Hutch Metro Center.

Below - NYCDOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg explains the cities commitment to ease traffic problems in and around the Hutch Metro center.

Assemblyman Benedetto answers my question of improvements to Eastchester and Williamsbridge Roads on the west side of the Hutch Metro Center, by saying the whole area is to be studied.

Assemblyman Dinowitz responds to statement by Coalition for the Homeless regarding Project Renewal Shelter

 Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, whose district includes the Project Renewal Shelter in Wakefield, issued the following statement:

“Yesterday, Coalition for The Homeless President Mary Brosnahan issued a statement critical of the elected officials’ calls to close down Project Renewal Shelter on Bronx Boulevard following the heinous murder of Ana Charle. While I know Ms. Brosnahan is a tireless advocate for the homeless, her apparent lack of concern about the impact that the Project Renewal Men’s Homeless Shelter has on the surrounding neighborhood is disappointing. This particular shelter has generated approximately one thousand 911 calls since it opened last year, stretching the resources of the 47^th Precinct. Placing such a large number of men who were previously incarcerated for violent felonies, including sex offenses, all in one shelter without proper security and without informing the community is, quite simply, terrible public policy.

“I am very concerned about rising rates of homelessness in New York City and believe we must do everything we can to address this crisis. This year we in the Assembly helped secure nearly $440 million dollars for homelessness prevention services in the state budget. These funds, to be distributed over the next four years, will help keep working families in their homes, provide much-needed support for victims of domestic violence, and go towards improving the city’s shelters and transitional housing programs.

“While Ms. Brosnahan’s job is to speak out for the homeless, mine is to stand up for my constituents, who are adversely impacted by poor policy decisions by the Department of Homeless Services. I am supportive of efforts to end homelessness in New York City, but these efforts cannot come at the expense of the well-being and safety of residents in our communities. I urge her to contribute to a real solution to the problems caused by this shelter.”

TESTIMONY OF BP DIAZ RE: SALON & SPA LETTER GRADES

Delivered Before a Joint Hearing of the Consumer Affairs & Health

Committees of the City Council

May 1, 2015

Good morning.

I am here today to testify in favor of a package of legislation, introduced at my behest by my friend, Council Member Rafael Espinal, concerning the regulation of cosmetology businesses in New York City.

Our legislation would accomplish three things. First, we would ask for a “home rule” message to allow the city to create a system of letter grades for cosmetology businesses—such as hair and nail salons, manicure and pedicure shops and other similar establishments—based on the existing restaurant letter grading system already in effect in this city.

Second, we would create a “Customers’ Bill of Rights” for such establishments, which would outline exactly what a customer should expect from a salon during a visit. Third, we are calling on the State to expand training options available for licensed cosmetology professionals.

Taken together, along with legislation introduced by Public Advocate Letitia James to regulate air quality within salons, these bills take a major first step towards ensuring that the health and safety of both customers and employees in these establishments.

This is an important health issue. I’m sure there are many people in this room today, men and women alike, who have been getting their manicure or pedicure on a regular basis. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve gotten my nails done before.

If you regularly visit a salon, then you know that some of them can be unsanitary. Last summer, a relative of mine was forced into the emergency room after a pedicure led to a serious infection. When I speak to people about this issue, every one—every single person—has their own horror story about a friend, a family member, or even themselves, who visited a salon to look good, and ended up with a serious health issue.

We have seen numerous cases where not only infections but other illnesses, like staph and hepatitis, are passed by a manicure or a pedicure.A 2013 report by Sara A. Walsh, titled “Beyond the Polish: An Examination of Hazardous Conditions in Nail Salons and Potential Solutions for the Industry in New York City,” noted that unsanitary salons can lead to a variety of hazards, including staph or MRSA, hepatitis, fungus and other infections. 

Doesn’t the evidence demand more oversight? I think so.

This is an important public health issue, and we are making sure that all stakeholders, including businesses, are involved in crafting this proposal. Already, we have partnered with the New York Hispanic Cosmetology and Beauty Chamber of Commerce to give a voice to the industry, and we are partnering with business and industry organizations across the city to make this legislation work for everyone.

We are eager to work with any and all trade and business associations to hear their concerns about this legislation, and to develop ways to make this legislation work for the cosmetology industry while also protecting the health of the public.

Indeed, we have heard from numerous businesses who support this legislation, and who want their industry to be cleaner and safer. We have heard from industry representatives who understand that better health inspections, will only benefit their industry—and their customers—in the long run.

And this major public health program will be cost effective as well. My office has asked the Independent Budget Office to score the potential price tag of a new system of inspection for cosmetology businesses. At the high end, the IBO has suggested that the twice yearly inspection of every single cosmetology business in the five boroughs would cost just $7.2 million annually. In the scheme of our city’s budget this is very little, and we cannot and should not put a price tag on the health and well-being of our city and its residents.

In closing, this is common sense legislation that addresses a real public health issue in our city. I am hopeful that this year, in partnership with my colleagues in government and responsible business owners, we will create cleaner, safer and healthier environment for customers and employees alike in our beauty spas and nail salons. 

Thank you.

Council Member Cohen, Assemblyman Dinowitz, Council Member King, Senator Klein, Congressman Engel and Community Leaders Call for Closing of Homeless Shelter in The Bronx Following Fatal Shooting

   State Senators Jeff Klein and George Latimer, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Council Members Andrew Cohen and Andy King, Community Board 12 Chair Father Richard Gorman and representatives of  Congressman Eliot Engel and State Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson were joined by community leaders at the Project Renewal Shelter in Wakefield to demand that the homeless shelter be closed following the fatal shooting of its director, Ana Charle, by an ex-tenant on Monday evening.

Security has been a long standing issue at the Project Renewal Shelter, with 175 calls to 911 from January 2015 to approximately the end of March 2015. Last year’s numbers are even more alarming, with 675 calls to 911 between January 2014 and November 2014. Local elected officials had repeatedly met with the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) requesting additional security be added to the site, in light of the high number of emergency calls being made from inside the facility.

Approximately 60% of the tenants living in the Project Renewal Shelter are formerly incarcerated felons, with arrest records that include felonies, murder, rape, and criminal possession of a weapon. In addition, many have serious substance abuse issues. As of December 2014, there were approximately 40 registered sex offenders living in the Shelter.

The City has made Wakefield a neighborhood for cluster sites and homeless shelters, with three DHS facilities located within blocks of each other:

•                      Temporary housing facility for homeless families on E. 233rd Street and White Plains Road

•                      Project Renewal Shelter, a 108-bed shelter for single-men, 18 years and older, on 4380 Bronx Boulevard.

•                      The Sgt. Joseph E. Muller Army Reserve Center, a vacant military post on Nereid Ave., is slated to become a 200-bed men's shelter operated by The Doe Fund

There is also a 61-unit Praxis Housing facility for formerly homeless couples without children, as well as single men and women, located on 4339 White Plains Road. 100% of Praxis residents are homeless individuals living with HIV/AIDS, 25% have criminal histories, 75-80% have drug or alcohol problems, and 75-80% have indications or documented histories of mental health issues.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz who ran the press conference said , “The tragic shooting that occurred near the Project Renewal Homeless Shelter on Monday highlights the major security concerns that we have repeatedly warned the Department of Homeless Services about. This shelter came into Wakefield with no input from the community and over the objections of its residents. The DHS pulled a classic bait and switch by placing at least 40 convicted sex offenders in the shelter without notifying the community. To add insult to injury, the City intends to open up another large shelter, the Muller Center, just a block away. This oversaturation of homeless men in one neighborhood is reckless and irresponsible. I call for the closing of the Project Renewal Shelter and a moratorium on any further steps to turn the Muller Center into a homeless shelter. Our community stands united on this crucial issue.”

“The horrific death of Ana Charle is tragically, the latest in a string of heinous threats, serious safety concerns and recurring criminal acts stemming from the Project Renewal Shelter on Bronx Boulevard. This neighborhood is completely inundated and oversaturated with homeless shelters and it’s clear from these latest events that something must be done. That’s why I sponsor legislation in the Senate that would prevent this type of aggressive, concentrated placement of shelters and establish a stronger community review process moving forward. I stand with my colleagues Councilman Cohen, Councilman King, and Assemblyman Dinowitz to call on this shelter to close immediately. The Bronx should not have to bear the brunt of the city’s entire homeless population,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

“This tragedy highlights the neighbor’s greatest fear. If these shelters cannot make a safe environment for their own staff, than how can we be sure the communities here in the Bronx and in Yonkers will have safe environments as well? Further construction at the Mueller Center should be stopped immediately in the interest of public safety,” said Senator George Latimer.

“Project Renewal deals with an incredibly tough population with serious mental health issues, the formerly incarcerated, as well as registered sex offenders. This work cannot be done without adequate resources. I personally met with Commissioner Taylor on February 2nd to ask for more security for this facility. It was not until the intervention of the Mayor’s office yesterday that security resources and protocols were implemented. I am thankful to the Mayor’s office for responding, but as of this moment I am not convinced that this facility can be run safely,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

“I first wish to express my condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Ms. Ana Charle. I am truly sorry for your loss,” said Council Member Andy King. “United, as a community, we are horrified. It’s one thing to create a safe haven for those who are truly in need of housing and it’s another to create community aggravation. Since I came to office, constituents have approached me on the street and at events — troubled about the Project Renewal residents who have approach them on the street begging for money or other reasons. We had asked DHS and Project Renewal to work with the community. Over the past year, we've expressed our concerns and requested more staffing and security to make this a safer facility. Our requests have been ignored! Now, the tragic shooting death of this shelter’s director has prompted our urgent call to close this shelter. “

  

“Let’s be clear about who and what the problem is in this instance. The problem is the New York City Department of Homeless Services and this incredibly incompetent and disingenuous manner in which it operates. The agency has yet to honor its commitment to ne forthright and transparent with local neighborhoods in assisting the homeless and to dialogue with us in addressing this urgent need. If perhaps the Department had worked with us rather than against us and behind our backs, the tragedy that causes us to gather this afternoon may well have been avoided. May the soul of Ana Charle rest in peace and may her loved ones be comforted by the Grace of God’s Consolation,” said Father Richard Gorman, Chairman, Bronx Community Board 12.

I asked now many resident were from the neighborhood, and the borough of the Bronx were residents of the shelter, and I was told no one from the neighborhood, and only a few from the entire Bronx.

After the elected officials who had to hold their press conference in the street finished, a press conference was held by the organization Homeless Services United of about 100 people on the sidewalk in front of the homeless shelter. I asked how many of these people were from the neighborhood (which is a neighborhood of color, and you will see in the photo only a few people of color), let alone from the Bronx. A black woman came forth from a back row, and a black man at one end raised his hand. Homeless Services United is based on the 6th floor of 440 West 33rd Street. 

Finally, I went to many of the local businesses nearby to ask if there were any problems with any of the people from the shelter, and was told by all that yes there are. Either loitering, begging, harassing customers or employees only to name a few of the complaints by the merchants near the shelter.

Left - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz introduced the speakers.

Right - As you can see the press conference by the elected officials had to be held in the street, because about 100 people connected to the organization Homeless Services United were on the sidewalk in front of the homeless shelter. 

Left - Community Board 12 Chair Father Richard Gorman says a few words at the beginning of the press conference in the memory of Ana Charle, before he blasted the Department of Homeless Services, calling it the Department of Warehouse Services. Father Gorman had just checked himself out of the hospital to be here. 

Right - State Senator Jeff Klein tells that he has sponsored legislation in the State Senate that would prevent this type of aggressive, concentrated placement of shelters and establish a stronger community review process moving forward.

Left - Westchester State Senator George Latimer says that Yonkers stands with the Bronx in this matter with the Yonkers City line only a stones throw away.

Right - Councilman Andrew Cohen mentions that with his and Councilman King's intervention DHS security personal have finally been deployed to this shelter. 

Left - Councilman Andy King walks slowly to the podium as he is introduced. Councilman King is now calling for this shelter to close due to the tragic shooting of the shelters director after requests by the community and elected officials were ignored about the safety in the shelter.
Right - Two DHS security guards stand outside the shelter between the elected officials press conference, and the 100 or so supporters of the shelter from Homeless Services United.

 

A statement is read from the Board of Directors of Homeless Services United which read - 

To Concerned New Yorkers:

Our Community of Homeless Services United has experienced an unspeakable loss with the violent death of Ana Charle. We grieve for her children, her family, her colleagues at Project Renewal and the men at this shelter whom she served so well. We are united in our grief.

This is a day to support, console and be in solidarity with those who have been directly affected by this tragedy.

This is not a day for politics; it is a day to give thanks for the life of Ana Charle and for the thousands of New Yorkers who work tirelessly every day in their commitment to end homelessness.

We pledge ourselves to find new ways to effectively help the most troubled New Yorkers so that Ana's death will not be in vain.

          The Board of Directors 

        Homeless Services United

    Christy Parque, Executive Director

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 Editor's Note:

What's your opinion?

5 Guys Burgers and Fries Op[ens Up in Throggs Neck Shopping Center

Above - The Ribbon Cutting for the first ever (out of 1300 stores nationwide) 5 Guys Burgers and Fries happened this past Tuesday night. You can see the Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Lenny Caro (in the black jacket with the Big smile on his face), Michelle Donglow (Executive Director of the BCC (second from the right in the Blue Dress, and also with a big smile), The franchisee cutting the ribbon, some of his employees, two members of Community Board 11, with other BCC members posing for the photo.

Below is the menu board from the new 5 Guys in The Throggs neck mall, which shows the individual prices of each item, and the calorie count as per NYC law.

Above - 50 pound bags of the finest specially selected for 5 Guys Idaho potatoes  are stacked as you enter, so you can see the quality you will be getting.

Below after the fresh potatoes are cleaned, peeled, and sliced they then wait in baskets to be fried to the perfect taste. 

Above - The preparation of your food is done in an area that is perfectly positioned for efficiency, and customer viewing.

Below - The buns and free fixings await the burgers and frank to complete this order.  

Above - This is how my order came out. This was a regular burger which consisted of two 3.6 ounce (before cooking) fresh pure beef patties and the fixings that I had asked for. The tastiest French Fries I have had (next to Nathans Original French Fries) overflowed the cup as you can see the excess in the bag, and a soda went with this burger and fries. A single burger consists of one 3.6 ounce patty, but the best value is the regular double burger.

Below - The soda machine gives you any variety of Coca Cola Products. Regular soda, diet soda, Caffeine Free soda, and even Fruit Flavored soda drinks. A soda costs a hefty $2.49, but free refills are included.

Overall the burger was very tasty, the fries were out of this world second to me to only Nathan's, and the soda machine was fun to mix several different flavors and types of soda to my taste. While 5 Guys may be great make sure you bring enough money or credit/debit card. Opening up soon on one side of 5 Guys will be another Bronx Chipotle restaurant, and on the other side of 5 Guys a Dunkin Donuts.