BRONX UNEMPLOYMENT DROPS TO 6.6%

Nearly 100K More Bronxites Working Today Than In May 2009

Bronx job statistics continued to improve this month, according to the latest numbers from the New York State Department of Labor.

The unemployment rate in The Bronx fell to 6.6 percent in September 2015, down from 7.3 percent in August 2015 and 8.7 percent in September 2014. Those same statistics show that the total number of Bronxites who are employed is 565.7 thousand, up from 468.8 thousand in May 2009 when Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. first took office, meaning that nearly 100,000 more borough residents have jobs today than did roughly six years ago.

“Our borough is in the midst of a tremendous revival, and these numbers bear that out,” said Borough President Diaz. “More Bronxites are employed today than at any point since they began keeping such statistics. We are bringing new businesses to our borough, helping our existing businesses expand, and fostering the right climate for growth and development. Those efforts are having a positive effect on our borough and its population, as is clear from these job numbers.”

“Bronx residents are a talented and committed work force that just needed the opportunity to work.  The Bronx businesses that have expanded recently and those that have moved into the borough in the past few years are contributing mightily to this collective effort.  I am gratified by this news,” said Marlene Cintron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

The Department of Labor’s complete release can be found at http://on.ny.gov/1LIRRbS.

Since Borough President Diaz took office in 2009, The Bronx has seen more than $7 billion in total development, which has led to the creation of over 15,000 new jobs. In addition, a new partnership announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo announced in August between the New York State Department of Labor and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, as part of the “NY Works,” program is placing Bronx residents in these jobs, helping to ensure that new development here benefits everyone, especially Bronxites.

BP DIAZ TO LAUNCH TOUR DE BRONX 2015!

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., in conjunction with The Bronx Tourism Council, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, Montefiore Medical Center, St. Barnabas Hospital and Bronx Lebanon Medical Center, will host New York State’s Largest Free Bicycling Event, “Tour De Bronx.” Now in its 21^styear, this special biking event attracts a record crowd of over 7,000 avid cyclists from throughout the tri-state area and beyond.

Cyclists will ride a 25-mile or 40-mile route.  The routes include attractions like the new extension to the Soundview Greenway, Starlight Park and Woodlawn Cemetery, plus historic districts, the waterfront and more.

Following the ride, cyclists are invited to the Tour de Bronx Festival at the New York Botanical Garden featuring live entertainment and refreshments.

WHEN:           Sunday, October 25, 2015

WHERE:        The Bronx County Building                                        851 Grand Concourse at East 161^st Street 

TIME:            9:30 a.m.: Cyclists arrive

                       10:30 a.m.: Tour begins

                       2:00 p.m.: Festival begins at NY Botanical Garden

Public Hearing | October 28, 2015 | Bronx CB7

• On September 21, 2015, the City Planning Commission referred for public review the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing text amendment. See the press release and the proposed zoning text.

• On September 21, 2015, the City Planning Commission referred for public review the Zoning for Quality and Affordability text amendment. See the press release.  Click here to download the entire text amendment as one file.

Assemblymember Pichardo and the City of New York Department of Housing Preservation & Development to host Tenant Resource Fair

What: Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo (D-Bronx) will host a tenant resource fair which is an opportunity to provide information  to individuals on issues related to rent protection for seniors and  the disabled, new HPD housing lotteries, rights of leasees of  rent-regulated units, housing discrimination, harassment, and  Housing Court. When: Monday, Oct. 26             6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Where: P.S. 33, The Timothy Dwight School, Cafeteria               2424 Jerome Avenue               Bronx Trains: #4, B, D to the Fordham Road Station Invitees include: New York State Homes and Community  Renewal (NYSHCR), NYC Housing Preservation and Development  (HPD), NYC Department of Finance, NYC Human Resources  Administration (HRA) – Tenant Support Unit, Bronx Legal  Services, Housing Court Answers, Community Action for Safe  Apartments (CASA), Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy  Coalition (Northwest Bronx CCC) & Urban Homesteading  Assistance Board (UHAB)

COUNCILMAN RODRIGUEZ, ROJAS-ALOU FAMILY, AND LOCAL LEADERS RENAME INWOOD STREET AFTER BASEBALL GREAT MATTY ALOU

   Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez joined by the Rojas Alou family and local leaders will rename a local Inwood Street after Matty Alou to honor his legacy and celebrate the human rights legacy of the Alou Brothers. While playing, the Alou brothers achieved many firsts including being the first three brothers to play in major league game in the same outfield and bat in the same half inning. 

After the Street Conaming the family and others will participate in a memorial baseball game in his honor.

ABOUT MA

TTY ALO

 U: 

Matty Alou was among the most successful and first Dominican Americans in Major League Baseball. He played for six major league baseball teams. He entered the big-league at the end of the 1960 season with the Giants and was later traded to Pittsburgh ending his baseball career in 1974. The Alou brothers were the first three brothers to play in a major league game in the same outfield. In 1966, he became the National League batting champion with the Pittsburgh Pirates, hitting .342. He was a .307 hitter with 31 home runs, 427 runs batted in, 1,777 hits and 236 doubles in 15 major league seasons. Matty Alou was born on December 22, 1938 in Bajos de Haina, San Cristobal, Dominican Republic. He died on November 3, 20011 in Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, and is buried in the Jardin Memorial, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional. 

The Alou brothers were also prominent human rights activists donating and leading many important causes for the Dominican community. 

WHO: NYC Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez

Former 3x MLB All-Star Felipe Alou

Former 2x World Series Champion Jesus Alou

Senator Adriano Espaillat

Assemblyman Guillermo Linares

Dominican Consul General Eduardo Selman

Representatives from the Inwood Little League

Baseball Players of Old Glory 

WHEN: Saturday, October 24th at 12pm

WHERE 

: 

 

Intersection of Isham Street and Seaman Avenue

SENATOR KLEIN ANNOUNCES $100,000 IN STATE FUNDING FOR BRONX SENIORS HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAM

Women’s wellness program aims to provide older adults with access to affordable, holistic healthcare

State Senator Jeff Klein announced $100,000 in state funding for the Riverdale Senior Services Women’s Wellness Plan on Wednesday. The announcement came at the group’s monthly Women’s Circle meeting.

“Growing up with my grandparents in Morris Park, I learned the importance of caring for our elders and giving back to those who have given us so much. The Riverdale Senior Services Women’s Wellness program provides participants with free access to wellness services and helps seniors cultivate and maintain both a sound mind and body. I’m proud to have secured $100,000 in funding for the Women’s Wellness Program and I look forward to continuing to work with Riverdale Senior Services to ensure our seniors lead long, healthy and happy lives,” said Senator Klein.

“Healthy and purposeful aging is really the key focus of the Riverdale Senior Services Women’s Wellness Program. Being able to age well in-place and to be independent for as long as possible requires one to be health literate, to have access to resources and to practice preventive strategies. Riverdale Senior Services provides not only a forum for women to gather, but also participate in wellness programs that contribute to health literacy and living a well and balanced full life,” said Andria Léger Cassidy, RN, Deputy and Community  Health Services Director at Riverdale Senior Services.

"All of my life I didn't have strength in my arms. Now, thanks to the Riverdale Senior Services Women’s Wellness program, I exercise regularly and best of all – I can open my own jars! I am very grateful to Senator Klein for funding this program and Riverdale Senior Services for offering support to women in the community,” said Elvina Lenz, participant in the Women’s Wellness Program and Riverdale resident.

The wellness program, targeted at women over 60, is comprised of five distinct parts: a physical fitness and nutrition class, health management services, a wellness tracking card and monthly women’s group that meets to discuss important issues facing seniors today.

• Women’s Support Group: Helps women to cope with physical, mental and emotional changes in their daily routine due to aging; provides assistance with caregiving issues; and offers support to those dealing with the loss of a loved one or widowhood. The women’s support group meets every Monday at 11:00 a.m.

• Strong, Healthy and Energized (S.H.E.): A ten-week fitness class designed to integrate exercise, nutrition and stress reduction into women’s daily lives. The health and wellness class is held at the Schervier Apartment Complex on Thursdays from 11:00 – 12:30 p.m.

• Health Management Services: Women participating in any one of the wellness programs can take advantage of health-management services provided by a registered nurse. This includes blood pressure monitoring, health referrals and health counseling services with a focus on nutrition, medications, weight management, chronic illness and more.

• Wellness Wheel Tracking Card: A tool to help women take responsibility for achieving balance in their lives by focusing on six dimensions of wellness. Women can use the card to track and develop activities in the following areas: social, physical, vocational, emotional, spiritual and intellectual health.

• Women’s Circle: Launched this year, the Women’s Circle helps women over 60 to lead a better, more balanced life. The circle provides a forum where women can gather together to gain information, network and enjoy each other’s company. The circle focuses on maintaining wellness and building a community of women with common interests and goals. The Women’s Circle gathers once per month to hold discussion groups.

For more information on the Women’s Wellness Program at Riverdale Senior Services, please contact Senator Klein’s office at 718-822-2049.

Above - State Senator Jeff Klein explains the importance of the Women's Wellness program, and why he supports it.

Below - Many of the Seniors in the Women's Wellness Program at Riverdale Senior Services were happy to pose with their favorite State Senator, Jeff Klein.

STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: President Obama’s Proposal on Puerto Rico’s Debt

  “I commend President Obama for taking action and putting forward a proposal that supports the future economic growth of Puerto Rico and prevents a financial catastrophe for our fellow Americans who call Puerto Rico their home. For several months, I have been pushing for common sense solutions to Puerto Rico’s fiscal crisis, which undoubtedly would negatively impact New York and other states. This includes leading a coalition of elected officials from across the nation in a push for federal legislation that would allow the commonwealth to declare bankruptcy, restructure its debt and fundamentally change how Puerto Rico engages in commerce.

“ This latest proposal is a strong step forward for the financial health and well-being of Puerto Rico, and it is now up to Congress to act quickly to prevent what some have described as a looming humanitarian crisis in the commonwealth. I look forward to strategizing with my colleagues in government, including Assembly Member Marcos Crespo, Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force; Congress Members Nydia Velazquez and Jose Serrano, and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito on moving forward federal legislation when we meet at the Somos El Futuro conference in Puerto Rico next month,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

In August, Borough President Diaz issued a letter, in conjunction with over 100 elected officials from across the nation, demanding immediate action from Congress to enact legislation that will allow the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to enter bankruptcy. Read the letter here http://on.nyc.gov/1h2qZs1.

Uniformed Firefighters Association Endorses Keith Wright for Congress

Uniformed Firefighters Association Endorses Keith Wright for Congress

October 22, 2015

The Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) representing more than 8,000 New York City Firefighters today endorsed Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright for election to New York’s 13th Congressional district. The UFA is the largest firefighters union local in the world.

In making the endorsement UFA leaders cited Assemblyman Wright’s pledge to support the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act and his longstanding fight for improved staffing levels at fire companies throughout the City of New York.

“As a leader in Albany and in the city, Keith Wright has stood with the community and with New York City Firefighters in opposition firehouse closures and staffing cuts that threatened the lives of New Yorkers and our firefighters. He has long expressed a steadfast support for the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act, which is necessary to continue protecting the health of thousands who are sick from responding in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on our nation” said Steve Cassidy, UFA President.

“Keith Wright has demonstrated a tremendous respect for the sacrifices of first responders and clearly understands what is needed to keep New Yorkers safe. That is why New York City firefighters and the UFA is proud to endorse Keith Wright to be the next congressman to represent the citizens of the 13th district.”

“I am so grateful to have the support of the Uniformed Firefighters Association. The members of the UFA are the everyday heroes who have long played a critical role in the safety of our communities,” said Assemblyman Wright. “Whether it’s improved working conditions, ensuring access to top of the line equipment and technology, or supporting the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act, I look forward to advancing the needs of firefighters and the New Yorkers they protect, as a strong voice in Congress.”

The 13th Congressional District, currently represented by U.S. Representative Charles B. Rangel, encompasses the neighborhoods of Harlem, Inwood, Marble Hill, East Harlem, Washington Heights, Morningside Heights and parts of the Upper West Side. For more information on Democrat Keith Wright’s campaign for Congress, please visit www.Wright2016.com.