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Monday, November 23, 2015
Bronx Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party and Toy Drive
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Friends of Van Cortlandt Park - How You Help to Bring Youth, Community and Nature Together
Dear Friend:
We are thankful for YOU! 2015 was one of the organization’s most successful years for programming, trail improvements and overall advocacy for the park. With your support, we have achieved our goals for “Bringing Youth and Community Together.”
Programs. During fiscal year 2015, the Friends actively engaged the largest number of participants in our history with 6,653 children and adults participating in our programs. Milestones achieved:
- Reached over 2,500 students through our Van Cortlandt Adventures educational programs;
- Hired 12 interns for a Summer Teen Trail Crew internship who completed several trail restoration projects over seven weeks;
- Ran our Youth Run Farm Stand internship program at two sites that provided fresh local grown produce to the local communities
Trails. Friends worked with over 1,600 volunteers on garden, forest, and trail restoration projects. We have also secured funding to continue our Trails Project Manager staff position and extend his work to wetlands through grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
VCP 2034 Master Plan. FVCP’s advocacy directly resulted in millions of dollars of capital funding of three major components of the 2034 VCP Master Plan—(1) the pedestrian bridge across the Major Deegan Expressway; (2) a new children’s playground in the Northwest Corner of the Park and (3) John Kieran Trail improvements that are a part of our Trails Plan.
Your Support. Your financial support through this annual appeal will help us continue our cherished programming, trail work and advocacy for Van Cortlandt Park. Please take a moment to make a tax deductible, end-of-year contribution. With your support, the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park will be able to enter in the New Year with resources that ensure Van Cortlandt Park is even more vibrant in 2016.
Thank you and best wishes,
Christopher Rizzo, Chairman & Christina Taylor, Executive Director
Saturday, November 21, 2015
100 Percent Saturday November 21, 2015
100 PERCENT
By Robert Press
REJECTED
That was what the Bronx Borough Board said to the two City Planning Commission proposals called MIH and ZQA when the vote was over. All 12 Bronx Community Boards said no to both even after boards 6 and 9 had originally voted in favor of the two CPC proposals. It seems that both CB 6 and CB 9 were somewhat confused by the quickness of the presentation at their board level, and thought that they had to vote on the night of the presentation to them by CPC. After some clarity, and the second presentation at the borough level both boards that were in favor suddenly realized that Bronxites were united from all over the borough that the MIH and ZQA zoning Text Amendments were wrong for the Bronx and for their community board.
All city council members with the exception of council member Mark-Vivirito who abstained, and council members Cabrera and Vacca who were absent voted to reject the MIH and ZQA proposals. Then it was Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.'s turn to vote, and he gave a short speech about what is wrong with the CPC MIH and ZQA proposals, and how the city can not make a one size fits all plan when the 51 neighborhoods of the Bronx are of their own character. What may be good for one neighborhood may not be good for another. BP Diaz's full comments can be found in the archive section of this blog
Newly elected Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark has formed her transition team in order make the change in the office go as smooth as possible. the entire listing of her transition team can be found in the archive section .
The Bronx Chamber of Commerce held their annual Veterans Brunch along with a Job/Resource fair last week, and over 200 Veterans from the various wars were in attendance. New President and CEO of the BCC Nunzio Del Greco was introduced by BCC Chairman Joe Kelleher, and Executive Director Michelle Dolgow-Christrofaro announced that she would be leaving the BCC to take a position with State Senator Jeff Klein. Photos of the event can be found on this blog.
Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and the North Bronx Democratic Club will be hosting their 1st Holiday Dinner (which is sure to become an annual event) on Tuesday December 1st at Maestro's Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue from 6 - 9 PM. The Guest of Honor is New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and the Honorees include Norman Seabrook, Beatrice Castiglia Catuillo, Joseph Kelleher, and Meisha Ross Porter. For more information and to purchase tickets and/or journal ad, you can call 347-256-8719, or email northbronxdems@gmail.com. The invitation is also on this blog just check the archive section.
The trial of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is winding down as closing arguments are due next. The U.S. Attorney tried to carve out a scheme in different ways of Silver receiving 'Kickbacks' better know as client referrals on different occasions from different people. Silvers defense team claims that the U.S. Attorney did not prove its case and rested not calling a witness. We should have a verdict in this case before the first snowfall.
The trial of former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam Skelos began with what seems to me to be an open and shut case of what use to be common in the Bronx. The U.S.Attorney claims that the elder Skelos used his influence as Senate Majority Leader to get his son Adam several no show jobs on different occasions. Is it a coincidence or as many have said 'What goes on in Albany Politics' that one of the same witnesses called by the U.S. Attorney for the Silver trial also testified in the Skelos trial.
Lastly, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has announced that he is accepting applications for membership on any of the 12 Bronx Community Boards. Community Board members serve two year terms, and half the board members are up for reappointment every year. Some members leave, do not reapply, or in some rare cases are not reappointed to their respective community boards so new members are put on in their place. Applications are available at the Bronx Borough President's Community Board office, your local community board office, or online at bronxboropres.nyc.gov . You can call the BP's Community Board office at 718-590-3914 for more information. The deadline for submission of a community board application for the next round of appointments is February 5, 2916.
Look for a new newspaper that will be coming out in mid December that will featuire this column and my other column the Riverdale Report. More on this new exciting new newspaper in next column and on this blog.
If you have any political information that you want to share or have checked out, any comments about this column, or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.
Newly elected Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark has formed her transition team in order make the change in the office go as smooth as possible. the entire listing of her transition team can be found in the archive section .
The Bronx Chamber of Commerce held their annual Veterans Brunch along with a Job/Resource fair last week, and over 200 Veterans from the various wars were in attendance. New President and CEO of the BCC Nunzio Del Greco was introduced by BCC Chairman Joe Kelleher, and Executive Director Michelle Dolgow-Christrofaro announced that she would be leaving the BCC to take a position with State Senator Jeff Klein. Photos of the event can be found on this blog.
Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and the North Bronx Democratic Club will be hosting their 1st Holiday Dinner (which is sure to become an annual event) on Tuesday December 1st at Maestro's Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue from 6 - 9 PM. The Guest of Honor is New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and the Honorees include Norman Seabrook, Beatrice Castiglia Catuillo, Joseph Kelleher, and Meisha Ross Porter. For more information and to purchase tickets and/or journal ad, you can call 347-256-8719, or email northbronxdems@gmail.com. The invitation is also on this blog just check the archive section.
The trial of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is winding down as closing arguments are due next. The U.S. Attorney tried to carve out a scheme in different ways of Silver receiving 'Kickbacks' better know as client referrals on different occasions from different people. Silvers defense team claims that the U.S. Attorney did not prove its case and rested not calling a witness. We should have a verdict in this case before the first snowfall.
The trial of former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam Skelos began with what seems to me to be an open and shut case of what use to be common in the Bronx. The U.S.Attorney claims that the elder Skelos used his influence as Senate Majority Leader to get his son Adam several no show jobs on different occasions. Is it a coincidence or as many have said 'What goes on in Albany Politics' that one of the same witnesses called by the U.S. Attorney for the Silver trial also testified in the Skelos trial.
Lastly, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has announced that he is accepting applications for membership on any of the 12 Bronx Community Boards. Community Board members serve two year terms, and half the board members are up for reappointment every year. Some members leave, do not reapply, or in some rare cases are not reappointed to their respective community boards so new members are put on in their place. Applications are available at the Bronx Borough President's Community Board office, your local community board office, or online at bronxboropres.nyc.gov . You can call the BP's Community Board office at 718-590-3914 for more information. The deadline for submission of a community board application for the next round of appointments is February 5, 2916.
Look for a new newspaper that will be coming out in mid December that will featuire this column and my other column the Riverdale Report. More on this new exciting new newspaper in next column and on this blog.
If you have any political information that you want to share or have checked out, any comments about this column, or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.
REMARKS OF BP DIAZ RE: Opposition to Mayor de Blasio’s Zoning Proposals
RE: Bronx Borough Board Vote to Oppose Mayor de Blasio’s Zoning Proposals
It is clear that The Bronx stands united in one voice in opposition to these two proposals—“Zoning for Quality & Affordability” and “Mandatory Inclusionary Housing”—that Mayor de Blasio has put forward for our consideration. I add my voice to that opposition today, and I cast my vote against these items.
So many different groups, organizations, and other concerned citizens came before our boards and my office to voice their concerns about these proposals. And so many different communities have different reasons to be opposed to this “one size fits all” approach to the future development of our borough and our city.
The “neighborhood by neighborhood” approach to planning has been very successful in The Bronx. The borough has adopted no less than 14 rezonings since 2009. These proposed text amendments go against the grain of this successful approach to community-based planning, and must be rejected. One size does not fit all.
Despite the impact these combined proposals will have on density within our city, this administration has failed to discuss the social and physical infrastructure necessary to accommodate this new development. How will the additional seniors be serviced? Are there enough school seats for the children accompanying their parents as they move into new affordable units? Will existing transit options be able to handle a new influx of commuters? These questions, and many others, remain asked and unanswered.
One issue, the elimination of parking requirements, has been met with universal concern. The half-mile distance proposed from subway stations is too far to be considered a convenient walking distance. Additional criticisms are that, as the plan stands, The Bronx could be left out of opportunities for both low and moderate-income housing.
When real estate professionals and community housing advocates who seldom agree on anything have put forward serious criticisms of these text amendments, it is clear that what is being proposed is wrong for this borough and this city.
One universal critique of Mayor de Blasio’s proposal that has resonated across every community in this borough, and in fact across the city, is the speed of the process. Sixty days is not enough time to consider a massive, fundamental change to how development works in this city. In fact, the accelerated timeline this administration has imposed on us seems designed to limit community input, and to force us to accept these changes as written.
Mayor de Blasio and the Department of City Planning are moving too fast. These proposals must be reconsidered.
These are tremendously flawed proposals that, if adopted, would remove public input from the development process and attempt to paint future development of our unique communities with one broad brushstroke.
Allowing just 60 days for our community boards to weigh in on these proposals is disrespectful to the boards, their members and the neighborhoods they serve, and goes against the spirit of progressive, inclusionary and transparent government.
As chairman of this board, I speak for all of us in urging the City Council and our speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, to heed the united voices of The Bronx—and the growing chorus of opposition in every corner of this city—and to stop this proposal when it comes before the City Council.
Thanksgiving Message Fron the Bronx Chamber of Commerce
Dear Members and Friends:
As the Holiday Season is quickly approaching, I am extending my sincere greetings and hope that you have a very Happy Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones.
In these troubled times domestically and worldwide, it is more important than ever to be grateful and appreciate what we have, especially our family and friends. Make the most of every moment!
Please mark your calendars and plan on attending our
Annual Holiday Party & Toy Drive
Monday, December 14, 2015
Tosca Marquee
4034 East Tremont Ave. Bronx, NY.
I look forward to seeing you at the Holiday Party. "You never know where your next big deal is going to come from"! Reservation Forms will be available next week. Significant discounts are available exclusively for members of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce.
Best Wishes!
Nunzio
Nunzio Del Greco
President and CEO
Bronx Chamber of Commerce
President and CEO
Bronx Chamber of Commerce
"The Network for Business Success"
1200 Waters Place, Suite 106
Bronx, NY 10461
718-828-3900Nunzio@bronxchamber.org
1200 Waters Place, Suite 106
Bronx, NY 10461
718-828-3900Nunzio@bronxchamber.org
www.BronxChamber .org
Friday, November 20, 2015
BRONX BOROUGH BOARD VOTES TO OPPOSE CPC ZONING PROPOSALS
The Bronx Borough Board voted unanimously 0-19-1 to disapprove Mayor Bill de Blasio’s proposed changes to the zoning law, known as “Zoning for Quality and Affordability” (ZQA) and “Mandatory Inclusionary Housing” (MIH).
The Department of City Planning (DCP) had previously presented on the subject to each Bronx Community Board and to the Bronx Borough Board. In addition, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted a public comment session last week to gather input from the community.
“As chairman of this board, I speak for all of us in urging the City Council and our speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, to heed the united voices of The Bronx—and the growing chorus of opposition in every corner of this city—and to stop this proposal when it comes before the City Council,” said Borough President Diaz at the hearing.
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will issue a more detailed set of recommendations on the proposals in the coming days.
VOTE TALLY
In Favor: None
Opposed: Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., City Council Members Maria del Carmen Arroyo, Andrew Cohen, Vanessa Gibson, Andy King, Annabel Palma, and Ritchie Torres; Bronx Community Boards 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12.
Abstentions: City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.
Above and Below - The Bronx Borough Board made up of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr,, The Chairs of all twelve Bronx Community Boards, and the Bronx City Council members hear from the City Planning Commission representatives about the proposed MIH and ZQA Text Amendments before the Bronx Borough Board members cast their vote.
Above - The Bronx Community Board Chairs all cast their vote against both CPC proposals -MIH and ZQA.
Below - After the city council members (or their representatives) voted Bronx Borough President voted no on both CPC proposals. The complete vote tally is at the top/
Bronx Chamber of Commerce Veteran's Brunch - Job and Resource Fair
The Bronx Chamber of Commerce Veterans Brunch and Job/resource fair opened up with BCC Chairman Joe Kelleher leading the packed room in the salute to the flag. He then introduced the new President and CEO of the BCC Mr. Nunzio Del Greco. After a very brief speech on his vision for the future of the BCC Mr. Greco introduced the Key note speaker State Senator Jeff Klein. Citations were given out to the three honorees, and after eating the packed room broke into song singing 'God Bless America'. There was one sad note as BCC Executive Director Michelle Dolgow-Christofaro announced that she will be leaving the BCC to take a position with State Senator Jeff Klein.- The Job/Resourse Fair then began with 30 employers and/or service providers.
Above - State Senator Jeff Klein give the Keynote speech.
Below Senator Klein with the three honorees, who are holding their citations.
Above and Below - At the end of the brunch, the packed room stood for a moment of silence for all the fallen soldiers, and then sang 'God Bless America' to show the comradely of the attendees.
News From Councilman ANDY kING
Councilman King Blasts DOE Following Discovery of G&T Pre-Tests Materials Contain Incorrect Info
“I am extremely disturbed by the recent discovery that Gifted & Talented pre-test materials for non-English speaking students contain incorrect information. It is unacceptable that in a city like ours, the growing population of non-English speaking children are being let down in this way. The ramifications of this error are far-reaching, and it is the responsibility of the Department of Education to do everything in its power to mitigate this harm NOW! I am committed to serving the diverse students and families of the 12th district, and look forward to working with DOE to correct and expand this year’s Gifted & Talented application process,” said Council Member Andy King, Co-Chair of the Black, Latino & Asian Caucus.
Councilman King Proposes Bill to Regulate ‘Hover Boards’
Councilman King Proposes Bill to Regulate ‘Hover Boards’
NYC Council Member Andy King proposed legislation this week that would make it illegal to operate an electronic “hover board” on the streets on New York City.
The recent spike in popularity of these devices, coupled with the growing safety concerns, creates a regulatory grey area that should be addressed swiftly, said Council Member King.
“The hover boards should have the same status as mobile chairs and should not be operated on the roads alongside cars, buses and trucks. It’s a safety issue,” said Council Member King.
Looking forward, Council Member King noted that long-term use of hover boards doesn’t promote a healthy lifestyle. “Riding a hover board decreases physical activity. In the long run, walking is more beneficial for your heart and lungs than riding a hover board all day,” he said.