Friends of Van Cortlandt Park's April 2016 Enewsletter

    As you may have noticed, our spring calendar is missing our Annual Hike-a-thon event.  But don't worry, it's just getting a makeover and being moved to the fall.  Please be patient while we put together an event like we have never done in Van Cortlandt Park before.  More details will be available by June.  In the meantime,Save the Date of Saturday October 1st and feel free to join us on our other hikes this spring.

Don't forget!  If you haven't yet please sign onto ourpetition in favor of Daylighting Tibbetts Brook.

Currently, water from Van Cortlandt Lake enters the Broadway sewer at a rate of 4 to 5 million gallons of water per day — and that’s on a dry day. Often when it rains, the combination of sewage, street runoff and the brook enters the combined sewer, bypassing the treatment plant and flowing directly into the Harlem River. This one Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO), WI-056, connected to the Broadway sewer makes up more than half of the CSO water entering the Harlem River. Daylighting will remove this clean water from the sewer and help to reduce CSO occurrences on the Harlem River.

Hope to see you in the Park! We have a few events planned for this month (see below) and many more coming up this spring. 

Christina and all of your Friends at the Friends of VCP

P.S. Don't forget to follow us on Social Media to keep posted on what is happening in the Park.

                         

April Events

Get Active Hiking Series in VCP

Join us on the Second Saturday of Each Month for a hike in Van Cortlandt Park. This is a great opportunity to learn about the ecology and the history of the Park. Please wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water and a snack for the hike. 

April 9th at 10am, meet at Woodlawn Playground (VCP East & Kepler Ave.): Family friendly leisurely hike in the Northeast Woods with a focus on the wetlands. Hike will last 60-90 minutes. Appropriate for young and old.

NYLCV's Reaction to the State Budget

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE $300M EPF, $200M FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE, FIRST EVER REBATE FOR ZERO EMISSION VEHICLES

  "Historic is a word that we try not to use lightly, but it's truly appropriate to describe how the environment fared in this budget. We applaud the Governor, the Senate, and the Assembly for addressing pressing needs across the spectrum of our priorities from fighting climate change, to conserving natural resources, to protecting public health. These new or significantly increased allocations for dozens of meaningful programs will touch New Yorkers in all corners of the state, ensuring the health of our environment now and for future generations. New York has continually demonstrated national leadership on these issues and we hope this momentum carries through to the end of session as we seek to advance strong environmental legislation."

Highlights of NYLCV priority programs that fared well in the budget include:

Environmental Protection Fund - The Governor inherited the EPF at $134 million. Last year it reached $177 million after a series of steady increases. So the jump to $300 million this year was a huge one. The Governor, Senate and Assembly have committed this money to a broad range of programs that support everything from municipal parks to land preservation to fighting climate change to public health:

• Municipal Parks and Waterfronts - Within this historic level of EPF funding, $20 million Municipal Parks Grant Program and a $16M Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. These programs rehabilitate playgrounds and ball fields, create new trails, and restore wetlands and waterfront access for recreation.
  ​
• Dedicated Funding for Low Income Communities - The final budget deal set aside dedicated EPF funds for capital projects in both urban and rural low-income areas. This was a major budget priority of NYLCV’s, and we are thrilled to see the final budget deal include it. Vibrant parks, playgrounds, and recreation areas make communities more livable and provide opportunities for children to play sports and exercise. A revitalized park or playground is essential in addressing a growing obesity problem in low-income communities. Previously, there was only funding for one in every five applications and this funding will help address that.
   
• Protecting Farmland  - The budget includes $20 million for farmland conservation, which will help ensure these lands are safe from development and that are towns and cities have access to fresh, local produce. 
   
• Fighting Climate Change - The final deal also includes an unprecedented $24 million to combat climate change. This will include smart growth grants, climate smart community capital projects, and more.

Clean Water - The budget includes $200 million per year over each of the next two years for clean water infrastructure. New York State has an $800 million need for funding annually to begin to address the deteriorating infrastructure for drinking water and wastewater. This grant money will help leverage municipal and private investments to reach that number.

Promoting Zero Emission Vehicles - For the first time ever, the budget includes a $2,000 consumer “point-of-purchase” rebate, which will motivate the greatest number of buyers and help New York reach its goal of 850,000 ZEVs on the road by 2025. Critically, the budget also includes $10M for charging stations. This was a top priority for NYLCV, as a robust and highly visible charging network will also motivate buyers.

Farms to Schools Program - This initiative also received a boost, helping to connect schools to local farmers and educate students about what they are eating and where it comes from.

Environmental Justice - The budget includes additional funding for environmental justice programs throughout the state, recognizing that we must correct the unequal environmental and climate impacts faced by certain communities around the state.

New York City Public Advocate - Your Right to Opt Out

Next week, children across our state will be asked to take the New York State English Language Arts exam and the following week they will be asked to take the New York State Math exam. There has been a lot of confusion about whether these tests are required. I want to remind you that, as parents, you have the right to opt your child out of this exam with no consequences to you, your child, or your child's school. If you do choose to make this decision, you must write a letter to your child's principal. More information on how to opt out is available here.  The decision whether to opt out or not is a personal one for each family. As your Public Advocate, I want to ensure that parents know their rights. And that we continue working together to build a school system that offers a holistic education, including arts and physical education, and equips our children for success.  If you have questions or concerns, I urge you to contact  my office at 212-669-7250 or gethelp@pubadvocate.nyc.gov.  Sincerely, Letitia James New York City Public Advocate

CAR FREE NYC to hold Major Rally to Build Support for Earth Day Goal of Fewer Cars on City Streets

Elected Officials and Organizations from Across the City Will Celebrate the Bold Initiative

City Council to Hear Resolution Naming Earth Day 2016 a Car Free Day in NYC

New York, NY-On Monday, April 4^th, elected officials and organizations from across the city will rally on the steps of City Hall, calling on New York drivers to leave their car at home for one day this year: Earth Day, April 22^nd. Support has steadily been building around this initiative, launched last month at New York University by Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez and a coalition of transportation, environmental and community based organizations drawing from a wide field of disciplines.

The concept, initiated in Europe several decades ago, is to have New Yorkers refrain from driving, as a way to highlight what our city could look like if it relied less upon cars. Paris is the most recent global city to take this step and saw tremendous benefits in lower emissions levels, as pedestrians flooded the open streets in celebration. Here in New York, a strong coalition of citywide organizations is ready to take the step here, with the support of the City.

On Earth Day, April 22^nd, Broadway from the Flatiron Building to Union Square North; the streets around Washington Square Park; and Wadsworth Avenue in Upper Manhattan from 173rd to 177th will be closed to vehicle traffic, allowing New Yorkers to take full advantage of the open streets. This initiative is about promoting our many forms of transportation, other than personal vehicles, and encouraging New Yorkers to consider the impact of their decisions when it comes to travel.

The City Council Transportation Committee will hear a resolution designating Earth Day 2016, Car Free Day in NYC, immediately after the rally in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

What: Major Rally for a Car Free Earth Day in NYC & Hearing on Car Free Earth Day Resoluion

When: Monday, April 4^th, 2016, 9:15 AM

Where: City Hall Steps, New York, NY

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Next "Next Level Bronx" Class begin April 27, 2016

Application Period Now Open!      

 

 

About the Program:

NYCEDC is launching the Next Level Bronx program to give small business owners the tools, training, and networks to turn growth plans into action. We provide customized training for business owners who have been in business for at least three years, have an annual revenue of at least $250,000, and have at least one employee besides the owner. This is a seven-month program that helps participants emerge with successful, growth-oriented business strategies.

 

This program is brought to you by NYCEDC with curriculum provided by Interise and is supported by Citi Community Development. The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Assemblyman Blake, have partnered to help launch this major initiative. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Lucy Christensen at 212-312-4242.

 

Program Details:

This program will run over the course of seven months and will be held at the Bronx Borough Hall twice a month. By participating in this program you and your business could receive:

 

¨ Access to our Private Sector Network (PSN), network of volunteer professionals, and mentors.

¨ A customized Strategic Growth Plan outlining the action steps required to achieve business goals.

¨ Customized training to learn about business and development strategies, strategic planning, financial management, human resources, accessing capital, and government contracts.

 

This program is being offered free of charge. Apply today to reserve your spot for Next Level Bronx!

 

APPLY TODAY

 

Key Dates:

¨ April 1 - Application Deadline

¨ April 27 - First Session

¨ November 2016 - Program Completion

Phil Cardone

 Grants & Events Director

 Bronx Chamber of Commerce

"The Network For Business Success"
1200 Waters Place, Suite 106
Bronx, NY 10461
718-828-3900
 Phil@bronxchamber.org 

Free Concert Saturday, April 2nd_GMBC Men's Fellowship & Guests

BP DIAZ TO HOST AFFORDABLE HOUSING INFO SESSION

  HUD Regional Administrator Holly Leicht to Moderate Panel of City Officials, Housing Developers, and Community Organizations

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr invites the public to an upcoming workshop designed to help Bronx residents successfully apply for affordable housing. The event will feature a panel discussion moderated by HUD Regional Administrator Holly Leicht, who oversees federal housing programs throughout New York and New Jersey.

Titled “Successfully Applying for Affordable Housing,” the event will take place on Wednesday April 13, 2016, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx NY.

“Affordable housing and its role in the future of our borough and our city has been the topic of discussion across the city for years. We have seen considerable new development in our borough, and my office is working to make sure that this new development works for everyone. I invite all Bronxites interested in applying for a new apartment to come to this workshop, hear from our speakers and learn more about this process,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“Finding affordable housing in New York City is a challenge under any circumstances, but it’s incumbent upon government at all levels to ensure that those most in need are aware of the resources that are available and understand how they can access those resources,” said Holly Leicht, HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey. “HUD welcomes this opportunity to join Borough President Diaz, Jr. and many housing organizations to get the word out about how to navigate the process of identifying and applying for subsidized housing.”

In addition to remarks from Borough President Diaz and Regional Director Leicht, attendees will hear from speakers representing New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the New York City Housing Development Corporation, Phipps Houses, Bronx Pro Real Estate Management and the Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation. The event will also feature resource tables with one-on-one attention and materials related to housing matters and other services. Light refreshments will also be provided.

Simone Developers Riverdale Property - What's Next?

Above - The proposed 11 story Medical Center for the Oxford/Riverdale (West 248th Street) property owned by Simone Developers.

Below - What the site looks like almost two years after the medical center proposal was abandoned. A vacant eyesore of a lot where a building was demolished.

  This was the last proposal by Simone Developers, a 14 story 48 unit building which was rejected by the city. 

  Last night Community Board #8 held a Land Use meeting to find out the fate of the Oxford/Riverdale Avenue site from Simone Developers. The representative from Simone developers had no new information about the site, only that the sidewalk has been cleaned and will be on a regular schedule. When asked if the property was up for sale the answer was 'I don't know that information'. When I said that two developers (one the Stagg Group) were looking at the site to purchase the property from Simone, the same answer was given - 'I don't know anything about that'. 

  It seems that now with Mayor Bill de Blasio's MIH and ZQA zoning changes that the property value  has increased, because a developer can build higher than 14 stories as much as 16 or even 18 stories if certain elements of the MIH and ZQA are incorporated into the building, such as affordable housing or a senior building that could have little or no parking requirements. There was at least one real estate agent in the audience who has shown the Simone property to prospective buyers.