Carmen De La Rosa Launches Campaign for 72nd Assembly Seat of Assemblyman Linares

  Chief of Staff to Council Member Rodriguez Ready to Fight for Equal Pay for women, Quality Education, Increased Access to Healthcare and to Preserve Affordable Housing

    Carmen De La Rosa, Chief of Staff to NYC Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, announced her candidacy for the 72nd Assembly District on Thursday, saying she would be a strong voice in Albany, especially in a community lacking in female elected leadership. Carmen De La Rosa, a district leader for the 72nd AD and experienced staffer who rose through the offices of Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell and Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, announced that she is ready to fight for the community where she was raised and is now raising her young daughter, bringing a fresh, progressive voice to the table uptown.

"This candidacy is about bringing a new, progressive voice to Albany, strengthening the representation of women in our uptown community and throughout our state," said Carmen De La Rosa, Assembly Candidate for the 72nd Assembly District. "Our communities in Washington Heights, Inwood and Marble Hill face challenges when it comes to access to reproductive healthcare, quality schools and affordable housing, but I am ready to take these challenges head on and fight for the neighborhoods I have called home my entire life."

Carmen De La Rosa was raised in Inwood, attending elementary and middle school at St. Jude's, before going to High School at Mother Cabrini on Fort Washington Avenue. She was proudly the first person in her family to attend college, graduating from Fordham University with a degree in Political Science.

She entered government as a Community Liaison to Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell, working with the Upper West Side community on issues of improved senior care, fighting co-locations in local schools and affordable housing preservation, while learning the functions of a state Assembly office. She then returned to work for her community at the office of Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, serving as his legislative, policy & budget director, focusing on college affordability and the disparities in enrollment at higher education institutions for students of color.

In 2014, Carmen was appointed Chief of Staff to Council Member Rodriguez, playing an instrumental role in the passage of nearly a dozen bills related to Mayor Bill de Blasio's Vision Zero initiative, as well as supporting countless neighborhood institutions from senior centers to after school programs to social service providers. It was in this role that Carmen gained a firm understanding of the true needs of the uptown community and how to address them, through legislative action, smart, progressive budgeting and fierce advocacy.

Carmen now stands prepared to take on Albany to fight for Equal Pay for women, more resources for our grossly underfunded schools and to preserve the affordable housing so treasured in northern Manhattan.

"It is appalling that in 2016, women are paid so much less for equal work," said Carmen De La Rosa. "I am ready to take this fight to the finish line for the hard working women of Washington Heights. I also recognize the plight that so many working families uptown face when our schools are underfunded and our affordable housing stock faces pressure from rising rents and greedy slumlords. I have worked on these issues for years and now I am prepared to lead the way."

"Carmen has long held the distinct ability to bring communities together around important issues," said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. "I am proud to support her candidacy for this important seat and I know she will be a strong, progressive voice for our diverse uptown community. Her experience and wherewithal on issues from public safety to improving education and protecting affordable housing make her hands down the best candidate for this seat. In a neighborhood yearning for young leadership, she will bring a welcome voice to the table and a fresh perspective on ways to advance our community."

"As someone who has worked closely with Carmen, advocating on behalf of residents in Northern Manhattan, I am proud to support her candidacy for the 72nd Assembly District," said Council Member Mark Levine. "Carmen De La Rosa has been a tremendous asset to the Uptown community and I know she will do an excellent job representing them in the assembly. Her knowledge and advocacy on early childhood education, equal pay and access to reproductive health, will be crucial in making strides in these areas. Our state legislature and our community would each be bolstered by Carmen's resounding voice."

Presidential Politics - Clinton Comes to Bronx Day After Cruz Visit

      Yesterday Republican Presidential candidate Ted Cruz came to a Bronx Restaurant to meet with State Senator  Ruben Diaz Sr. Senator Diaz has endorsed Republicans in the past including Rob Astorino in the last New York State Governors race. However his son Bronx Borough President a devout Democrat has endorsed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton for President. It should also be noted that Team Diaz member Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda has endorsed Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.  So what is going on here - Father supporting another Republican candidate this time for President, Son the devout Democrat supporting the Establishment Democratic candidate for President, and Insurgent member of Team Diaz supporting the non Establishment Democratic candidate for President? Photo below is from Daniel Johnson's Facebook page of Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton outside Yankee Stadium this morning.

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TONIGHT: NBDC with NYC Small Business Services

North Bronx Democratic Club invites you to a Members Meeting

Join us for a Members Meeting with NYC Small Business Services Wednesday, April 6, 2016 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Tracey Towers Community Center 40 West Mosholu Parkway South Bronx, NY

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - April 13, 2016 Gala - Special Recognition

Special thanks is extended to the following 

companies supporting the April 13, 2016 Gala!

More companies will be added! 

To confirm and be added, email me upon receipt.

Active Staffing Services

Bronx Community College

Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation

BRONXNET Community Television

Children's Corner Learning Center

Country Bank

Ensign Engineering, P.C.

Fordham University

Hostos Community College

HSBC Bank

Hutchinson Metro Center

KZA Realty Group Inc.

Lehman College

Manhattan College

Manhattan Parking Group

Mercy College

Metro Optics Eyewear

Monroe College

New York Community Bank

NYC Health & Hospitals-Jacobi

One Fordham Plaza, LLC

Perillo Tours

Piscano Eye

Ridgewood Savings Bank

Sandra Erickson Real Estate Inc.

SUNY Maritime College

Tosca Cafe

Villa Barone Manor

Nunzio Del Greco
President and CEO
Bronx Chamber of Commerce

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

Statement on Times Square & Pedestrian Plaza Legislation, Passed Through Committee Today

  TRANSPORTATION CHAIR YDANIS RODRIGUEZ STATEMENT ON PEDESTRIAN PLAZAS AND TIMES SQUARE VOTE

  Today the New York City Council Transportation Committee voted to pass legislation that would grant the City Department of Transportation the authority to regulate Times Square and plazas throughout the city of New York. This bill will allow the DOT to implement their proposed changes to better manage space in Times Square. Council Member Rodriguez hailed the vote as one for progress and offered several suggestions to support all those involved.

"Today's vote on our plazas, especially as it relates to Times Square, marks a significant step forward for the innovative program, ensuring that this and our many other public spaces will be protected for years to come," saidCouncil Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez. "As we voted today, I put forward several suggestions to the DOT as they make rules to govern Times Square and plazas across the city. As it relates to Times Square, I stand in support of the hard working costumed characters and desnudas and believe that ample space should be provided to their activity, alongside signs to encourage tipping, to ensure they can continue to support themselves and their families. I also proffered that 20% of public space in Times Square and the other plazas across the city should be dedicated to cultural and educational programming. Finally, businesses near major plazas that have seen major returns from this public space should help support less-frequented plazas in the outer boroughs with programming and upkeep, in order to avoid a tale of two cities when it comes to our plazas. I am proud of the work that has gone into this process and believe we will end with a result that benefits all parties."

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY AFFORDABLE HOUSING, BRONX

COMUNILIFE TO HOLD RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

FOR 65 UNIT El Rio RESIDENCE

 

 

  On Friday, April 8th, at 10am, Comunilife, Inc. will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to formally inaugurate its newest supportive and affordable housing building - the 65 unitEl Rio Residence.

 

The facility located at 1041 East 179th Street in the West Farms section of The Bronx, includes 39 studio apartments for New Yorkers living with special needs and 26 studio apartments for low-income residents.  Amenities include community room, laundry, back garden, staff offices, and 24/7 security.

 

"The El Rio Residence is Comunilife's latest housing development for low-income and special needs New Yorkers," said Comunilife's President and CEO, Dr. Rosa M. Gil.  "We are delighted to be able to provide a new, safe and affordable housing option in the Bronx's West Farms Community.  El Rio is an important contribution to the City's commitment to increase the number of supportive housing units available to our most at-risk residents."

 

El Rio is NYSERDA certified and follows the Enterprise Green Communities guidelines.  The building incorporates energy efficient features including low-flow fixtures, bi-level lights in hallways, low VOC paint, FSC certified wood, energy star appliances, native vegetation at the recreational areas, erosion control during construction and construction materials with a high recycled content.

 

The project was developed with Capital Financing received through NYS's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, NYC's Department of Housing Preservation and Development Supportive Housing Loan Program, the Bronx Borough President's Office, and with low-income housing tax credit equity from Red Stone Equity Partners.  The building was designed by Gran Kriegel Architects with Fazio Construction serving as the general contractor.

 

El Rio is part of Comunilife's housing portfolio which now includes 1,607 units of housing in nine transitional and permanent congregate residences for homeless New Yorkers living with special needs; three low-income apartment buildings and 993 units of supportive scatter site apartments.

 

The grand opening will give Comunilife the opportunity to thank the following elected and appointed officials for their support in ensuring the project's successful completion -- Mayor Bill de Blasio, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts and NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Vicki Been.  We also wish to thank NYS Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan, and NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett, for their ongoing support of supportive housing programs across our city and state.

 

The grand opening will also allow Comunilife to formally welcome the building's 65 new residents to the community and Comunilife family.

ABOUT COMUNILIFE:

Founded in 1989, Comunilife is a health and human service agency whose mission is to improve the quality of life and create a healthier tomorrow for children, adolescents, adults, families and seniors living with mental illness and/or HIV/AIDS in New York City's underserved, diverse communities. Comunilife provides culturally-competent, community-based services to 3,500 New Yorkers annually.

WHAT:

Ribbon cutting ceremony for El Rio Residence, a new, state-of-the-art supportive and affordable housing building with 65 units.

 

WHEN:

Friday, April 8, 2016; 10:00am

 

WHERE:

1041 East 179th Street at Boston Road, West Farms, Bronx.

COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVE FREE DEFIBRILLATORS

Council Member Andy King, 12^th CD, distributes defibrillators to community-based organizations that received CPR training on Monday.

   New York City Council Member Andy King congratulated and presented defibrillators to representatives from Northeast Bronx community-based organizations that completed a CPR training Monday evening (April 4th) on use of the devices.

The packed training session was held at the Morris Park Community Center, Bronx, as a part of the “Beating Hearts” initiative sponsored by the New York City Council.

As a part of the $350,000 FY16 initiative program, council members from all 51 districts, selected four (4) community-based organizations in need of defibrillators – particularly organizations that work with children, seniors or engage in physical activities.

The goal of this initiative is to ensure organizations are well prepared for cardiac arrest emergencies, as research shows that early intervention during a cardiac arrest strongly increases an individual’s likelihood of surviving. Sudden cardiac arrests outside of hospitals are responsible for an estimated 160,000 deaths a year nationally. In cases where cardiac arrest is caused by an abnormal heart rhythm, known as ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, death may be averted if a quick and effective shock is delivered with a defibrillator and a normal rhythm restored.

“We’ve heard testimony in the City Council from individuals who are grateful that an organization or junior ball park had a defibrillator on hand during an emergency. This life-saving technology is essential to have around and it’s great that we can do what we can to help community-based organizations obtain a defibrillator and train their staff on how to use it,” said Council Member King (12th CD).

Monday night’s recipients included St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Wakefield; the Williamsbridge NAACP Early Childhood Education Center, Coop City's Velocity Track Club, as well as the Morris Park Community Association and other organizations from Council Member James Vacca's district and around the Bronx.  Each organization received one Automatic External Defibrillator and a storage cabinet.

Training and AED placement was provided by the Staten Island Heart Society (SIHS).

 From left, EMT Kevin Hazel, SIHS; Tony Signorile, president of the Morris Park Community Association; EMT John Wilson, SIHS, Council Member James Vacca, Rachel Volpe, RN, SIHS, Council Member Andy King and EMT Joe Pessalano, SIHS.

  

Bronx Gothic's Final Performances take place in the Bronx at BAAD

BAAD! - The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance proudly presents  
The Final Performances of Okwui Okpokwasili’s 
BRONX GOTHIC 
APRIL 29 & 30 
For the First Time the Artist Performs Show near Her Bronx Neighborhood 

    BAAD! - The Bronx Academy of Arts & Dance continues to be a beacon for contemporary dance in the Bronx and proudly presents Okwui Okpokwasili’s celebrated, Bessie Award-winning full evening event,Bronx Gothic. The show draws inspiration from Victorian-era novels and West African griot storytelling to reveal a dark and powerful Bronx tale of sexual awakening, the body in transformation and the humor, love, strangeness and even terror that accompany it. Okpokwasili returns to the Bronx where she was raised to perform the shows final two performances at BAAD! which is on the campus of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church where she had her confirmation. The two performances are on Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30 at 8pm. BAAD! is located at 2474 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461. Tickets cost $35 and $15 for residents of the Bronx. For tickets and information visit BAADBronx.org or call 718-918-2110. 

Bronx Gothic is a solo creation at the intersection of theater, dance and visual art installation, and gives a palpable force to the charged relationship between two girls on the verge of adolescence in 1980s Bronx--where Newports are bought in singles at the corner bodega, sex saturated notes are passed in class, and Orchard Beach erupts in flame. 

Okwui Okpokwasili is a New York-based writer, performer and choreographer who grew up in the Bronx. She frequently collaborates with the award-winning director Ralph Lemon and has appeared in dance and theater productions, and in films.  Bronx Gothic is her second collaboration with the director/designer/filmmaker Peter Born. Their first New York production, pent-up: a revenge dance premiered at Performance Space 122 and received a 2010 New York Dance and Performance (“Bessie”) Award for Outstanding Production; and Bronx Gothic is their second collaboration, premiered in 2014 and also received a New York Dance and Performance (“Bessie”) Award for Outstanding Production.  The show was produced by MAPP International and has toured nationally and internationally. 

On both days a limited group of guests are invited to a pre-show VIP Reception at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with cocktails, a buffet, a tour of the 19th century cemetery that surrounds the campus, and reserved seating at the Bronx Gothic performance. The VIP event begins at 6pm and tickets costs $250. St. Peter’s is located at 2500 Westchester Ave., Bronx, NY 10461. 

The performances of Bronx Gothic are a part of BAAD!’s annual Boogie Down Dance Festival.  For a full schedule of performances and activities visit www.BAADBronx.org. 

Crowned “a funky and welcoming performance space” by The New York Times, BAAD! is a performance and workshop space that presents cutting-edge works in dance and all creative disciplines empowering to women, Latinos and people of color and the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual,  transgender and queer) community. BAAD! is home to Arthur Aviles Typical Theatre (AATT) and the Bronx Dance Coalition and was founded by Arthur Avilés and Charles Rice-González in 1998 in Hunts Point. BAAD! moved to Westchester Square in October 2013 to a gothic revivalist building on the grounds of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. 

The North American Tour of Bronx Gothic is produced by MAPP International Productions. Bronx Gothic was co-commissioned by Performance Space 122, Danspace Project, and Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) and the Jerome Foundation with residency support from Park Avenue Armory’s Under Construction Series, New York Live Arts, Baryshnikov Arts Center, and LMCC’s Extended Life Dance Development program. Additional commissioning support provided by Le Maillon in Strasbourg, Théâtre de Gennevillers in Paris, Théâtre Garonne in Toulouse, and Zagrebacko Kazalište Mladih in Zagreb, as part of PS 122 GLOBAL program. 

BAAD!/AATT receive support from The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, The Lambent Fund of the Tides Foundation, The SHS Foundation, The Rockefeller Brothers Fund, The Mertz Gilmore Foundation, The New York State Council on the Arts,  and private donations.