MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO, COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE ANNOUNCE $5.7 MILLION COMMUNITY CENTER RENOVATION ON STATEN ISLAND

Investment will expand Cornerstone Program at Mariner’s Harbor Houses  

   Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Member Debi Rose announced the City would invest $5.7 million to renovate a community center at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Mariner’s Harbor Houses on Staten Island. The renovated community center will expand the Department of Youth and Community Development’s (DYCD) Cornerstone Program at Mariner’s Harbor Houses, providing an additional 150 residents with access to quality, community-based programming in two facilities that span more than 5000 square feet. The renovation is expected to be completed in early 2020.

Opened in 2016, the Cornerstone Program at Mariner’s Harbor Houses is funded by DYCD and operated by United Activities Unlimited. The initiative offers community members a variety of programming determined by residents, including homework assistance, sports clinics, mentoring programs, clothing drives and special events and trips.

“Community centers are the heart of our neighborhoods, and provide a place for all New Yorkers to come together, learn and have fun,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This renovation will ensure that more residents have access to engaging programs and activities, and strengthen the community as a whole.”

“We know that when our young people have nowhere to go after school, they are far more likely to run into trouble with the law” said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. “This substantial investment into the Mariners Harbor Community Center will provide invaluable programming, services, and most importantly a safe place for the residents of that community to learn & play. Investments like these have ripple effects throughout the neighborhood, and I applaud Mayor De Blasio, NYCHA, DYCD, for recognizing that all Staten Islanders need spaces like this to feel safe in their communities.”

"I commend Mayor de Blasio and Council member Rose for their investment in the renovation of this important program. Mariner's Harbor is a community that is farthest away from much of the North Shore development, so important upgrades to the community like this ensure the residents are getting the vital services they deserve,” said New York State Senator Diane Savino.

  

“The addition of a renovated center right next to the Cornerstone Program funded by DYCD and operated by United Activities Unlimited will give residents access to even more vital community services, and another place to keep them safe and engaged,” said Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Bill Chong.

“For NYCHA residents, community centers are more than just a building, they are a foundation for our​ neighborhoods,” said NYCHA General Manager Michael Kelly. “Investing in Mariner's Harbor Houses to double the current community center space means Staten Island youth will have an expanded area to call their own whether they're receiving help at a computer lab or homework assistance. Today, with the partnership of Mayor de Blasio, we're moving closer to achieving our NextGen NYCHA goal of creating safe, stable and connected communities.”

Mariner’s Harbor is one of 94 Cornerstone Programs at NYCHA community centers in all five boroughs. Started in 2010, the program is a joint NYCHA and DYCD effort to create vibrant, multi-generational community centers on NYCHA developments that are responsive to local needs and improve quality of life and well-being of neighborhood residents.

This investment is a part of the Administration’s ongoing efforts to build stronger neighborhoods through enhanced community engagement and expanded programming for NYCHA residents. In March, Mayor de Blasio pledged $1 million to help build a community center at NYCHA Marcy Houses. In 2014, Mayor de Blasio expanded summer hours at 107 community centers in NYCHA developments, including Cornerstones, so that they remain open until 11 P.M. The later hours provide young people with a safe space for recreation and learning.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Irish Heritage Celebration

It may not have been St. Patrick's Day as Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Nunzio Del Greco explained why the Irish Heritage Celebration was being held during Easter Week. Mr. Bob Nolan was the emcee of the event which honored five fine Irish Americans. The Honorees were Ms. Carolyn Murphy VP of Marketing for Country Bank, Mr. John Doyle local civic activist, Mr. John McEvoy NYC Account Manager for Optimum Lightpath, Mr. Brian Anderson Community Outreach Director for Woodlawn Cemetery, and Mr. Mark Doyle (no relation to John Doyle) of Just Nuts entertainment. Sister Purificacion Ferrero gave the invocation, and blessed the BCC Luncheon. 

  

Left - Bob Nolan Emcee of the BCC Irish Heritage Luncheon.

Right - Sister Purificacion Ferrero giving the invocation.

Left - BCC President Mr. Nunzio Del Greco welcomes everyone, and tells of how the BCC has grown in the past year.

Right - The packed room for the BCC event.

Above - The proud Doyle family of Honoree John Doyle (center rear) includes his mother, father, brother, and friends. 

Below - BCC Chairman Joseph Kelleher sings some Irish songs with the Just Nuts Entertainment Group with Honoree Mark Doyle.

A group photo of the honorees, Sister Purificacion Ferrero, and the President and Chairman of the BCC, Mr. Nunzio Del Greco and Mr. Joseph Kelleher.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul Explains New State Budget at Bronx House

  Joined by State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and Councilman Jimmy Vacca (Not pictured), Bronx House Executive Director Howard Martin, and a full room of area residents Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul gave a power point presentation on major aspects of the newly passed New York State budget.

Above - The elected officials and the audience listen to Councilman Jimmy Vacca who is pictured below.

Above - Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul shows her enthusiasm about the just passed state budget while she explains some of the key points of the state budget.

Below - Senator Klein and Assemblyman Gjonaj thank her for the informative presentation.

Lieutenant Governor's Post- Budget Announcement at Bronx House

Please join NYS Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj &  Lieutenant Governor of New York Kathy Hochul  for a Post-Budget Announcement Thursday April 13,2017 Bronx House 990 Pelham Parkway S Bronx , NY 10461 10:30am  ** Doors open at 10:00am** PLEASE RSVP TO 718-409-0109 OR  ASSEMBLYMANGJONAJEVENTS@GMAIL.COM

STATEMENT FROM ASSEMBLYMAN MARK GJONAJ; State Budget Moves New York Forward

   "I would like to thank my colleagues and Speaker Heastie for remaining strong and united throughout these important budget negotiations. While it was a long - and sometimes frustrating - journey, I am proud of our final agreement. This year's $153.1 billion budget is an investment in our neighborhoods, education and quality of life. I know it will serve as a blueprint to move our state forward and continue our progress in expanding opportunities for those that need a helping hand.

"This year's budget prioritized education. Tuition-free college for working and middle-class families is now a reality thanks to the Excelsior Scholarship Program. No one should be turned away from earning a college degree because of cost, and I am overjoyed that students will be able to achieve their career goals without the extreme financial burden many graduates feel today.

"Education is a great equalizer, but to make that a reality we need to keep driving funding to our schools. This year's budget invests in our kids and eliminates barriers so that every student can get an education that helps to shape their future. The budget includes a $50 million increase in Community Schools aid for a total of $150 million. This will allow schools to be converted into community schools that deliver valuable services to both students and families, including critical support to at-risk children, strengthening neighborhoods and preventing schools from being taken over by the state. This budget will also work to protect public libraries, an essential part of our neighborhoods. Additional funding was allocated to ensure that they can continue to provide services and resources to residents.

"A secure, affordable place to live is vital to every family's health and stability, particularly for children. This budget allocates $200 million for New York City Housing Authority capital repairs, $150 million for the Middle-Income Housing Program, $125 million for senior housing, and $41 million for home ownership programs. By ensuring that every household has adequate support brings stability and vitality to our neighborhoods.

"Millions of New Yorkers rely on mass transportation and ridership is only growing, so we must make smart investments when it comes to our infrastructure. The Assembly secured $65 million for the MTA Capital Plan to help accommodate more passengers and improve efficiency.

 

"New Yorkers should never have to worry about the water coming out of our faucets and drinking fountains. This budget includes $200 million for drinking and wastewater infrastructure improvements in New York City's watershed. We have all seen the devastating effects contaminated and polluted water can have on a community. Clean water is absolutely essential to our health and safety, it is important that we make robust investments in replacing our pipes and water mains.

"My colleagues and I work hard to ensure a fair and equitable quality of life for all, and I am confident this budget does exactly that," said Assemblymember Mark Gjonaj.

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDREW COHEN, NYC PARKS DEPARTMENT, & COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO BREAK GROUND AT VAN CORTLANDT PARK SKATE PARK

 Yesterday Council Member Andrew Cohen, Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris-Rodriguez, Rosa, and members of the community broke ground at the Van Cortlandt Park Skate Park.  The skate park is part of the Master Plan for Van Cortlandt Park and funds were allocated to the project by the Mayor’s office and the New York City Council. Current Councilman Andrew Cohen said that this skate park project was started by former Councilman Oliver Koppell, his predecessor. Photos of the event are below 

Above - The original concept drawing which was brought to Community Board 8 for approval.

Below - A slightly different concept which I was told 'Has Evolved' by Parks Department officials. Certain items in the skate park were redesigned for safety reasons, and as more skate parks have been built, better qualities have been incorporated. 

Above - Councilman Cohen tells of the start of the skate park beginning under his predecessor Councilman Koppell. Note Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz with the VCP hat speaking to CB 8 Chair Dan Padernacht in the background.

Below - CB 8 Chair Dan Padernacht thanks the Parks Department and elected officials for the soon to be built skate park.

Above - Everyone grabs a shovel to throw out a ceremonial pile of dirt to start the construction of the new skate park at VCP, including future skaters.

Below - With shovels down all pose for the photo below.

CITY HALL IN YOUR BOROUGH: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO STATEN ISLAND INNOVATION CENTER MAKERSPACE, SPURRING NEW INDUSTRIAL JOBS

$50,000 new equipment grant supports 30 additional small businesses as part of the administration's Futureworks NYC initiative, helping to create more than 2,000 jobs citywide

STATEN ISLAND—Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Economic Development Corporation President James Patchett today announced a new partnership with Staten Island MakerSpace, a Stapleton based non-profit STEAM education and community innovation center that helps support new companies that are creating jobs on Staten Island. The announcement was made at a tour of Staten Island MakerSpace Wednesday morning.

MakerSpace will join the Futureworks NYC Partner Network and receive $50,000 from NYCEDC, allowing the organization to purchase advanced manufacturing equipment, including a 3D resin printer and laser cutter, and make those machines accessible to more entrepreneurs and small businesses. The funding will support marketing and outreach, and MakerSpace will introduce the equipment and its services to school and college students.

“Growing the advanced manufacturing industry and introducing students to the possibilities they present are critically important to growing New York City’s 21st century economy. A partnership with Staten Island MakerSpace builds on our work to foster modern industrial jobs accessible to all New Yorkers,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Futureworks NYC is a network of programs and resources that supports New York's advanced manufacturing sector, creates high-skilled production jobs, and increases competitiveness for existing companies. It is expected to create over 2,000 jobs. For more information click here.

“In our effort to create 100,000 good jobs over the next ten years, we are constantly looking for ways to invest in emerging industries and support the entrepreneurial spirit that drives New York City,” said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. “As Staten Island MakerSpace joins Futureworks NYC, even more entrepreneurs will have access to the advanced manufacturing technology they need to start new companies and create 21st century jobs for New Yorkers across the city.”

“Staten Island MakerSpace was built on the premise that we could give creative entrepreneurs the ability to start and grow their own businesses by giving them access to tools, equipment, and classes to build their skills. Futureworks NYC helps us expand that vision and enables us to give entrepreneurs, artisanal manufacturers, and startups more affordable access to industrial and advanced manufacturing tools, skills, and prototyping services, to make their ideas come to life,” said Scott Van Campen, Executive Director Staten Island MakerSpace.

New and current City investments in the wider industrial sector will generate more than 20,000 new jobs and support the city’s existing 530,000 manufacturing and industrial jobs, which represent 15.4 percent of the city’s private sector workforce. The sector is an important pathway to the middle class for many families, with median wages of $50,400 a year. More than 328,000 jobs in the sector (61.5 percent) are located outside Manhattan, 62 percent of the workforce comes from culturally diverse backgrounds, and nearly half are foreign-born. Approximately 63 percent of industrial and manufacturing sector jobs are available to individuals who do not have a college degree.

The first project in the Futureworks NYC portfolio was announced in October 2016, with NYCEDC’s selection of TechShop to operate a 20,000 square foot advanced manufacturing center at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, which is expected to support more than 200 businesses and create over 500 jobs in the next 5 years. The new facility is expected to open later this fall.

Futureworks NYC was first announced in November of 2015 as part of Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito’s ten-point action plan to grow industrial and manufacturing jobs. The City’s action plan for the industry will help ensure that both longstanding businesses and new firms have the space to evolve and expand, preserving and creating good jobs in New York City.

MAYOR DE BLASIO, BOROUGH PRESIDENT ODDO, COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE ANNOUNCE EXPANDED PASSENGER BOARDING FOR THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY

Ferry passengers will be able to board on the lower level at Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan starting in September, while rush-hour lower-level boarding at St. George Terminal is also undertaken on Staten Island

STATEN ISLAND—Mayor Bill de Blasio, Staten Island Borough President Jimmy Oddo, Council Member Debi Rose, NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg and Staten Island Ferry Chief Operating Officer James DeSimone today announced that passengers would this September be able to board from the lower levels in both Staten Island Ferry terminals.  The changes are expected to improve passenger circulation and relieve bottlenecks at the Staten Island Ferry, which currently carries nearly 70,000 daily passengers, with over 23 million trips in 2016 – ridership that is anticipated to grow even further with several major developments on Staten Island’s North Shore in the next year.

“Each morning and evening, Staten Islanders face huge crowds pushing their way onto the ferry," said Mayor de Blasio.  “They spoke up, and we listened.  With ridership breaking records, we’re taking steps to reducing crowding while keeping passengers safe. Lower Level boarding means more ways onto the boat, which means a more pleasant ride and fewer delays in the terminal.”

"This is a straightforward way to make the commute a little more tolerable. Who among us has not been stuck in massive crush of people while boarding the Ferry, forced to shuffle along like a zombie on the 'Walking Dead.' On this issue, I wrote to DOT asking for the change and discussed it directly with the Mayor during our dinner at Aunt Butchies," said Staten Island Borough President James S. Oddo. "Thank you to the Mayor for coming through and bringing lower level boarding to both Whitehall and St. George. This action will help alleviate some of the human traffic jams, and make for a better experience for commuters." 

"I am always at the ready to extol service upgrades provided by our New York City agencies and today is no exception. Enhancing boarding capabilities by DOT at our St. George and Whitehall terminals is an easy thumbs up. We experience passenger bottlenecks on a regular basis and know full well that those bottlenecks will increase as our North Shore developments come online and join the local travelers during harbor crossings.  Our goal is to improve service whenever possible and that has been met in Mayor de Blasio's announcement this morning as we join him, Commissioner Trottenberg and Captain DeSimone. 

In September, DOT will begin lower-level boarding at the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan, and also at the same time begin permitting lower-level boarding pilot during morning rush (7-9 A.M.) at Staten Island's St. George Terminal.  St. George passengers entering the terminal via the Kiss & Ride will have the option of accessing the lower level.  DOT will collect usage data to measure the effectiveness of lower level boarding at St. George.

In the immediate near term, DOT will continue with its study of improving passenger circulation on the main waiting room level at St. George and will begin a trial of opening multiple boarding doors to improve throughput and ease bottlenecks that sometimes develop.  Building on these initiatives, DOT will also undertake a longer-term capital study to explore the best options for permanent lower level build-out. This study, expected to begin this summer, will be conducted over approximately 18 months and coordinate with resiliency and flood proofing capital work that is already planned for the ferry terminals.

Altogether these efforts to enhance boarding are expected to cost $2 million next year.

Security and the safety of passengers remain the foremost determinants in the handling of the passenger boarding and disembarkment process.  After 9/11, lower-level boarding and passenger vehicle passage on the ferry were both ended under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, a Federal law which had required a full risk assessment.  An assessment of the terminals by a team representing the US Coast Guard, the  Security Administration, NYPD Counter Terrorism and third-party security experts submitted a security plan, subsequently approved by the Coast Guard that determined that the lower levels of both terminals be designated “restricted areas” with extremely limited access. DOT must follow the Federal requirement that boarding passengers be kept separate from disembarking passengers, who have since then only been permitted to exit through the lower levels of each terminal. 

With today’s announcement the de Blasio Administration is committed to increasing the security presence on the lower levels to ensure that embarking passengers and  disembarking passengers remain separate, as Federal law requires. Whitehall’s smaller footprint of 12,000 sq. ft allows for a easier conversion to lower-level boarding, while St. George Terminal (at 60,000 sq. ft.) presents several challenges that DOT expects to address during implementation.

"We heard loud and clear from Staten Island ferry riders that they wanted an easier commute so we are proud to be unveiling an improved boarding experience at both St. George and Whitehall terminals" said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. "From increased overnight service and new amenities like mobile-phone charging to the three new boats we expect to set sail starting in 2019, the de Blasio Administration has worked hard to improve the experience of Staten Island Ferry riders. Lower-level boarding on the ferry will further enhance the inimitable ferry experience – and will benefit both the commuters who make their way across the harbor each day and the tourists for whom riding the ferry is now one of New York City's great must-do experiences." 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

I can't wait for the mayor to come to the Bronx.