The Broadway Corridor resolution from the Community Board 8 Traffic and Transportation Meeting May 25th

Traffic and Transportation Committee

Bronx Community Board No. 8

5676 Riverdale Avenue

Bronx, New York 10471

Resolution

Dated: May 25, 2017.         

WHEREAS, Broadway between West 242nd Street and the City Line (“Broadway Corridor”) is a wide street, comprised of at least two northbound lanes and two southbound lanes, with parking on each side; and

WHEREAS, the New York City Department of Transportation (“DOT”) has presented a plan for safety improvements from West 242nd Street to the City Line; and

WHEREAS, DOT cites speeding as an issue along the corridor and states speeding is especially prevalent during off peak hours; and

WHEREAS, DOT cites a number of accidents between 2010 and 2014 on the Broadway Corridor;

WHEREAS, DOT recognizes Broadway as an important bus route for 9 NYC Transit lines, some of which connect to the subway lines; and

WHEREAS, Broadway is also known as U.S. Route 9, a designated truck route; and

WHEREAS, Broadway is the western boundary of Van Cortlandt Park; and

WHEREAS, DOT installed two signalized crossings (traffic lights) on Broadway and West 246th Street and at Broadway at the Tortoise and Hare Statue Park entrance in November 2016; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that speeding has been greatly reduced on the Broadway Corridor since the installation of these new traffic lights; and

WHEREAS, DOT has stated that it cannot study the effects of these new traffic lights for at least one year from the date of their installation;

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that lack of parking is an issue on the Broadway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that they would like DOT to study the possibility of angle parking along Van Cortlandt Park; and

WHEREAS, DOT proposed the addition of parking spots along the Broadway Corridor which could be installed regardless of the plan being implemented; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that double parking is an issue on the Broadway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the wide 13’ parking lane permits the flow of traffic around double parked vehicles; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that if the DOT plan was implemented, which would narrow the traffic lanes, double parking would stop the flow of traffic on Broadway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that, Van Cortlandt Park, as a renowned cross country and track destination, attracts schools from across the country to sporting events and that during these events, large buses double park along the Broadway Corridor on both sides of the street; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that if the DOT plan was implemented, which would narrow the traffic lanes, double parking of these buses at the sporting events would stop the flow of traffic on Broadway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, DOT proposes that the curbside bus stops on the northbound side of the Broadway corridor will be eliminated and replaced with bus bulbs thereby forcing buses to stop in a moving traffic lane to pick up and drop off passengers; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that if the DOT plan was implemented, the new bus stops would stop the flow of traffic on Broadway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that similar changes as those proposed have been implemented in Manhattan and have caused devastating congestion;

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the proposed protected bike lane may be dangerous to pedestrians entering and exiting the park, especially individuals with baby carriages which enter the bike lane first; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the proposed protected bike lane may be dangerous to motorists exiting their vehicle, particularly with packages, carriages and children on the Northbound lane because of the narrowed lane with oncoming traffic and the bike lane on the other side of the vehicle; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the proposed plan may be dangerous to motorists exiting their vehicle, particularly with packages, carriages and children in the Southbound lane, being reduced to an 8’ width, with oncoming width; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the public would prefer bike lanes in the park and not in the street;

WHEREAS, the narrowing of lanes coupled with double-parked vehicles and buses stopping in traffic lanes will create congestion and gridlock on the Broadway Corridor;

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that if the plan was implemented, the congestion and gridlock will cause vehicles to use alternate streets in North Riverdale such as Post Road, Fieldston Road and Riverdale Avenue;

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that if the plan was implemented, the congestion and gridlock will cause emergency vehicles to be hindered in their vital functions; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that the Broadway Corridor has been made dangerous by the failure of DOT to maintain the striping of key crosswalks and intersections; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the businesses on West 242nd street and Broadway rely on the use of the service lane on West 242nd Street and that the proposed plan will hurt their businesses.

THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee does not approve the DOT plan as presented but finds that certain elements of the plan may be beneficial; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee appreciates the efforts of Council Member Cohen for bringing safety issues of the Broadway Corridor to the forefront of community discussion; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee recommends the restriping of the intersection at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue so as to narrow the intersection for pedestrian safety; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee recommends that DOT install the additional parking spots identified along the Broadway Corridor; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee recommends that DOT study the possibility of angled parking along Van Cortlandt Park; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee recommends that DOT initiate a study to analyze the effects of the two new traffic lights on Broadway Corridor promptly after the one year period; and

BE IT RESOLVED that should the DOT study of the traffic lights reflect additional measures needed, that DOT reconfigure the timing of the traffic lights in order to slow traffic further; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee recommends additional traffic lights on the Broadway Corridor; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the committee recommends aggressive enforcement of double parked vehicles on the Broadway Corridor;

BE IT RESOLVED that, at the Broadway exit from the southbound Henry Hudson Parkway, DOT study the elimination of the northbound lane on to Broadway, where two pedestrians have been injured, thereby directing all exiting cars to the existing lane controlled by a traffic light, as recommended in the Van Cortlandt Park Master Plan approved by Community Board #8.

BE IT RESOLVED, that DOT conduct a separate and distinct study of the area between Manhattan College Parkway and West 242nd Street in order to analyze the entire activity of this important transportation and commercial Hub;

BE IT RESOLVED that DOT move the bus stop on the west side of Broadway between Manhattan College Parkway and West 242nd Street from its current spot to a new location further north to alleviate some of the issues at this Hub;

BE IT RESOLVED that DOT consider the possibility of a traffic circle at Broadway and Manhattan College Parkway to alleviate some of the issues at the Hub; and

BE IT RESOLVED that DOT investigate the installation of unprotected, designated bike lanes on the northbound and southbound side of Broadway.

BE IT RESOLVED DOT initiate a study of alternatives for bike lanes along the Broadway Corridor, including the installation of unprotected, designated bike lanes on the northbound and southbound side of Broadway, in and out of the park, and present this study to this committee in a separate and distinct proposal from the safety plan presented herein.

In Favor: Sylvia Alexander; Margaret Donato; Myra Joyce (Community Committee Member); Joseph O’Brien; Dan Padernacht; Georgia Santiago

Opposed: Eric Bell

Abstain: Daniella Fuchs

MAYOR DE BLASIO WINDS UP 'CITY HALL IN THE BRONX WEEK' IN RIVERDALE

  'City Hall in the Bronx Week' by Mayor Bill de Blasio was a unique way of bringing the Mayor, First Lady, and just about every citywide department head to the Bronx with so many events that involved the mayor and citywide commissioners that are rarely seen here in the Bronx, I was able to cover several events (which are posted in the archive section on the left), but I have to say that to me the best event was the last one of 'City Hall in the Bronx' where Mayor de Blasio ended the week in Riverdale to say a few words at the Riverdale Jewish Center. 

  The mayor not being Jewish faith gave an inspirational speech that was on topic to the targeted audience of Jewish worshipers, but also recognized that without respect of one another there would be no civilization. He spoke of a crowded subway car where people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds are together packed in a cramped space, but the people all respect each other while the train moves on. It was a very enlightening speech in which another side of Bill de Blasio was seen, a man who loves the city he is running. 

 The photos below are outside of the synagogue after the mayor spoke out of respect. It as a wonderful site to see Mayor de Blasio standing where the Rabbi does, and speaking which I hope not to forget.

Above - As Mayor Bill de Blasio leaves he thanks Auxiliary Police Captain of the 50th Precinct for all the hard work he does for the community.

Below - The mayor was happy to pose with several of the Auxiliary officers who were on hand.  

Above - The local elected officials Congressman Eliot Engel, Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, and Councilman Andrew Cohen have their photo taken with the mayor. Also in the photo is Sarah Cohen the daughter of Councilman Cohen, and possibly the next council member when her father is term -limited out of office in four years. 

Below - Congressman Engel and Assemblyman Dinowitz must feel real safe standing with the police officers present for the mayor's visit. 

City Hall in Your Borough at Bronx House

Mayor Bill de Blasio came to Bronx House to unveil the plan to celebrated the anticipated expansion of the Senior Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE) on Friday.

With the Mayor were State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto.

Above - State Senator Jeff Klein Speaks about the benefit to homeowners especially seniors who are on a fixed income of the program.

Below - Mayor de Blasio brought people to help show the benefits of the program, and how to apply.

Above - Mayor de Blasio talks with community leaders Edith Blitzer and Andres Seigel.

Below - The mayor chats with World War two veteran Ed Peck, as Bronx House Executive Director Howard Martin watches.

Above and Below - The mayor spoke to many of the seniors in the room, who were happy that they were able to talk directly to the mayor.

Senator Jeff Klein, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Joined by Elected Officials & Seniors, Celebrate Major Property Tax Savings That Are On The Way for Homeowners

SCHE/DHE program expansion set to help thousands more live affordably in New York

Senator Jeff Klein, Mayor Bill de Blasio, joined by Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and Bronx seniors, celebrated the anticipated expansion of the Senior Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE) on Friday.

This year, Senator Klein fought to increase the income eligibility for the SCHE and DHE programs which provide major property tax exemptions to residents living on fixed incomes. In The Bronx, seniors could potentially save upwards of $1,000 a year through the exemption.

The proposal  received support from Mayor de Blasio.

The New York State Senate recently passed legislation carried by Independent Democratic Conference member Senator Diane Savino, which would raise the income cap for SCHE/DHE to $50,000 for a full 50% property tax exemption and to $58,400 for a partial exemption, which will provide much-needed relief to New York City homeowners. The eligibility levels have not been raised since 2006. The current income limit for a full 50% reduction is just $29,000.

It is expected to pass in the Assembly, where Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh carries the legislation.

“Our seniors deserve to live out their golden years without worrying that they can no longer afford their homes, the places where they raised their children and hold cherished memories. It is important that for seniors and disabled homeowners living on tight budgets we create an affordable New York by bringing real property tax relief by raising the income eligibility for SCHE and DHE to 2017 levels. I’m proud that the IDC has been the driving force behind this policy and I thank the Mayor de Blasio for his support,” said Senator Klein.

“Since the creation of these programs, life has changed significantly in New York City. We’ve watched the cost of living increase, but the income requirements for SCHE and DHE have remained stagnant,” said Mayor de Blasio. “New York City’s seniors should not be worrying about how they’ll afford to stay in their homes. At a time when we’re facing tax cuts for billionaires by billionaires, it is our duty to do all we can for those most deserving of some assistance.”

The program will help seniors save big in The Bronx. On average a qualifying homeowner in:

• Throggs Neck will save $1,029 a year
• Morris Park will save  $2,637 a year
• Melrose will save $1,589 a year
• University Heights will save $1,523 a year
• Soundview will save $2,339 a year
• Riverdale will save $1,017 a year

On average a homeowner who qualifies for the program under the expanded income threshold could save up to $1,750 a year.

This proposal would also increase the cap for partial exemptions to $58,400, with property tax exemptions provided to qualified senior and disabled homeowners on a sliding scale.

SCHE/DHE at $50,000 (Proposed)
Income Range	Abatement
$57,500 - $58,400	5%
$56,600 - $57,499	10.0%
$55,700 - $56,599	15.0%
$54,800 - $55,699	20.0%
$53,900 - $54,799	25.0%
$53,000 - $53,899	30.0%
$52,000 - $52,999	35.0%
$50,100 - $51,999	40.0%
$50,001 - $50,999	45.0%
$0 - $50,000	50.0%

ORCHARD BEACH OPENED FOR THE SUMMER

 MAYOR DE BLASIO, COMMISSIONER SILVER, SPEAKER HEASTIE, BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ AND LOCAL OFFICIALS OPEN ORCHARD BEACH FOR SUMMER, HIGHLIGHTING $50M INVESTMENT IN RESTORING ITS HISTORIC PAVILION

  Mayor Bill de Blasio, Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., and local officials officially opened Orchard Beach to the public for its summer season. Orchard Beach’s historic Pavilion is set to be restored through a $50 million investment that includes $20 million in capital funding committed by the Mayor, and $10 million in funding each from Governor Cuomo, State Assembly Speaker Heastie, and Borough President Diaz. Orchard Beach is The Bronx’s only public beach, and draws visitors from across the city. Its pavilion has been closed to the public since 2007, when deteriorated conditions rendered it unsafe.

"Together, we’re building a future for Orchard Beach that’s worthy of its history. Bronxites deserve to see the centerpiece of the Bronx Riviera restored to its former glory," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "Orchard Beach and our other beautiful public beaches are open for the summer starting this weekend."

“The Assembly is proud to commit $10 million to support the preservation of recreation space at Orchard Beach. I want to thank Mayor DeBlasio, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and Governor Cuomo for their funding investments and their commitment to work together to improve Orchard Beach,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

“Orchard Beach is one of the jewels of our borough, and it has the potential to be an even greater tourist attraction, drawing in visitors from all over the region, if not the world. The Parks Department has put forth an excellent plan for the redevelopment, and I was proud to commit $10 in capital funding from my own office’s budget last year. We have seen a tremendous commitment of resources from Mayor Bill de Blasio, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to move this project forward, and I am grateful for the support each of their offices has given to this important project. Mayor de Blasio’s visit to Orchard Beach today shows that he understands the need for a revitalized and renovated Orchard Beach Pavilion, and I look forward to partnering with his administration and others to move this project forward,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.

The City’s eight public beaches will open for the season on Saturday, May 27, and remain open through Labor Day Weekend.  Lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; swimming is prohibited at all other times. 

The design process for restoring the historic pavilion will commence over the coming year, with construction expected to be complete by 2021. The project will be managed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation. The restoration of the historic north and south pavilions will reopen the building to the public, creating more room for programming and beach-related activities, as well as improve accessibility to the beach through the main entrance of the pavilion.

"What better way to launch the beginning of the beach season than at Orchard Beach, a vital recreation venue not just for the Bronx but all of New York City. I am thrilled we are making it even better with a major investment in renovating and upgrading its aging pavilion," saidCouncil Member Mark Levine, Chair of the Committee on Parks.

History of the Orchard Beach Pavilion:

This building is designated NYC Landmark structure. It was designed and built during 1935-37 using W.P.A. funds during the tenure of Parks Commissioner Robert Moses.

The imposing building consists of a pavilion with monumental entry porticos, ramps, crescent shape dining loggias, waiting areas, observation terraces, and promenade—all facing the crescent shaped, man-made beach. The interior of the building consists of kitchens, pantries, storage spaces and a huge central dining hall.

During the early years of operation, the pavilion created a carnival-like atmosphere. An orchestra played dance music in front of the pavilion and firework displays were launched offshore on Chimney Island. After decades of neglect, the pavilion closed to the public in 2007 when deteriorating conditions left it unsafe. When reopened, it will once again become an amenity to thousands of beachgoers.

STATEMENT REGARDING BRONX OFFICIALS ENDORSEMENT IN BRONX COUNCIL DISTRICT 18 RACE

   Michael Beltzer, a Democratic candidate for City Council and Bronx Democratic Committee Member, made the following statement upon receiving a release from The Bronx Democratic Party:

"As a proud Bronx Democrat, I can't say I am surprised in Elected Officials coming out to endorse another sitting Official in District 18. It has long been an old tradition in the County to close ranks and exclude the constituents and party members from the decision-making process. If you read the statement carefully, it acknowledges achievements made in the past to fix issues that still aren't rectified. These times, where our communities are facing immense pressures from displacement and wage stagnation, require forward thinking and planning to grow not just for this generation, but for the ones to come. 

It is very concerning to me that though these officials have been mentored themselves, they could not collectively prepare a new and inclusive leader for all the people."

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Mr. Beltzer is a declared candidate in the 18th City Council race.

Wave Hill Events Jun 9–Jun 16

Two workshops, each offering different but naturally wonderful ways to focus on working with plants, make this an especially attractive Saturday and Sunday. Add birding or a guided garden walk for an uplifting mid-June weekend.  

Sat, June 10    Family Art Project: Lotus Paper Lanterns

Visit the Aquatic Garden to sketch and observe for inspiration. Using bright tissue paper, cut nature shapes inspired by the floating flowers and inhabitants of that watery garden. Then use a simple papier-mâché method to transform their shapes into globe-like lanterns. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, June 10    Garden Workshop: Artful Airplants

Wave Hill Gardener Jennifer Cimino has a special fondness for airplants (Tillandsias) and displays them in whimsical ways. She has hung them up as decorative curtains, using lengths of fishing line, and suspended others in garlands of “bells”—tiny inverted flowerpots. With Cimino guiding you, mount a selection of these easy-to-care-for plants to enliven your home or garden. $45/$30 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–NOON

Sat, June 10    Garden Highlights Walk

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Sat, June 10    Gallery Tour

Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow leads a tour of current exhibitions in Glyndor Gallery. The group show,Outcasts: Women in the Wilderness, explores how women have been treated and portrayed as outcasts in history, myth and biblical legend. In the Sunroom Project Space, Sonya Blesofsky’s sculptural installation is inspired by the history of Glyndor House, while Sindy Butz’s includes enlarged photographs and videos of her performing with Wave Hill fireplaces. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Sun, June 11    Summer Birding

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these captivating walks through the gardens and woodlands. Observe the plants, insects and habitats at Wave Hill that make it an appealing destination for such a wide variety of birds. Birders of all levels welcome! Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 9:30AM

Sun, June 11    Family Art Project: Lotus Paper Lanterns

Visit the Aquatic Garden to sketch and observe for inspiration. Using bright tissue paper, cut nature shapes inspired by the floating flowers and inhabitants of that watery garden. Then use a simple papier-mâché method to transform their shapes into globe-like lanterns. Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, June 11    Yoga in the Garden

Enjoy a morning yoga class on the lawn. Participants should bring a mat, dress appropriately and expect to be outside, unless precipitation or excessive humidity occurs. Classes are offered in partnership withYoga Haven. All levels welcome. Continues Sundays through June and July 9. $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Pre-registration recommended, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM–11AM

Sun, June 11    Family Nature Walk

Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. No registration required. Children ages six and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds. 

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, NOON

Sun, June 11    Wellness Workshop: Nature’s Medicine Cabinet―Summer Healing

Phase out the over-the-counter products in your medicine cabinet and replace them with all-natural, plant-based alternatives. Working with herbalist Tina Triburgo of Tina’s Tinctures, formulate home remedies for summer symptoms, such as sunburn, scrapes and rashes, poison ivy, bee stings and dehydration. Go home with a full set of handmade samples as well as recipes and resources for creating these products on your own. Ages 10 and up welcome with an adult. $55/$45 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1–3PM

Sun, June 11    Garden Highlights Walk

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, June 12    

Closed to the public.

Tue, June 13    Garden Highlights Walk

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Tue, June 13    Gallery Tour

Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow will lead a tour of current exhibitions in Glyndor Gallery. The group show,Outcasts: Women in the Wilderness, explores how women have been treated and portrayed as outcasts in history, myth and biblical legend. In the Sunroom Project Space, Sonya Blesofsky’s sculptural installation is inspired by the history of Glyndor House, while Sindy Butz’s includes enlarged photographs and videos of her performing with Wave Hill fireplaces. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–5:30PM, starting March 15.  Closes 4:30PM, November 1–March 14.

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesdaymornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.