MAYOR DE BLASIO AND COUNCIL MEMBER YDANIS RODRIGUEZ RELEASE INWOOD NYC 2017 ACTION PLANMAYOR DE BLASIO AND COUNCIL MEMBER YDANIS RODRIGUEZ RELEASE INWOOD NYC 2017 ACTION PLAN

Community-driven plan focuses on built character, affordable housing, support for small businesses, workforce development and access to the Harlem River

  Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO James Patchett, and City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez today unveiled the Inwood NYC 2017 Action Plan which outlines neighborhood-wide goals and strategies that will build on Inwood’s strengths and address pressing challenges – including outdated zoning and rising rents, antiquated infrastructure, support for small businesses, workforce development and access to the Harlem River waterfront. 

“This community-driven plan means creating and preserving affordable housing, improving parks and access to the Harlem River, a new library, roads, schools, job development and vital business districts. We are working closely with Council Member Rodriquez and residents to ensure those living in Inwood today can stay and benefit from what is to come,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

The Inwood NYC 2017 Action Plan, as well as public meeting materials and community feedback, are available here in English and Spanish.

The Action Plan is a major milestone of the Inwood NYC Neighborhood Planning Initiative, a two-year, community-wide engagement process that has reached over 2,300 residents, local nonprofits, businesses, and elected officials. The City has worked with the Inwood community and elected officials to shape a plan that best meets the needs of residents. A defined list of community priorities has been laid out through a series of bilingual public events, workshops, stakeholder meetings and surveys, including:

·   Development of new affordable housing and preservation of existing affordable housing

·         Tenant protection from property owner harassment and unlawful rents

·         Easy access and connection to the Harlem River waterfront

·        Preservation of Inwood’s distinct built character west of 10^th Avenue, while ensuring that new developments are subject to Mandatory Inclusionary Housing requirements

·         Investment in outdated infrastructure, including streets, parks, sewers, and community spaces

·   Increased access to quality jobs, workforce development, and youth programming

·         Support for local businesses and arts & cultural organizations

“This Action Plan outlines comprehensive strategies to address Inwood’s most pressing challenges, such as rising rents, antiquated zoning, lack of access to the waterfront and outdated infrastructure,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO James Patchett. “With the continued leadership and advocacy of Council Member Rodriguez and Borough President Brewer, the City is committed to preserving Inwood’s distinct character, while creating and preserving affordable housing, expanding economic opportunities and improving neighborhood livability so that it remains an affordable and vibrant community.”

STATEMENT FROM IDC LEADER JEFF KLEIN ON THURSDAY"S SPECIAL SESSION

  Today, we came together to finish the people’s business benefiting constituents in every corner of the state. A two-year extension of mayoral control ensures continuity and stability for New York City’s public school students. Through this package, we take care of upstate communities worried about flooding and job security, and ensure the financial health of municipalities by renewing tax extenders. There’s always more to get done, and the Independent Democratic Conference will continue to advocate for the issues most important to our constituents and all New Yorkers as we head into next session.

Candidates Visit Tracy Towers

  Last night there was a meet the candidates night at the Tracy Towers community room. Over 45 people were on hand to see Democratic Mayoral candidate Sal Albanese and Democratic Bronx Borough President candidate Carmela Price. The two have joined together for the Democratic Primary, while also being the candidates of the Reform Party meaning they both will be on the November ballot either as both the Democratic and Reform Party candidates or just the Reform Party candidates. 

  

  Bronx Borough President candidate Carmela Price opened the forum, and gave a vision of her Bronx compared to what the current Bronx is. Ms. Price said that she had worked for current Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. (whom she is running against), but that she would not be the one to say negative things about her opponent. She did mention the community board application process, by saying if you didn't agree with the current Borough President your application went into the shredder. She said that she is opposed to Mayoral Control of the public schools, and that she wants to make a change. That is the reason she is running for Bronx Borough President, the fact that she knows what the job of the Borough President is.

  When questions were asked, as to a question about North Central Bronx Hospital downsizing and Montefiore taking over, her answer was why is the current borough president being so silent. To a question about the current Opioid epidemic, she held up a a overdose kit saying that she is trained to treat people who overdose and she wants to stop the epidemic. 

  Mayoral candidate Sal Albanese arrived after getting stuck in traffic which he said that he wants to clear up. It seems that there is to much traffic, and he wants to know why that is. Candidate Albanese brought up several issues about the deBlasio administration which included homelessness, Mayoral Control, lack of enough police, NYCHA, over development, and the aging subway system to name some. His solutions, Homelessness - move those out of the motels and into decent housing, Mayoral Control - end it and give more control to the community rather than all the power in the hands of the mayor, Police - look at what the police force is doing, and hire more officers if needed, NYCHA - do not sell the public areas in and around the houses for private development, Over development - rip up the zoning rules that the current mayor made so buildings can be built higher and on top of each other, The subway system - find out what really needs fixing and partner with the state to fix it.

  It is going to be a hard uphill battle for both Mayoral candidate Sal Albanese and Bronx Borough President candidate Carmela Price. First they have to get well over the required number pf signatures, and then their petitions have to be able to survive challenges that are sure to be filed. Both however are very optimistic about their respective races, but how many votes can optimism get you?

Above - Mayoral candidate Sal Albanese.

Below Bronx Borough President candidate Carmela Price.

Ms. Jean Hill the President of the Tracy Towers Tenants Association stands between Mayoral candidate Sal Albanese, and Bronx Borough President candidate Carmella Price. Ms. Hill said that there will be other candidates forums with candidates invited who represent or want to represent the community.

Kappock Street intersection reconstruction

 The intersection at Kappock Street, Netherland Avenue, and Knolls Crescent is being redone by the NYCDOT to make the intersection safer to cross below are photos of the work in progress.

Above and Below - Work being done to make the island at Kappock Street and Netherland Avenue larger.

Above - The turning lane from Netherland Avenue to Kappock Street will be slightly tighter.

Below - The Sidewalk going to Kappock Street is closed as you can see during the construction.

Bronx Democratic Party - Endorse Fidel Gomez for Civil Court Judge

Bronx elected officials and members of the Bronx Democratic Party have joined together to announce their support for Fidel Gomez's candidacy for Civil Court Judge. Fidel Gomez is a candidate in the First Municipal Court District of Bronx County and will be on the ballot for the Democratic Primary Election on September 12, 2017. If elected, Fidel Gomez will serve as the first Dominican male to serve in the Bronx Civil Court.

 

"Fidel Gomez has set himself apart from the pack by having tremendous decision writing skills and is well known in the legal community for having one of the sharpest minds," said Bronx Democratic Party Chairman and Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo. "After having immigrated to this country from the Dominican Republic at the age of six, Fidel has dedicated his judicial career to serving his community in The Bronx and his story serves as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and tenacity that he brings to the table. Without reservation, I am proud to endorse Fidel Gomez for Civil Court Judge."

 

"I am pleased that such a distinguished and dedicated servant of the law is running for the Civil Court of the Bronx," said County Committee Chair and Assembly Member Latoya Joyner "As a Law Clerk for several of the Bronx's finest judges - including Justices Nelson Roman, Mitchell Danziger and Ben Barbato - Fidel's experience and judgment are of the highest competence and I know that if elected, he will serve with distinction in this new role as well."

 

"I am pleased that once again the Bronx Democratic Party has nominated a highly qualified individual to the bench. Fidel Gomez has a distinguished legal career and is a highly respected court attorney. I am certain that he will be a superb Judge of the Civil Court," said Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz.

 

"Fidel Gomez is a dedicated public servant with almost two decades of legal experience, including over 10 years as Law Clerk in all branches of our courts," said Assembly Member Luis R. Sepulveda. "As a practicing attorney who has seen the quality of his work first hand, I am proud to endorse his run for the Civil Court Judge and it will truly be an honor to see him serve on the bench."

 

"Fidel brings a wealth of relevant experience to the bench. Significantly, having been a litigator for many years where he tried dozens of high exposure cases and having Clerked for Judges at both the Trial and Appellate levels, Fidel is uniquely qualified to serve on the Civil Court of the City of New York," said State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey.

Bronx LGBTQ Center

Throggs Neck Homeowners City Council Forum

  There were eight candidates at the Throggs Neck Forum held last night at Villa Barone. Eight candidates for the term-limited 13th City Council seat showed up, but only seven candidates left as one pulled out of the race. The night was filled with bashing the community board, bashing elected officials, and other non issue items by some of the candidates while the three main candidates stuck to the issues. The waterfront, lack of adequate police, lower performing schools, and overdevelopment. 

  There will be more forums and candidate debates before the September Democratic primary and November general election. If last night was any indication of what is to come this race is to close to call. Candidates gave out wrong information in their attempts to gain votes while their bashing efforts went on against one candidate who is an elected official, and one candidate who has the backing of the city councilman. The captions below the photo should tell you the rest of the story.

Above - The night started off well for Republican candidate John Cerini, but went downhill from there.

Below - Candidate John Doyle stayed on the issues that were important to the community, and spoke of his experience in the community.

Above - Republican candidate Lucia Giradi announces that she is pulling out of the race leaving Republican candidate John Cerini as the only Republican candidate. However Ms. Giardi also announced that she would be supporting candidate Mark Gjonaj in the 13th city council race.

Below - Candidate and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj speaks of his experience as a legislator, and how he can help provide the guidance that the community is asking for.

Above - Candidate Alex Gomez  said that he was not a politician, that people should follow the money, and called for Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj to resign as an assemblyman to run for the city council.

Below - Candidate Victor Ortiz spoke of his experience working with Congressman Serrano, and that he worked to create bills in Albany.

Above - Candidate Egidio Sementelli Also attacked Assemblyman Gjonaj and the current elected officials. He said that he is the oldest candidate in the race.

Below - Candidate Velazquez said that she is a female district leader in the area, and has the support of the current councilman Jimmy Vacca as well as neighboring councilman Ritchie Torres, and several prominent female elected officials.

  To a question about Ferry Point overdevelopment the responses went, Cerini - The Target mall is the cause of traffic and broken streets. Doyle - wants to sit down with the companies that have come into the area to work on solutions. Gjonaj - Spoke about the Capri Motel situation, and the tractor trailers that do not belong. Gomez - blamed the community board. Ortiz - Wants to build a recreation center. Sementilli - Went after Simone Developers (who built the Target Mall) and the elected officials. Velazquez - Said she is a member of the CAB of the Capri Motel, and hold the owner accountable.

 To a question of the local precinct - Most candidates said they know the commanding officer or have been to Precinct Council meetings. Semetilli blamed Councilman Vacca for the low number of officer at the 45th Precinct, Gjonaj said that because the community is designated as a safe community the number of police officers is low, but would like to bring in the drug module program that the 49th Precinct has. Doyle said that because the precinct is so large he would push for more police officers. 

There were a few more questions asked, but the responses seemed to be the same as the person asked last got the benefit of hearing those before them answer the question. 

Some points I took during the forum.

Mr. Cerini said that there were 175 police officers at the 45th Precinct. I know as a fact that having been the Budget Chair for Community Board 8 and at the November 2015 Budget consultations with city agencies the boards were given a list of the number of police officers at each Bronx Precinct. The number in November 2016 was 135 officers at the 45th precinct. Mr. Cerini said to me he may have been wrong.

Also as a member of Community Board 8 Mr. Gomez and Mr. Ortiz could not tell me how community boards are in control of development in council districts. Community boards only come into play during the ULERP process which one did not know what it was. both said they did not really know after I told them. 

I believe this is a two or three person race on the Democratic side to decide which Democrat will face Republican John Cerini in November. the three are Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, Female District Leader Marjorie Velazquez, and Mr. John Doyle, however Mr. Doyle may be the deciding factor in this race one way or another. It is still to close to call on the Democratic side, and in future debates or forums that only the Democratic candidates be seated since they are competing to be Mr. Cerinis opponent.

11th City Council Candidate gets a Boost from Mayoral and Public Advocate Candidates

  Mr. Michael Rendino the Bronx Republican County Leader brought some big names to help show off his Republican candidate for the 11th City Council district in November's General Election. Pictured above Republican County Leader Rendino is between Mayoral candidate Paul Massey (right) and 11th City Council candidate Judah D. Powers on the left.

  While both Powers and Massey may be new to politics they showed off that they each know the problems of the city and the 11th council district. Massey comes from the real estate field, and has been married for 29 years. He spoke about something that seems to be missing that being family values. Massey spoke of some of what is wrong with the current administration from trying to fine small businesses to death to Quality of life issues that have come up in the news recently. Massey, as an expert on housing said that there will be a real housing crisis soon as a good percentage of New York City's housing is nearing the same age as the subway system, that being over 100 years old. 

  Mr. J.C. Polonco a former Board of Elections Commissioner, and political commentator and consultant was more direct in his quest to be the next Public Advocate. Mr. Polonco didn't attack the current Public Advocate like Mr. Massey did to the current mayor, but he stressed that the current Public Advocate has not been doing her job as Public Advocate by not questioning the policies and dealings of the current mayor. The Pay to Play scandal was mentioned with the current Public Advocate doing nothing to be a check on the mayor as the position was made to be. He said that a television Station had to sue for information on the mayor's dealings with certain Agents of the City which the current Public Advocate should have done. 

  Candidate Judah Powers said that more needs to be done for the people of the 11th district, and while not coming out by saying it directly he said that the 11th Council District needs a representative who will look out for them, He was vague on policy, but said that he and people he has spoken with are not happy with the way things are headed in the district.

  Bronx Republican Leader Michael Rendino said that if people want to see better leaders that they should vote for the candidates backed by the Bronx Republican Party, and not just go in tto vote blindly for a slate of candidates they are given. He said that all three candidates at the meeting have been endorsed by the Bronx Republican Party. 

Above - Bronx Republican County Leader Michael Rendino welcomes everyone to meet and hear the candidates of the Bronx Republican Party.

Below - Republican Party Public Advocate candidate J.C. Polonco explains why he is better qualified for the job of Public Advocate than the current Public Advocate. 

  One special note is that this is the same place that the Ben Franklin Democratic Club had their 2014 endorsement meeting to vote to endorse State Senator Jeff Klein for  re-election over one of the Democratic club's founding fathers and former Councilman Oliver Koppell.