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Sunday, May 26, 2019
Join Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for a Housing Town Hall on May 30th at 6:00pm!
Join Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, NYS Senator Alessandra Biaggi, Bronx Progressives the Housing Justice for All Coalition and local electeds this Thursday, May 30th at 6:00pm for a townhall to talk about Housing Justice!
As you know the the laws protecting millions of tenants in New York State will be expiring on June 15th. Learn about the Housing Justice Coalition platform such as Universal Rent Control and Good Cause!
Come ready to ask your elected officials how they plan on ensuring that housing is a universal right for all on the State and Federal level!
RSVP here:
Join us at The Sanz at 815 Allerton Avenue (take the 2 train to Allerton Avenue or the Bx 26 bus to Boston Road and Allerton Avenue. Doors open at 6:00pm sharp!
Friday, May 24, 2019
Community Board 1 Unanimously Votes NO Against Proposed New Jail Site
Mott Haven Jail plan gets voted down by Community Board 1 after months of opposition
All 24 members of Bronx Community Board 1 voted against the de Blasio Administration’s controversial plan to build a jail in Mott Haven. The Community Board has consistently voiced its opposition to the plan and expressed concerns that the jail will only exacerbate the neighborhood’s crime and drug problems, while blocking community-backed development of affordable housing.
“Community Board 1 unanimously confirmed what hundreds of Mott Haven residents already know: a jail is not what Mott Haven needs,” said Arline Parks CEO of Diego Beekman Mutual Housing. “The city has continually sidestepped the members of the Mott Haven community in their decision to site this jail—and this vote unequivocally tells the City that Mott Haven rejects their plan. Now it’s time for Speaker Johnson and the City Council to stand with a low-income community of color and vote no on this plan.”
“Tonight, Community Board #1 has reiterated the message that so many of us have made from the day the administration announced its plan: Mott Haven is the wrong site for a new jail. Riker’s Island must be closed, but the city cannot ignore community input and steamroll neighborhoods through the land use process in order to do so. We have proposed a much more appropriate site for a new jail, adjacent to the Bronx Hall of Justice. The city has proposed to reconstruct existing facilities in Manhattan and Brooklyn to make their neighborhood jail plan work. There is no reason they cannot follow the same development path and repurpose the outmoded Family Court site and surrounding vacant space to build a jail in The Bronx. I will continue to work with elected officials and community organizations to make the case for a better Bronx jail plan and fight the administration’s wrongheaded proposal to build a jail in Mott Haven,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
“Since it was first announced, the De Blasio Administration’s proposal to build a new jail in Mott Haven has been opposed by almost everyone in the local community, including many elected officials. Today, I am proud to once again join this coalition to urge Mayor De Blasio to reconsider his decision to build a new jail in the middle of an up and coming working class, family neighborhood. While I support shutting down and replacing Rikers’ Island, any replacement must include comprehensive community input and should not come at the expense of working families in underserved areas like the Bronx. Many Bronx Community Board members agree with us, and it is my hope that today’s vote sends a clear message to the De Blasio administration that Mott Haven is not the right site for a new jail in our borough. Bronxites deserve better and a new jail in the Bronx to help replace Rikers’ Island should be built somewhere else,” said Congressman Jose E. Serrano.
At a recent CB1 Land Use Committee Hearing, a number of Board members questioned the City’s cursory evaluation of the Mott Haven site and lack of disclosure over the consideration of the Bronx Borough President’s preferred site near the Bronx Courthouse. The City chose the proposed Mott Haven location without input or support from the community, and their overwhelming vote against the plan publicly confirms that the City chose this site against the communities wishes.
Opponents have argued since the beginning that the jail would prevent local community based organizations from using the proposed space to build a mixed-income housing development that would help revitalize the Mott Haven community. In addition, the community has been openly critical about the rushed nature of the ULURP process. By grouping all four proposed jail sites into one, the City has brushed off the Mott Haven community’s concerns in favor of an expedient land use process.
Community Board 11 Yankee Award Recipients
Pictured above are (L - R) Community Board 11 Education Chair Linda White, Salsabeel Al-Silwi, Shanyia B. Coleman, Daniel Flores, Joanna Zhao, Olivia Musto, and CB 11 Chair Al D'Angelo.
The Yankee Recognition awards were presented at the Thursday full board meeting at Lubin Hall.
Wave Hill events June 6‒13: Frog and Toad Day!
Hop into June at Wave Hill at Frog and Toad Day, Sunday, June 9! Learn about how these handsome amphibians are indicators of environmental health during a nature presentation by the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, then meet them in person. Searching for something a tad(pole) calmer? Here We Land artist Sara Jimenez invites you to clear your mind with a special meditation session at her Glyndor Gallery installation, Saturday, June 8. She’ll be joined meditation and movement guru Kate Johnson. And, register today for a un-frog-gettable plein-air painting excursion June 12 at sister organization, Glynwood, with instructor Wennie Huang—seats fill up quickly!
Oh, dear, it’s easy to get carried when you’re focused on frogs!
Thu, June 6
Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM
Fri, June 7
Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM
Sat, June 8
The Family Art Project believes in the power of community and wild imagination to nurture nature spaces we know and love. Come celebrate and learn from Wave Hill’s Art, Community and Environment Stewards (ACES) youth interns through artmaking inspired by their exhibition on view in our Gund Theater. Each of these young people will guide you on a story-walk and stop to create art along the way as they share their vision of wilderness. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM
Sat, June 8
Tour Glyndor Gallery with Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow or Gallery Greeter to get an insider’s view of current exhibitions. The exhibition Here We Land features three former Winter Workspace artists, Camille Hoffman, Maria Hupfield and Sara Jimenez, who return to explore narratives about contested space that draw on personal and cultural touch points in their immersive installations. In the Sunroom, Amir Hariri creates sculptural installations constructed of wood, brick and other building materials—along with a wall drawing—that connect to his architectural research to the Bronx and Wave Hill. In the Sun Porch, Geoffrey Owen Miller suspends transparent, upside down sculptures of flora and fauna—inspired by Wave Hill—from the ceiling over sheets of black-mirrored glass. Visitors see prismatic reflections of the hanging plants and animals in upright positions in the glass. Free with admission to the grounds.
Glyndor Gallery, 2PM
Sat, June 8
Join exhibiting artist Sara Jimenez and meditation and movement teacher Kate Johnson for an intimate session surrounded by Jimenez’s fictional cityscape in Glyndor Gallery’s exhibition, Here We Land. Participate in movement, breath work, guided imagery and automatic writing as we contemplate imaginary futures and fragmented pasts. $20; Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration required, online or at the Perkins Visitor Center.
Glyndor Gallery, 3PM
Sun, June 9
Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these walks through the gardens and woodlands. Observe the plants, insects and habitats at Wave Hill that make it so appealing 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.
Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 9:30AM
Sun, June 9
On Sundays through July, enjoy the gardens as the setting for your yoga practice as your find your breath and become connected to the landscape. Classes are led by certified Yoga Haven instructors. All levels welcome. Please bring a mat and be on time. This class is rain or shine; the rain location is Glyndor Gallery. $25; Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration suggested, online.
On the Grounds, 9:30‒10:30AM
Sun, June 9
The Family Art Project believes in the power of community and wild imagination to nurture nature spaces we know and love. Come celebrate and learn from Wave Hill’s Art, Community and Environment Stewards (ACES) youth interns through artmaking inspired by their exhibition on view in our Gund Theater. Each of these young people will guide you on a story-walk and stop to create art along the way as they share their vision of wilderness. Free with admission to the grounds.
Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM
Sun, June 9
Frogs and toads are ancient amphibians that once shared the earth with dinosaurs. Like most amphibians, they are important indicators of environmental health and have adapted to survive in water, the desert and even arctic habitats. Join Environmental Educator Carl Heitmuller from the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum to learn about frog characteristics and adaptations, hear frog vocalizations and meet frogs, toads and tadpoles from the Museum’s collection.Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Registration recommended, online at wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free with admission to the grounds. Frog and Toad Day event.
Wave Hill House, Noon and 1:30PM
Sun, June 9
Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. Family walks begin at Wave Hill House. Ages five and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds.
Meet at Wave Hill House, 1PM
Sun, June 9
Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 2PM
Tue, June 11
Tour Glyndor Gallery with Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow or Gallery Greeter to get an insider’s view of current exhibitions. The exhibition Here We Land features three former Winter Workspace artists, Camille Hoffman, Maria Hupfield and Sara Jimenez, who return to explore narratives about contested space that draw on personal and cultural touch points in their immersive installations. In the Sunroom, Amir Hariri creates sculptural installations constructed of wood, brick and other building materials—along with a wall drawing—that connect to his architectural research to the Bronx and Wave Hill. In the Sun Porch, Geoffrey Owen Miller suspends transparent, upside down sculptures of flora and fauna—inspired by Wave Hill—from the ceiling over sheets of black-mirrored glass. Visitors see prismatic reflections of the hanging plants and animals in upright positions in the glass. Free with admission to the grounds.
Glyndor Gallery, 2PM
Wed, June 12
Bring your plein air practice on the road! Work al fresco with artist Wennie Huang at Glynwood, a bucolic, 19th-century, working farm and nonprofit in Cold Spring, NY, where vast and verdant agricultural vistas await. Wave Hill and Glynwood have a shared history, thanks to the Perkins-Freeman Family, who owned both properties and ensured their ongoing preservation for the education and enjoyment of the public. Transportation and paper included; bring a picnic lunch and pastels. Rain date: Wednesday, June 19. $125; Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration required, online or at the Perkins Visitor Center.
Meet at Wave Hill Front Gate, 9AM‒4PM
Wed, June 12
Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM
Thu, June 13
Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM
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, March 15–October 31. Closes 4:30PM, starting November 1.
ADMISSION – $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings 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/
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.
STATEHOOD FOR PUERTO RICO
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Councilman, Rubén Díaz Sr.
District 18 Bronx County, New York
STATEHOOD FOR PUERTO RICO
You should know that I couldn’t be happier to read the article written by Sally Goldenberg titled “Puerto Ricans in New York overwhelmingly support statehood, new poll finds” that appeared in the May 22, 2019 edition of PoliticoPro.
Puerto Rico most certainly deserves to be the 51st Star on our nation’s flag, and it will be my greatest priority when I am elected to serve as a Member of the United State Congress in New York’s 15th Congressional District to vote in support of Statehood for Puerto Rico.
Anyone who has seen me in person during the past 25 years knows that the only other lapel pin that I wear on my suit, aside from the logo of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization, is a Star. This Star that I proudly wear on my lapel represents the Star of Puerto Rico as the 51st Star on the United States Flag.
This Star was given to me by the Honorable Pedro Juan Rosselló, who served as the seventh Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. I treasure this gift!
Despite the fact that Puerto Rico is part of the United States, Puerto Ricans remain as second-class citizens. This was made most evident in the abandonment of care by the United States government in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
We all know that if Puerto Rico was a State, there would be no question about how to help fellow Americans in need.
However, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Ricans suffered as second-class citizens and Puerto Rican people died as second-class citizens. This disgrace continues to lie at the feet of our federal government – which includes the United States Congress.
It is important for you to know that even though Puerto Ricans are natural born US citizens and have US Passports, and Puerto Ricans pay into Social Security, and Puerto Ricans can vote in Presidential Primaries: Puerto Ricans cannot vote in Presidential Elections, and the representatives Puerto Ricans elect to serve the United States Congress cannot vote on legislation or effectively represent Puerto Ricans in the US Congress.
You should already know that in 2017, Puerto Rican citizens went to the polls and voted overwhelmingly in a referendum (97 percent!) to make Puerto Rico America’s 51st State. (For those who may try to distract the 2017 results by complaining about low voter turnout, no one denied Bill de Blasio his Mayoralty in 2017 when only 8.5 percent of New Yorkers voted for him.)
You should know that in order for Puerto Rico to become the 51st State, Congress would have to pass a statute to admit Puerto Rico as a State. When I am in Congress, I will make it an absolute priority to fight for this law to grant Puerto Rico statehood.
According to Sally Goldenberg’s article: “Puerto Rico’s pro-statehood governor, Ricardo Rosselló, is looking to move up the island’s presidential primary to March of 2020 and is calling on Democratic candidates to support statehood.”
Ladies and gentlemen, as a Democratic candidate for Congress who supports statehood for Puerto Rico, I will proudly stand by Governor Rosselló’s side and offer him any assistance I can.
I am Council Member Reverend Rubén Díaz, Sr. and this is what you should know.
A Statement on NYCHA's Unaccounted $3 Million of Expenses
"It is outrageous that Bronxites and New Yorkers are living in public housing with rats in their homes, lead paint, lack hot water and have an abundance of mold, meanwhile, the monitor responsible for fixing this mess received a high-priced contract and can’t say what work is actually being done. How in the world can the Monitor incur $3 million in expenses since its appointment without any transparency and accountability and yet money still isn’t going to where it’s needed most: to make repairs and restore dignity?
It is clear that a thorough audit and investigation is needed from Comptroller Stringer and Attorney General James. In addition, the New York congressional delegation should use its oversight authority to demand answers from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. We need to get to the bottom of how the federal monitor overseeing reforms at NYCHA is spending money, and whether it is helping families across New York."
Sincerely,
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MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES MORE THAN 18,000 NEW STUDENT VOTERS REGISTERED DURING CIVICS WEEK
Mayor de Blasio announced today that the City has registered 18,233 first-time student voters. The effort was part of the Administration’s youth voter registration drive during the City’s first-ever Civics Week, which took place the week of April 8th. Hundreds of high schools hosted events during Civics Week – an initiative of Mayor de Blasio’s 10-Point democracy agenda announced as part of the Mayor’s 2017 State of the City and known as DemocracyNYC. This initiative aims to increase civic engagement and strengthen democracy locally and nationally.
“With Civics Week, we’re helping schools mold the future leaders of our City and reminding students that their voices are powerful and can effectuate change,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Whether it’s hosting a town hall, participating in Participatory Budgeting or registering to vote, students have a real opportunity to strengthen our democracy. I encourage everyone to get involved.”
“Our young people are the future leaders of our City and our nation, and I’m excited that a record 18,000 students registered to vote and make their voices heard as part of our first-ever Civics Week,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. “We’ll continue to invest in Civics for All to elevate student voice and bring the democratic process to life for our students.”
“By participating in Civics Week, students across hundreds of schools and colleges are now equipped with the information and tools they need to be active, productive participants in our democracy,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives J. Phillip Thompson. “Harnessing their creativity and energy to solve important problems will help us achieve a fairer and stronger democracy at home and across the nation."
“Your vote is your voice – and thousands of young people across the City of New York made clear that they want their voices heard,” said Chief Democracy Officer Ayirini Fonseca-Sabune. “Registering to vote at the earliest possible opportunity – as young people across the City had the opportunity to do through this year’s youth voter registration drive – facilitates a young person’s critical first step towards a lifetime of civic engagement.”
“Registering the next generation to vote and increasing participation in elections is fundamental to making our government and communities even more representative of our diverse voices,” said Mayor’s Public Engagement Director Omar Khan. “I’m beyond proud of this collaborative effort to educate New York City’s students about their civic duty and to make the process of participating in our elections as easy as possible. This is a great example of how government can be innovative in the pursuit of greater civic engagement.”
The 18,233 newly registered student voters attend 258 New York City public schools, as well as college campuses and non-public schools. The Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit organized voter registration drives at approximately 70 schools, resulting in over 63 percent of the more than 18,000 registrations citywide. Civics Week, which took place the week of April 8th, is part of the Department of Education’s Civics for All initiative, which teaches students about the foundations of American government and the democratic process.
During Civics Week, students at public schools had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities including youth voter registration drives, Participatory Budgeting for their schools, public speaking competitions, and town halls on issues that matter to them and their communities.
The next election in New York City will be the Primary Election on Tuesday, June 25th. The primary ballot includes races for Queens District Attorney, City Council District 45 and judicial offices throughout the city. New Yorkers who need to register to vote can do so online, by mail or in person at a New York City Board of Elections office by May 31st to be eligible to vote in the primary election. New Yorkers who are interested in registering to vote, need to update their existing registration, or want more information on the upcoming election can call 311 or visit voting.nyc.
Students at 48 high schools participated in the DOE’s first-ever Participatory Budgeting Project. A lead teacher at each of the participating schools guided the school community through the process, and students identified projects and organized votes on project proposals. Participating schools had $2,000 to spend on chosen projects. Examples include:
- School greenhouse for growing produce, plants, and flowers
- Creation of a student lounge
- Rooftop gardens
- Materials for a composting program at the school
- Materials for upgrading school common area and garden
- Equipment for clubs and after-school activities
- Upgrades to improve school spirit and pride: costume for school mascot; logo for gym floor
- Student game room
- Start-up funding for a school store
During Civics Week, schools also participated in SoapboxNYC, a K-12 public speaking competition that calls on students to speak out on issues that affect them and their communities. Students participated in the City’s Civics for All poster competition and created posters that speak to important social issues. Guest speakers including New York City Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza, Deputy Mayor Phil Thompson, Assembly Member Cathy Nolan, and Council Member Mark Treyger visited a variety of schools to encourage public engagement. To support Civics Week and participating schools, the Department of Education developed instructional guides to help schools host voter registration drives and design activities that encourage civic participation.
Civics Week is part of the Department of Education’s Civics for All initiative. The DOE believes civic education is an essential part of every students’ core academic program. The goal of Civics for All, a new initiative announced in Spring 2018, is to provide resources, programming, and professional learning to all of our schools with models for civic education that are interactive, project-based, and relevant to students’ lives. In addition to participatory budgeting, the initiative includes a DOE developed K-12 civics curriculum, increased opportunities for student civic engagement, a student voter registration drive, and school partnerships with community organizations.
The DemocracyNYC initiative aims to increase voter registrations and civic engagement in New York City, while also empowering New Yorkers to be active, informed voters. DemocracyNYC was first announced by Mayor Bill de Blasio in his 2018 State of the City address, detailing a robust 10-Point Plan to make New York City the fairest, most civically engaged big city in America. DemocracyNYC is an initiative of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Now if only these students would get a proper education so they could read and understand the voting ballot.