As State Prepares for Extreme Winter Weather Governor Hochul Announces $100 Million Investment for Roadway Repaving and Resiliency Enhancements

 

Investment Complements Record Level of Funding by the Governor in the State Highway System

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $100 million in funding has been released to support the renewal of State roadways impacted by extreme weather. The funding supports repaving projects at 66 locations, totaling almost 568 lane miles of pavement, and complements a record level of investment by the Governor in infrastructure across New York State.

“From a devastating blizzard to historic flooding, we are living in a time of record-breaking weather events which have left many roads across New York State in need of repair and rejuvenation,” Governor Hochul said. “This $100 million will lengthen the lifespan of dozens of roads across the State, making them more resilient in the face of future extreme weather conditions.”

Through sustained investment in transportation infrastructure, New York State is making highways safer and more efficient while encouraging local commerce and tourism. The current $32.9 billion State Department of Transportation five-year capital plan, inclusive of federal formula funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides historic funding for road and bridge repair and modernization, and this critical infrastructure funding will help restore hundreds of lane miles of highway impacted by extreme weather.

A complete list of paving locations, which will begin next spring, is available below:

Capital Region ($8.7 million)

• $1.4 million to resurface Route 20 from Route 146 to Schoolcraft Street in the Town of Guilderland, Albany County.
• $1.1 million to resurface Route 23A from Route 296 to Scribner Hollow Road in the Towns of Hunter and Tannersville, Greene County.
• $785,400 to resurface Route 66 from Old Route 66 to Gun Club Road and from Route 355 to Church Street in the Towns of North Greenbush and Poestenkill, Rensselaer County.
• $1.1 million to resurface Route 32 from Route 197 to Route 9 in the Town of Moreau, Saratoga County.
• $739,200 to resurface Route 914E (Veeder Avenue) from Millard Avenue to Route 5 in the City of Schenectady, Schenectady County.
• $2.4 million to resurface Route 28N from the Essex County line to Route 28 in the Town of North Creek, Warren County.
• $1.2 million to resurface Route 4 from the Whitehall Southern Village line to Route 18 in the Town of Whitehall, Washington County.

North Country Region ($8.8 million)

• $1.8 million to resurface Route 9N from County Route 2 (Creek Road) to Route 185 (Bridge Road) in the Town of Crown Point, Essex County.
• $1.1 million to resurface Route 3 from Cadyville to Route 22B in the Town of Plattsburgh, Clinton County.
• $231,000 to resurface Routes 970F, 970G & 970H connecting Route 374 to Route 3 in the Town of Plattsburgh, Clinton County.
• $881,488 to resurface Route 30 from Rock Island Bay to Moody in the Town of Tupper Lake, Franklin County.
• $394,329 to resurface Route 11 from Raymond Street to Route 24 in the Town of Malone, Franklin County.
• $1.1 million to resurface Route 12E from Limerick to Chaumont Village in the Towns of Brownville and Lyme, Jefferson County.
• $276,381 to resurface Route 3 from Wilton Road to Route 26 in the Town of Champion, Jefferson County.
• $1.2 million to resurface Route 26 from Lowville Village North line to Arthur Road in the Town of Lowville, Lewis County.
• $487,920 to resurface Route 410 from Route 26 to Castorland West Village line in the Town of Denmark, Lewis County.
• $915,025 to resurface Route 812 from Heuvelton to McIntyre Road in the Town of Oswegatchie, St. Lawrence County.
• $398,000 to resurface Route 11B from Nicholville to Fisk Road in the Town of Lawrence, St. Lawrence County.

Mohawk Valley Region ($6.4 million)

• $593,600 to resurface Route 921B (Burrstone Road) between Main Street and Notre Dame Lane in the Town of New Hartford, Village of New York Mills, and City of Utica, Oneida County.
• $770,650 to resurface Route 31 from Route 5 to the bridge over the Sconondoa Creek in the Village of Vernon, Oneida County.
• $654,000 to resurface Route 922B (South Washington Street) from Route 5 to the bridge over the Mohawk River in the Village of Herkimer, Herkimer County.
• $377,000 to resurface Route 28 from Route 5 to I-90 in the Village of Herkimer, Herkimer County.
• $705,000 to resurface Route 5S (Main Street East) from Mitchell Street to Cunningham Road and Route 920T (Moyer Street) from Maple Street to Montgomery Street in the Town and Village of Canajoharie, Montgomery County.
• $2.6 million to resurface Route 29 from Route 30 to Saratoga County line in the Towns of Broadalbin and Mayfield and Village of Broadalbin, Fulton County.
• $721,000 to resurface Route 166 from the Village of Cherry Valley South line to Route 20 in the Town of Cherry Valley, Otsego County.

Central New York Region ($2.6 million)

• $700,500 to resurface Route 13 (North Peterboro Street) from Canal Street (CR 76) to Hall of Fame Drive in the Village of Canastota, Madison County.
• $1.9 million to resurface Route 90 from Route 326 to Village of Cayuga line and from Village of Aurora South Village line to North Village line, in the Towns of Springport, Aurelius and Ledyard, Village of Aurora, Cayuga County.

Finger Lakes Region ($11.5 million)

• $792,000 to resurface Route 33A from the bridge over Black Creek to Route 252 in the Town of Chili, Monroe County.
• $1.9 Million to rehabilitate Route 21 from the Thruway to the Village of Palmyra, in the Towns of Manchester and Palmyra, Ontario and Wayne Counties.
• $1.2 Million to preserve the pavement on I-390 from Exit 6 (Sonyea) to Exit 7 (Mount Morris), in the Town of Groveland, Livingston County.
• $898,380 to Resurface Route 250 from the Village of Webster to Lake Road in the Town of Webster, Monroe County.
• $750,000 to resurface Route 39 within the Village of Perry, Wyoming County.
• $1.6 million to resurface Route 31A from Route 98 to Hulberton Road in the Towns of Albion, Barre, and Clarendon, Orleans County.
• $2.2 million to resurface Route 33 from the City of Batavia to the Village of Corfu in the Towns of Batavia and Pembroke, Genesee County.
• $2.2 million to resurface Route 14 from the former Village of Lyons to Route 104 in the Towns of Lyons and Sodus, Wayne County.

Western New York Region ($12.9 million)

• $1.2 million to resurface Route 242 from Route 219 to Weller Road in the Towns of Franklinville and Ellicottville, Cattaraugus County.
• $2.8 million to resurface I- 86 eastbound from the State line to Sherman, Chautauqua County.
• $1.1 million to resurface Route 324 from Long Road to Staley Road in the Town of Grand Island, Erie County.
• $1.1 million to resurface Route 62 from Shadagee Road to Evans Street in the Towns of Hamburg and Eden, Erie County.
• $740,000 to resurface Route 277 from Genesee Street to Wehrle Drive in the Town of Cheektowaga, Erie County.
• $248,000 to resurface Route 353 from the bridge over Cattaraugus Creek to Waverly Street in the Town of Cattaraugus, Cattaraugus County.
• $147,000 to resurface Route 353 from West Street to Leavenworth Road in the Town of Cattaraugus, Cattaraugus County.
• $921,000 to resurface Route 18 from Wilson East Village line to the bridge over Twelvemile Creek and Route 425 from Route 18 to Wilson South Village line in the Village of Wilson, Niagara County.
• $ 730,000 to resurface Route 187 from Route 20A to Route 20 in the Towns of West Seneca and Orchard Park, Erie County.
• $1.1 million to resurface Route 31 from Route 425 to Route 270 in the Town of Cambria, Niagara County.
• $1.8 million to resurface I-86, Route 305, and Route 446 in the Cuba area, Town and Village of Cuba, Allegany County.
• $1.0 million to resurface Route 19 from the Pennsylvania State line to Stannards in the Hamlet of Stannards and the Town of Willing, Allegany County.

Southern Tier Region ($19.5 million)

• $8.1 million to resurface Route 13/34/96 (Meadow and Fulton Street) from Elmira Road to North Ithaca City line, Buffalo Street from Taughannock Boulevard to Meadow Street, Seneca Street from Fulton Street to Meadow Street and Green Street from Fulton Street to Meadow Street in the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County.
• $1.6 million to resurface Route 414 from Beaver Dams to the Village of Watkins Glen, Town of Catlin in Chemung County and Town of Dix and Village of Watkins Glen in Schuyler County.
• $1.0 million to resurface Route 224 and Route 34 from the Schuyler County line to Tioga County line in the Town of Van Etten, Chemung County.
• $400,000 to resurface Route 417 from Route 36 to Hardy Road in the Town of Jasper, Steuben County.
• $2.6 million to resurface Route 28 from the Ulster County line to Arkville in the Town of Middletown, Delaware County.
• $1.4 million to resurface Route 26 from the Village of Whitney Point to Overlook Drive in the Town of Triangle, Broome County.
• $1.9 million to resurface Route 268 from Academy Street to Lang Road in the Town and Village of Hancock, Delaware County.
• $1.0 million to resurface Route 206 from the bridge over Kelsey Creek to one-half mile east of Case Road in the Town of Bainbridge, Chenango County.
• $295,000 to resurface Route 38B from Route 38 to the Broome County line in the Towns of Newark Valley and Owego, Tioga County.
• $501,000 to resurface Route 26 from 0.4 miles south of Payne Road to the Maine Memorial School in the Towns of Union and Maine, Broome County.
• $676,000 to resurface Route 30, from Route 17 to Route 206 in the Towns of Hancock and Colchester, Delaware County.

Mid-Hudson Region ($17.4 million)

• $4.1 million to resurface Route 45 from East Eckerson Road to the Palisades Interstate Parkway in the Town of Ramapo and Villages of New Square and New Hempstead, Rockland County.
• $8.0 million to resurface Route 42 from Wilson Road to the Sullivan County line in the Town of Deerpark and Route 207 from Vance Road to Route 300 in the Town of New Windsor, Orange County.
• $2.0 million to resurface Route 115 (Salt Point Turnpike) from West Road to the Taconic State Parkway in the Towns of Pleasant Valley and Clinton, Dutchess County.
• $2.5 million to resurface 208 from Edgewood Drive to Route 44/55 in the Towns of Gardiner and New Paltz, Ulster County.
• $516,000 to resurface Route 52 from Schoolhouse Road to east of Willy Avenue in the Village of Jeffersonville, Sullivan County.
• $321,000 to resurface Route 97 from the Orange County line to one half mile east of Van Tuyl Road Spur in the Town of Lumberland, Sullivan County.

Long Island Region ($8 million)

• $8.0 million towards resurfacing the Southern State Parkway (908M) from Exit 32 to Exit 39, Suffolk County.

New York City Region ($4 million)

• $4.0 million to resurface Grand Central Parkway from Main Street to 168th Street, Queens County.

MAYOR ADAMS CRACKS DOWN ON LANDLORDS OF ILLEGAL SMOKE SHOPS

 

Adams Administration Task Force Warns Landlords and Building Owners of  Potential Eviction and Fines if Unlawful Cannabis Sales Continue

 

Building Owners Receiving Warnings Have Had More Than $7 Million in Imposed Civil Penalties, Illegal Products Seized

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today opened a new front in the Adams administration’s efforts to combat the proliferation of illegal, unlicensed smoke shops and protect the health and well-being of consumers and young New Yorkers put at risk by unregulated cannabis and tobacco products. The New York City Sheriff’s Office Joint Compliance Task Force to Address Illegal Smoke Shops has sent letters to landlords and owners of 50 buildings across the five boroughs warning that they could be legally liable for the continued unlicensed sale of cannabis or tobacco products by their tenants. At these 50 locations alone, the task force has already imposed more than $7 million in penalties — including an estimated $3.9 million in illegal product seized and nearly another $3.2 million in civil penalties issued.

 

This new effort builds on the Adams administration’s partnership with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., other local law enforcement, and elected officials to combat the rise of illegal smoke shops in Manhattan. Now, expanded citywide, the initiative will target landlords and building owners at locations where the city has taken enforcement actions and issued violations. The task force will send letters warning of potential evictions, fines, and other penalties if tenants continue to engage in unlawful behavior.

 

“Our administration is using every tool available to protect young people and all New Yorkers from dangerous, illegal cannabis and tobacco products, while sending a clear message that anyone helping these illegal, unlicensed shops spread throughout our communities will be held accountable,” said Mayor Adams. “To support the emerging, legal cannabis market, we must go after the bad actors who are breaking the law. Our interagency task force is coming together to keep our communities safe.” 

 

“The proliferation of unlicensed smoke shops across our city must stop,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “Today, we are putting landlords on notice of their responsibility to ensure their property is not being used to sell illegal cannabis or tobacco. The letter is intended to educate property owners about the significant consequences they will face for flouting the law.”

 

“This administration is taking a hard line cracking down on the proliferation of smoke shops illegally selling tobacco, vaping, and cannabis products across the city,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phillip Banks III. “While New York’s public safety agencies will continue to visit these establishments to ensure they are following the law, we are making it clear to landlords today that they have an important role to play in this process, and if illegal products are being sold on their property, they will be held accountable.”

 

“While there is no single solution to the proliferation of illegal smoke shops, the landlord letter is one more tool that provides an opportunity for correction,” said New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda. “Landlords are informed of their obligations and potential liability, as well as how to take corrective action and the support available for them.”

 

“The New York City Police Department is committed to eradicating the unlicensed, illegal smoke shops that destabilize an emerging business interest and pose significant public safety and health risks in neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs,” said New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “The NYPD remains focused on our city’s mission to protect New Yorkers and ensure that cannabis and tobacco regulations are properly recognized, accepted, and enforced.”

 

The letter explains to landlords and owners that they could face “an injunction and penalties up to $1,000 a day,” and that the city “is empowered to request that the building owner or landlord initiate an action to remove tenants from the property.”

 

Over the coming weeks, the task force — which consists of the Sheriff’s Office, the NYPD, and the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement — will review unlicensed smoke shops that have received violations for unauthorized cannabis sales and other illegal activity and then notify landlords of their requirement to comply with the law.

 

Today’s announcement builds on the Adams administration’s ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal smoke shops and dangerous vape products posing a harm to New Yorkers. In addition to actions taken with Manhattan District Attorney Bragg earlier this year, this past summer, Mayor Adams and New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds Radix filled a federal lawsuit against four major distributors of flavored disposable e-cigarettes — the most popular vaping devices among middle-school children and high school youth — for unlawfully distributing exotically flavored disposable e-cigarettes to retail vape and smoke shops, convenience stores, and directly to consumers in New York City through online sales. Two distributors have agreed to stop selling e-cigarettes in New York City while the remaining two are facing a preliminary injunction from the New York City Department of Law.

 

Additionally, last year, the Adams administration formed a joint task force that included the Sheriff’s Office, the NYPD, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, and the New York State Office of Cannabis Management to conduct enforcement against unlicensed establishments selling cannabis, cannabis-infused edibles, illegal vaping products, illegal cigarettes, and other illegal tobacco products. Since forming, the task force has imposed more than $63 million in penalties — including an estimated $40.5 million in illegal product seized and over $23 million in civil penalties issued — and conducted more than 1,300 compliance and intelligence inspections.

Permits Filed For 2316 Grand Avenue In University Heights, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed to expand a two-story structure into a four-story residential building at 2316 Grand Avenue in University Heights, The Bronx. Located between North Street and West 184th Street, the lot is within walking distance of the 183rd Street subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Yitzi Salamon is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 55-foot-tall development will yield 7,272 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 15 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 484 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar, penthouse, and a 30-foot-long rear yard.

Chun Engineering Consultant is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the project calls for a vertical expansion. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Impacts From Lake Effect Snowstorm Monday Through Tuesday

 Some Areas Near Lakes Erie and Ontario Could Receive More Than a Foot of Snow Through Tuesday in Areas Where the Heaviest Lake Effect Snow Bands Develop

New Yorkers Urged to Use Extra Caution When Traveling in Impacted Areas, Especially During Commuting Hours

Sign up for NY-Alert to Receive Latest Weather Alerts

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for a lake effect weather system that is expected to dump more than a foot of snow in locations near Lakes Ontario and Erie starting Monday and continuing into Tuesday evening. For areas near Lake Erie, a widespread 6-12” of snow is expected beginning Monday morning in areas south of Buffalo, with up to 18” possible in parts of southern Erie, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties. For areas near Lake Ontario, beginning Monday afternoon, a widespread 6-12” of snow is expected in areas east of the lake and up to two feet of snow possible in the Tug Hill area. Snowfall rates could reach up to three inches per hour where the snow is heaviest, and wind gusts up to 35 mph are possible in these locations through Tuesday. The rest of Western New York, including the City of Buffalo, and the Finger Lakes regions are expected to receive up to six inches of snow in some locations. New Yorkers should use extra caution when traveling in impacted areas, especially during commuting hours, as weather conditions will likely cause blowing snow and reduce visibility on roads.

“The most hazardous weather conditions will be in the areas where lake effect snow bands form and produce a lot of snow in a short period, which will hamper travel in some places for the next day or so,” Governor Hochul said. “There is still some uncertainty where and when snow bands will form and the heaviest snow will fall, so use extra caution when traveling and stay on top of the forecast throughout this event so you can plan your travel and other activities accordingly. My team will monitor this weather system and its impacts throughout this event and are ready to assist partners at the local level as needed.”

A Lake Effect Snow Warning is in effect Monday through late Tuesday night for southern Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties. A Winter Storm Watch for possible heavy lake effect snow is also in effect Monday afternoon through late Tuesday night for northern Oneida, northern Herkimer, and Hamilton counties. Through Monday, most of the rest of the state is forecast to receive up to an inch of rain and higher elevations could see a few inches of snow, causing Monday morning commutes to be potentially unsafe in some places.

For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at https://alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

Agency Preparations

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division is actively monitoring the weather forecast and coordinating the State's response to the weather event. Office of Emergency Management staff are in contact with local counterparts and are prepared to facilitate requests for assistance.

The Division is prepared to deploy the following assets and shelter supplies from the State's stockpiles, if necessary:

• 1,515 generators
• 536 chainsaws
• 954 portable heaters
• 48,636 MREs
• 345,432 bottles & cans of water
• 7,877 cots
• 8,149 blankets
• 11,220 pillows

New York State Department of Transportation

The State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with 3,559 supervisors and operators available statewide.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,613 large plow trucks
• 156 medium duty plows
• 51 tow plows
• 332 large loaders
• 36 snow blowers
• 20 graders

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit https://www.511ny.org/ or the mobile site at m.511ny.org, New York State's official traffic and travel information source.

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 688 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

• 359 large and medium duty plow trucks
• 9 tow plows
• 65 loaders
• More than 130,000 tons of salt on hand

Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras, and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

New York State Police

State Police are monitoring weather conditions and are prepared to deploy additional Troopers as needed. All State Police four-wheel drive and specialized vehicles, including snowmobiles and utility terrain vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate response, and all emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.

Safety Tips

Travel

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

• Do not drive unless necessary.
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
• It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time.
• Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while its operating.

Power Outages

• Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
• Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
• If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.
• To Report an Electric Outage, Call:
• Central Hudson: 800-527-2714
• Con Edison: 800-752-6633
• National Grid: 800-867-5222
• NYSEG: 800-572-1131
• O&R: 877-434-4100
• PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
• RG&E: 800-743-1701

Heating Safety

• Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters.
• When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation. Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep curtains, towels, and potholders away from hot surfaces.
• Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work.
• If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:
• Follow the manufacturers' instructions.
• Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
• Refuel outdoors only and only when the unit is cool.
• Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
• When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.

For more winter safety tips, visit https://dhses.ny.gov/safety. For all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit 211nys.org.

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) or visit dhses.ny.gov.

Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) - Giving Tuesday 2023

 

Support BRAC on

November 28, 2023

DONATE

 

The word is out: 2023 has been an amazing year at the renewed Bronx River Art Center! Between more classes, great exhibitions, performances of all kinds, and a blowout “Bronx River Sounds” Jazz Festival, the consensus is that BRAC is delivering non-stop programming and events to quench everyone’s thirst for cultural experiences right here in the heart of the Bronx. I can’t tell you how often we hear from program participants and visitors alike that they are constantly amazed at how much we offer across such a diverse and inclusive range of techniques, media, and content. 

Ongoing Programs

With over fourteen classes a week in fine art and digital media for youth and adults; five 6-week-run exhibitions annually, featuring works of painting, printmaking, sculpture, digital and performance art, touching a wide range of culturally specific issues and concerns; great entertainment of theater, music, movement, and film throughout the year; and sunlight-filled professional studios for artists: all at affordable prices, or free, under one roof, in 18,000 Sq. Ft. of open studios, galleries and event spaces, including a garden and a Green Roof, BRAC is the place to get inspired, make art, and meet other creatives. If creativity feeds the soul, we have the food to keep you alive.

Special Project-Based Programs

Our FREE Teen Project Studio +2.0 program (for teenagers and young adults up to age 26) addresses sustainable design for urban spaces and preservation of our natural resources from a world perspective as well as for our own West Farms community. BRAC's week-long Art Camps for youth ages 6 to 18 during their winter and spring breaks from school are a big hit with children and guardians alike; the latter especially taking comfort in knowing there's a safe and stimulating place for their kids to be while they are busy at work.

This year, we added 3-hour long workshops on Friday evenings that can be singularly purchased instead of, or in addition to, our regular 10-week series. Enrolled students can add a class to their week, and non-enrollees who want to study the arts but can’t yet commit to 10 consecutive weeks can try a sampling of our more regular courses — including abstract painting, printmaking, manga/cartooning, and digital design/illustration, as well as more specialized workshops such as perspective drawing and paper-making. This program includes a monthly figure drawing workshop, where aspiring artists ages 18 and above can learn to draw from a live model.

In 2023, we served nearly 700 enrolled students annually in our education program across our three 10-week semesters during the school year, and a 5-week summer intensive. We also had more than 2,500 visitors to our gallery exhibitions that are open free to the public six days a week; and over 900 people of all ages attended both our free and affordable performance programs this year, including some sold-out shows during our June Jazz Festival of eight performances over four weeks.

BRAC is supported in part by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and its council members, the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development through the Hispanic Federation, and the City’s Material for the Arts (MFTA) program. Our programs are also supported by The New York State Council on the Arts, as well as from corporations and foundations including Con Edison, the New Yankee Stadium Community Benefit Fund, the Hispanic Foundation, the Lincoln Fund, and Bronx Care Health Systems.

BRAC’s hard-working and committed staff of mostly artists hold up the brunt of our productions, but we couldn’t do it all without our enthusiastic interns from various schools and colleges including the School of Visual Arts (SVA), Hunter College, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Bronx High School of Visual Arts, LaGuardia High School of Visual and Performing Arts, Fordham University, the Exploring the Arts internship program, and the NYC Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), among others.

However, it’s really all about YOU, the individual donors. You are the life-blood of any non-profit organization. As we learned from the valuable seminars offered through our grant from the Hispanic Federation, more than 67% of giving to non-profits is from individual donors, and not all are million- or even thousand-dollar donations. In fact, small donations of under $100 make up over 80% of a non-profit’s individual donor pool. Giving Tuesday is the biggest opportunity of the year for individual donors to support their favorite organization, so for this year's Giving Tuesday on November 28th, please give what you can to BRAC to help us keep up the good work serving up exciting and inspiring arts for all of the people of the Bronx. If everyone on our email list gave just one dollar, we’d get $4,760. If they gave $5 each, we’d get $23,800. Think about what we could accomplish if all of you gave even a one-time donation of $25 to $50!!!

On behalf of our Board of Directors and Staff,

I sincerely thank you for supporting BRAC in 2023-24.

Gail Nathan, Executive Director

DONATE NOW