The Ali Forney Center - An Evening Celebrating the Legacy of David Mixner

 

The Ali Forney Center is thrilled to host its inaugural annual fundraising event for the David Mixner Memorial Fund on Tuesday, September 24th at 7:00 PM at Theatre 555. This fund was developed and founded by the late David Mixner in his final days, gathering dear friends and activists with a request to begin the fund and raised a staggering $250k for AFC, the fund's beneficiary.  

 

On September 24th, we will honor R. Martin (Marty) Chavez — a pioneering activist, Wall Street leader, and entrepreneur — with the David Mixner Legacy Award for his years of service and activism. In addition to the honors ceremony, the event will feature a reading of “Jacob’s Ladder”, a play co-written by the late David Mixner and Dennis Bailey. 

 

“David Mixner: a champion, a friend, an unwavering advocate for our community. It’s an honor and a privilege to celebrate his legacy and to support the AFC, as David did for so many years,” said Chavez. 

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Bronx Metro-North Station Area Plan Reaches Approval From New York City Council

 

The New York City Council has officially approved the Bronx Metro-North Station Area Plan, the first neighborhood plan certified and approved under Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. The plan is designed to accompany four new Metro-North stations coming to the Bronx in 2027 and is expected to create approximately 7,000 homes, including permanently income-restricted affordable housing, and 10,000 permanent jobs, along with improved public spaces and enhanced access to mass transit.

The plan allows residential uses in sections of Parkchester/Van Nest currently designated for commercial and manufacturing and expands the amount of housing allowed in residential districts of both Parkchester/Van Nest and Morris Park. It also aims to strengthen commercial corridors and support the growth of prominent local institutions and job centers, such as Calvary Hospital, Hutchinson Metro Center, Jacobi Medical Center, and Montefiore Hospital.

Location of new Morris Park Station. Via nyc.gov

In addition to housing and jobs, the plan includes investments in public amenities and infrastructure. Investments include park renovations, school facility upgrades, and drainage infrastructure upgrades to enhance public space, transportation access, and public safety.

The plan’s approval follows over six years of public collaboration, including workshops, surveys, meetings, and input from local elected officials, community stakeholders, and government agencies. The Bronx Metro-North Station Area Plan is part of the Adams administration’s broader efforts to address the city’s housing crisis, which include the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” proposal and other neighborhood plans across the city.

Location of new Parkchester/Van Nest Station. Via nyc.gov

“On behalf of the Bronx business community, we commend the City Council on the approval of the Bronx Metro-North Station Area Plan,” said Lisa Sorin, president of Bronx Chamber of Commerce. “This groundbreaking initiative will benefit our borough by not only creating thousands of new jobs and improving transit access for commuters, but also infusing the East Bronx with much-needed housing units as well as community resources and public space enhancements within adjacent corridors.”

Permits Filed for 1703 Topping Avenue in Claremont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed to horizontally expand a two-story, single-unit structure into a nine-unit residential building at 1703 Topping Avenue in Claremont, The Bronx. Located between East 173rd Street and East 174th Street, the lot is near the 174-175th Streets subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Shimon Greenfeld of SCG Capital LLC listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 26-foot-tall development will yield 3,290 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have nine residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 365 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar and four enclosed parking spaces.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

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

 

DEC HIGHLIGHTS OFFERINGS AT THE GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR

New Yorkers Encouraged to ‘Get Offline and Get Outside’ and Explore Environmental Exhibits at the Fair in Syracuse 

Purchase Sporting Licenses, Receive Tree Seedlings, Check Out Conservationist Magazine Promotions, and Attend Aug. 23 Free Family Fishing Event, Among Other Activities 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar encourages New Yorkers to attend the many interesting, fun, and educational environmental exhibits at The Great New York State Fair in Syracuse from Wednesday, Aug. 21, through Monday, Sept. 2. DEC’s activities, promotions, and other offerings help New Yorkers Get Offline and Get Outside this summer and throughout the year, while also providing valuable information about the agency’s wide range of programs and initiatives helping protect the environment and communities.

 

“Attending The Great New York State Fair is a perfect opportunity for New Yorkers to meet our talented staff and learn more about DEC’s programs and initiatives,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “Whether you are purchasing your fishing or hunting license, trying to catch a local fish, learning about the State’s actions to address climate change, celebrating Smokey Bear’s 80^th birthday, or subscribing to DEC’s Conservationist magazine, there’s something for everyone.”  

 

In DEC’s Aquarium building, visitors can purchase hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses while viewing tanks full of fish and amphibians from Oneida Lake. Visitors looking for hunter education course information are encouraged to stop by the Hunter Safety booth for details. DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers will be in attendance and available to answer questions on environmental laws and regulations.

 

Families looking for a fun way to Get Offline and Get Outside are encouraged to attend the Free Family Fishing Day on Friday, Aug. 23, from 12 to 5 p.m. No fishing license is required, and all fishing equipment will be provided. The event will take place at the pond area near Gate 10 and Tram Stop 6.  

 

Those looking to subscribe to New York’s premiere environmental magazine, the Conservationist, will receive the ‘State Fair Special’ of six issues for $10 as well as a Conservationist bucket hat and reusable bag, while supplies last. New York State residents can also enter to win a lifetime fishing license or a sporting goods store gift card with an approximate value of $460. To enter the drawing, simply fill out a short survey. No purchase is necessary to enter. 

Help New York State grow closer to the goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033 with free tree seedling giveaways from DEC’s Saratoga Tree Nursery. Seedlings will be given away each day of the Fair, while supplies last.

 

Information about DEC’s new accessible recreation mapper will be on display featuring accessible destinations in the Syracuse area. DEC will also be promoting the new “Love Our New York Lands” photo contest. August’s contest theme is “Accessible Recreation” to highlight participation in camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, hiking, nature viewing, and other recreational opportunities for New Yorkers with disabilities, and people of all ages and abilities. Three winning pictures will be chosen that feature creative shots of people enjoying these and other activities at accessible recreation sites across New York State.

 

Outside of the Aquarium building, DEC will staff an informational booth throughout the Fair to provide outreach and be available to answer questions on sustainability, marine resources, air quality, hiker safety, and much more.  

 

DEC Forest Rangers will be located near the State Police Exhibit. The Forest Ranger booth will feature wildland firefighting and search and rescue equipment that Rangers use in the field. Forest Rangers will also be celebrating Smokey Bear’s 80^th birthday at the Fair by promoting wildfire safety and prevention. Spot Smokey Bear and a Ranger during the Fair’s evening parades on Aug. 23, 26, 27, and 29.  

 

For the third year, DEC is partnering with the New York Power Authority (NYPA), New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), New York State Canal Corporation, and the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) to promote New York State’s climate and clean energy actions. Visit DEC staff in the Center of Progress building at the ‘Clean Energy Green Environment’ exhibit to learn more about the development of a Cap-and-Invest Program, the statewide Community Air Monitoring Initiative, the Climate Smart Communities Program for local governments, and investments under the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.  

For more information on the Great New York State Fair, visit nysfair.ny.gov.