Letter to Mayor Bloomberg Re-Pelham Parkway Tree Removal

   In an open letter to Mayor Bloomberg sent earlier today, a group of Bronx elected officials representing the Pelham Parkway community are seeking a reassessment of City plans to remove 80 trees as part of the Pelham Parkway Reconstruction project. The letter is signed by Council Member James Vacca, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Congressman Joseph Crowley, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assembly Member Naomi Rivera, and Assembly Member Michael Benedetto.

The Pelham Parkway Reconstruction is a $36 million capital project led by the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) to improve the road and sewer network on one of the borough's main east-west thoroughfares. The City plans to remove up to 50 trees to make way for a guardrail along the parkway; an additional 30 to 40 trees have been designated by the Department of Parks and Recreation as unhealthy and in need of removal.

The joint letter asks the Mayor to:

* Incorporate community voices into its internal tree-removal review by appointing three representatives of the Pelham Parkway Preservation Alliance to sit on the recently formed DDC Technical Working Group.
* Address the assertion made by former Parks Commissioner Henry Stern that an alternate guardrail design could save dozens of trees.
* Consider redesigning the sewer reconstruction project on the Pelham Parkway South service road in an effort to save otherwise healthy street trees.
* Immediately re-evaluate the need to remove 30 to 40 trees designated by the Department of Parks & Recreation as unhealthy or deceased.

Council Member James Vacca said: "The community has made its voice loud and clear on this issue, and it is time for the City to address this matter with the urgency it deserves. By the Department of Design and Construction making minor adjustments to its designs, and the Parks Department allowing more trees to mature naturally, I believe we can save many of the trees currently slated for removal and keep the beauty of Pelham Parkway intact."

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., said: "I understand the concerns of the many Bronxites who have contacted my office to protest the removal of trees along Pelham Parkway. The recommendations as outlined in this joint letter would ensure both that the collective voice of the community is heard and that as few trees as possible are removed from Pelham Parkway during the course of construction. With smart planning, we can see to it that Pelham Parkway is not only made safer for drivers and pedestrians alike but that it retains its character as a beautiful parkway."

Congressman Joseph Crowley said: "Pelham Parkway and its surrounding natural beauty truly is a Bronx treasure. While improvements to ensure pedestrian and vehicle safety on the parkway are needed, it is also important to explore every option to save as many trees as possible and to minimize the impact on the environment."

State Senator Jeff Klein said: "I am confident that by working with the city and the residents of the Pelham Parkway area we can make sure that no tree is removed needlessly and that those who are fighting to maintain the beauty of the area be involved in part of the process. The community deserves accountability regarding what's going on in their backyard and I hope the movement by the city to create this working group shows they believe this as well. I hope other city agencies and the mayor continue to move forward with addressing the concerns laid out in this letter and voiced by the many residents of Pelham Parkway."

Assembly Member Naomi Rivera said: "While we agree that public safety is a priority, we urge officials to exhaust all measures in aiding the preservation of trees on Pelham Parkway through transparent decisions that are inclusive of the community being affected. The trees on Pelham Parkway are a tremendous asset to our quality of life and we have a responsibility to ensure that future generations can enjoy them."

Assembly Member Michael R. Benedetto said: "It takes too long for trees to grow to maturity for any tree to be cut down unless absolutely necessary. We must take great care if we are going to remove them, to protect their natural beauty and the oxygen that they bring us. We are asking the city to take a fresh look at the Pelham Parkway project and to take community concerns into account so we do not needlessly alter the character of this beautiful jewel of the Bronx."

  

Ed Koch set to endorse in 33rd State Senate Race

   Rumors are that former NYC Mayor Ed Koch is poised to endorse challenger J. Gustavo Rivera in the 33rd State Senate Democratic Primary, hoping to drive home the fact that he most certainly is not a supporter of the scandal-scarred Bronx incumbent democrat, even though Pedro Espada Jr. has been dubbed a “hero of reform” by Koch’s NY Uprising PAC. 

   Koch made it clear that if he lived in Espada’s district, he would not vote for the Pedro Espada Jr., who has been slapped with two civil lawsuits by AG Andrew Cuomo and remains under investigation for allegedly bilking his Soundview nonprofit out of millions of dollars. 

   Espada also shouldn’t expect Koch to endorse him anytime soon. “Never,” said the former mayor, who has pledged to stump statewide for the “heroes” of reform who have signed the NY Uprising pledges. By the way J. Gustavo Rivera has also signed on to the NY Uprising PAC pledge.

   Meanwhile Senate Conference Leader John Sampson still is endorsing ALL incumbent Democratic State Senators for re-election, and is hoping to pick up a few more seats that would make the democratic majority even larger.

In Cross-Endorsement, Eric Schneiderman Announces Support For Senate Candidate Gustavo Rivera

   On the heels of receiving an enthusiastic endorsement from the New York Times editorial board, Attorney General candidate Eric Schneiderman today announced his support for Gustavo Rivera, a Senate candidate running to unseat Pedro Espada. Rivera also endorsed Schneiderman for Attorney General, citing his commitment to public integrity. 

   
Rivera is a relative unknown who can’t really do much to aid Schneiderman’s statewide bid, this is looks like a   symbolic way for the Manhattan Democrat to continue to try to demonstrate his years in the Senate won’t impede his ability to crack down on corruption there if he’s elected AG, and try to appeal to minority voters.
Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson has made it clear he’s backing all incumbent members of his conference seeking re-election this year – including Espada, who has been slapped with two civil lawsuits by Cuomo’s office in connection with his Bronx Soundview Health Care Network.

3rd Annual Bronx Veterans Parade will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2010,

   On the last Saturday in September (9/25/10) the 3rd Annual Bronx Veterans Parade will take place in The Bronx: the Bronx Veterans Parade Committee (BVPC) would be honored to have you, your organization, family, and friends attend the parade event.

   The purpose of the parade is to give recognition to The Bronx area Veterans who served in the military; and to support community awareness through collaboration with community boards, Veterans organizations, political and governmental groups, agencies, faith communities, CBOs and FBOs. Our Veterans come from the Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, Merchant Marines, National Guard, and Reserves. Our Veterans served in all eras and campaigns.  

   The parade event will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2010, (Rain or Shine) from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Formation starts 9:00 AM at East 178th Street, on Crotona Parkway @ the Crotona Mall: Bronx, NY 10460. Parade Route/Event: Make a right turn on E.180th Street to the Old Soldiers Cemetery: wreath laying ceremony and placing of flags on headstones. Proceed to Vidalia Park- between Vyse & Daly Avenue, where we are honoring our Bronx Veterans and their Families with a barbecue.

   An application must be completed to march in the parade, and submitted to committee no later than Friday, September 10, 2010: use application attached or contact BVPC Administrative Assistant Carrie Taft @ (917) 226-7960 to have an application sent to you. Please direct any questions about parade to BVPC Founder & Chairperson Dolores Steele (718) 506-6533 or BVPC Co chairperson Raymond Lettsome (718) 824-2197. 

Espada and Sampson give $100,00.00 to aid restoration of Love Gospel Assembly

   Today the spiritual leaders of the recently fire ravaged Love Gospel Assembly (of the Grand Concourse) held a "Operation Restoration" fundraiser at the Concert Hall in Lehman College. Over 500 people came from all over the Bronx to rejoiced that the Love Gospel Assembly would rebuild. In addition to the singing, sermons, testimonials of how Love Gospel helped individuals, there were also the politicians. 

   Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. gave such a rousing speech in favor of the good work done by Love Gospel that you thought he was following in his father's footsteps. BP Diaz also pledged one thousand dollars to the restoration effort.

   Next up was Councilman (and pastor) Fernando Cabrera, who really gave a sermon. Cabrera ended with saying that we stand with you Bishop Bailey, and the Love Gospel Assembly congregation. he added "The lord is about to position you to go to the next level, and you are not just a church, but a movement in the Bronx. Cabrera then also pledged one thousand dollars to the restoration effort.

  Also in the audience were Deputy Bronx Borough President Greene, Assemblywoman Gibson, Assemblyman Jose Rivera, and 33rd State Senate candidate J. Gustavo Rivera. After some songs and more testimonials State Senator Pedro Espada (33rd district) with his wife Connie, and State Senate Conference Leader John Sampson arrived.

   Senator Sampson said that god puts obstacles in our way, and this is only a test to see how you will rebuilds the Love Gospel Assembly. He added "one of our cornerstones is our beliefs in god, especially in these tough times". "Keep the faith". 

   Senator Espada then said that we don't believe in separation of church, and  that god is everywhere. Senators Espada and Sampson then presented Bishop Bailey with a check for one hundred thousand dollars for Operation Restoration. After thanking both senators Bishop Bailey showed the sketch of a new 7 story building to replace the old burned out one.

   Before Senator Espada left I asked him if he would appear on the Bronxtalk debate set up by Gary Axelbank, and Senator Espada told me that he saw no reason why he would not be there for the TV debate, but that he would have to talk to his chief of staff first about the debate.

   I also asked Espada's opponent to comment on the check that Senator Espada gave to Operation Restoration, and Mr. Gustavo Rivera commented that he hopes the check is for real, because the Love Gospel Assembly needs all the help it can get in its rebuilding effort.

 

Espada Commercial Slams Gustavo Rivera

   The first of two commercials made by the Pedro Espada Jr. camp is up an running, slamming challenger Gustavo Rivera as a puppet controlled by outsiders of the community who “want to take our power away from us” in the 33rd State Senate District.

  Also singled out for criticism are a handful of “outsiders”: 32BJ’s Mike Fishman (“sued for racketeering”), WFP Executive Director Dan Cantor (“under investigation by the FBI for voter fraud” ), Sen. Liz Krueger and Bill Samuels (“millionaire puppet masters who don’t care about our community”). 

  It should be noted the U.S. Attorney’s Office has decided to close its investigation without the filing of any charges against Dan Cantor or the WFP.

Just copy and paste the link below to view the 30 second commercial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGqTEvYzmGI&feature=player_embedded 

 

33rd State Senate Debate on Bronxtalk

   We have been told that the Monday night August 30th Bronxtalk Show hosted by Gary Axelbank will feature a debate between the three candidates running for the 33rd State Senate seat. Invitations were sent out to all three candidates and it is expected that the debate will go on even if incumbent State Senator Pedro Espada Jr. does not appear. Espada is famous for his previous debate on Bronxtalk several years ago when he pulled a rubber hatchet from under his jacket, and replied that his opponent then (David Rosado) along with his supporters were trying to do a hatchet job on his reputation. 

   Bronxtalk has been on the air for over 15 years and is hosted by Gary Axelbank. A few weeks ago there was a debate between the two candidates for the 76th Assembly District, and the week before the show was given entirely to 86th Assemblyman Nelson Castro when his opponent 86th Assembly District Male District Leader Hector Ramirez did not show up. We figure that Mr. Axelbank will go on with the 33rd State Senate debate with or without Senator Espada. That would only give more time to Espada's opponents Mr. J. Gustavo Rivera and Mr. Dan Padernacht to argue why they should be elected to replace Senator Espada.

   That's Monday night August 30th at 9PM for the 33rd State Senate debate on Bronxtalk channel 67 on Cabelvision, and Bronxtalk is also available on Verizion Fios please check the program listings for the channel.

Does Anthony Perez Cassino Have a Conflict of Intrest on the Charter Revision Commission?

   With the Charter Revision Committee taking up the question of returning to two terms for all city elected officials, does one member of the commission have a conflict of interest?

   It appears that Charter Revision Commission member Anthony Perez Cassino will be voting on the term limit issue of returning to two terms instead of the current three terms that was changed by the City Council in 2009. The Charter Revision Committee will be meeting on Monday August 24th, and several members have said that they will bring up the question of not allowing those elected officials who may be eligible to run for a third term in 2017 to run for that third term as part of the ballot proposal.

   This would mean that current Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. who did not reappoint Mr. Cassino to Community Board #8 would not be allowed to run for a third term, and be term limited out in 2017. This would also mean that Councilman Fernando Cabrera who did not reappoint Cassino ally Bradford Treabach would also not be allowed to run for a third term in 2017. This would also mean that Councilman Jimmy Vacca would not be able to run for a third term in 2013, as would all other council members that were elected in 2005 for the first term.

   Should this possible term limit reversal ballot proposal be passed by the voters, it could mean an almost clean sweep of the city council in 2013 except for those council members who started their first term in 2009. For the Bronx that would mean that only Councilman Fernando Cabrera who was first elected in 2009  could be the only Bronx council member to be eligible to run for re-election if no other member retires or is removed before 2013.