Johnson Avenue - "For Rent"
Update  2 More Stores 

 

  This is a new restaurant that is called "Oregano"" which is opening up at 3522 Johnson Avenue in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. This store had been vacant for several years when the restaurant Josepina closed down.Closing stores or stores closed for some time with "For Rent" signs on them has gotten to become a problem for the local community around Johnson Avenue. 

  The problem when many are asked seems to be with the landlord (Friedland Properties) of the entire block of Johnson Avenue between West 235th and West 236th Streets, and part of West 235th Street off Johnson Avenue. High rents and the gall to raise renewals sky high, but leave a store empty for years without a tenant and not lower the rent has been the mantra. The latest casualty is the once popular Chinese Restaurant "Golden Gate" whose new owners expanded several years ago, now is the latest store to close and a "For Rent" sign go up on the security gate. 

  Many say that the rents are to high on Johnson Avenue, and the popular eating spot "Blue Bay" almost closed last year due to a steep raise in the lease renewal. However the owner of Blue Bay was able to get a reprieve from the landlord Friedland Properties after much protesting from the community, elected officials, and a reminder from the community board that when there was large fire that gutted many stores on the block it was the community board that helped the landlord rebuild quickly. 

  Continental Hair Stylist was the first to leave Johnson Ave.many years ago for a lower rent a few blocks away on Riverdale Ave. Business has been good and steady since the move over 10 years ago we were told, and Riverdale Avenue has seen some other businesses move there from Johnson Ave. The once almost half empty stretch of Riverdale Ave. between West 235th and 238th Streets now has only one or two empty stores.

The "For Rent" sign is up on recently closed Golden Gate Restaurant.

Corner Cafe moved to a lower rent on Riverdale Ave.

The corner on the opposite side of Johnson Ave. and West 235th Street is once again vacant since the closure ot WAMU Bank about a year ago.

Another vacant store on Johnson Ave.

The old fruit store on West 235th Street also owned by Friedland Properties.

No the fruit store has not been sub divided, but another vacant store.

The one vacant store on West 235th Street not owned by Friedland Properties.

UPDATE

Here are two more vacant stores on the Johnson Avenue/West 235th Street shopping area.

This store next to Starbucks on West 235th is another Freidland Property

Another store on West 235th Street across from Starbucks and right next to the other vacant store on that side of the street.

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New York Hispanic Clergy Organization

  The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization held their 24th annual Ministers Banquet last week. The NYHC honored Bishop Abelardo Batista, Apostle Rene Cruz, Rev. Pedro Olivieri, Rev. Mirna Padro, Mr. Pedro Sanchez, and Colonel Jaun Bautista Jimenez Reinoso who were recognized for their outstanding commitment to the people of New York City. Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr.is the president of the NYHC which meant that many elected officials up to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer were in attendance, as well as over 700 other supporters of the NYHC.

NYHC member Ms. Lourdes Colon warms up the crowd before the event started.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer addresses the audience. Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. is behind left, as to the right are New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr..

Good friends Senator (and candidate for Congress) Adriano Espaillat and Bronx BP Diaz pose for this picture as Bronx Democratic County Leader Heastie looks on.

Congressman Charlie Rangel stands between Senator Diaz Sr. and Bronx BP Diaz Jr., with Rangel political consultant Mike Nieves to the right.

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Baseball in the Bronx Exhibit

  Last year the theme of the exhibit at the Bronx Museum was the "History of the Negro Leagues". This year the theme of the baseball exhibit at the Bronx Museum is "Baseball in the Bronx". What does "Baseball in the Bronx" mean you might ask, and "Baseball in the Bronx" refers to anything Baseball that happened in the Bronx.
  This could mean anything New York Yankees (Bronx Bombers), or it could mean little league baseball played in the Bronx, or it could mean high school or college baseball played in the Bronx, or anything to do with playing the game of baseball in the borough of the Bronx, as you will see from the photos below.

Yankee hall of fame catcher Elston Howard #32 jersey, signed baseball, and Daily News back page tribute to Elston Howard. Also a team photo with Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Elston Howard, Tom Tresh, and Roger Maris.

A pair of authentic baseball shoes worn by Elston Howard.

Rare old baseball cards.

1951 Bangor Baseball Club photo with Elston Howard front row.

A rare old photo of a 1919 New York baseball team.

Casey Stengel's all time Yankee team circa 1970.

A 1967 Manhattan College Jaspers baseball jersey.

A concrete slab from the old Yankee Stadium, with Dr. Cary Goodman the Director of the 161st Street BID and sponsor of "Baseball in the Bronx"..

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4 Alarm Fire on Van Nest Avenue
                    By Robert Press

  The fire started at around 1 PM, and as the first fire trucks pulled up to 724 Van Nest Avenue a few minutes later 724 Van Nest Avenue and adjoining buildings were engulfed in flames. Smoke could be seen as far away as the George Washington Bridge, and the fire quickly went to a second alarm. As more and more fire and emergency units arrived the fire went to four alarms. The Bx22 and Bx39 had to be detoured around the fire equipment that was lined up and down White Plains Road.

  The Bronx assistant Fire Chief on the scene said that the fire started in 724 Van Nest Avenue a three story wood frame structure, and quickly spread to three adjoining buildings. 200 firefighters were on hand to battle the blaze which injured 9 firefighters (none seriously), even though several were taken to Jacobi Hospital. The FDNY declared the blaze under control at 3:30PM about 2 1/2 hours after it started. On hand at the fire were several city agencies including the Buildings Department which said that 724 Van Nest Avenue (where it was said the fire started) would have to be demolished. The three other buildings appeared to be able to be repaired, but they will have to pass inspection by the Buildings Department first. 

  While Con Edison was called to the scene, representatives said that there were no reports of any gas leaks in the area, and no construction on gas lines in the area. Arson has not been ruled out as Fire Marshals were also on the scene due to the quick movement of the fire to adjoining buildings. The Fire Marshals will have a determination on just how the fire started in a few days.

Thick black smoke was visible from far away at 1:30PM

 

The fire was still not under control as we arrived on the scene

Firefighters here are battling the blaze from several ladder trucks

On the top right you can see another fire hose battling the fire

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The Bronx PUSH 4 PEACE

 

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(Featuring Lisa Evers-Hot 97 Street Soldiers’ Host & Fox 5 News Reporter)

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

&

President of COBA - Norman Seabrook

PRESENT

THE BRONX PUSH 4 PEACE

Festival & Hot 97 FM Live Show

Saturday, April 28, 2012   (1-5 p.m.)

Hostos Community College (CUNY)

500 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY

Featuring:

Live Hot 97 DJ-

Artist Open Mic Competition,

Info Fair,

**Hot 97 FM Street Soldiers Town Hall Live Show Discussion,

Free Prizes & Free Refreshments
Celebrity Guests: Hip Hop Artists and Sports Stars……..

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Bronx Bankers Breakfast

 

Bronx Week 2012

 

 

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York 

Congressman Charles Rangel and Senator Adriano Espaillat will attend Hispanic Ministers Banquet

You should know that  this weekend many Evangelical Churches and their congregations, together with The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization will join together to celebrate their 24^th Annual Banquet.
 
You should also know that among the many  dignitaries and elected officials who have confirmed their attendance are New York State Comptroller Thomas Dinapoli, Congressman Charles Rangel, Senator Adriano Espaillat,  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., New York City Comptroller John Liu and New York City Public Advocate Bill De Blasio.
 
The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization was created in 1988, with the purpose of defending and protecting  those Biblical, traditional, family and moral values taught by the word of God, since then, each year the organization celebrates an annual banquet where more than 800 people including ministers, elected officials, and dignitaries gather to recognize those men and women who have done outstanding work on behalf of their communities and those in need. 


This year’s annual banquet, which will take place Saturday April 14th,  and will be dedicated to six members of our community, who have excelled in their religious endeavors on behalf of their community and  service to those that are most in need.
 
The Rev. Abelardo Batista - Bishop General of the Assembly of Christian Churches, Rev. Rene Cruz -   Apostle of the Christian Church El Redentor, Rev. Pedro Olivieri – Pastor of the Church La Puerta Estrecha in upper Manhattan, Rev. Myrna Padro – Director of the Bible Institute Rehoboth, Dr. Pedro Sanchez -  from the Dominican Republic and Mr.  Juan Bautista Jimenez Reinoso - Lieutenant Colonel of the Dominican National Police.
 
These six individuals have been recommended and selected by the Executive Board of Directors of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization, as the most prominent figures in the evangelical community during  the year 2011.

You should know that we all rejoice in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for allowing us to celebrate together another year of many victories, achievements, blessings and the opportunity to do his will.
 
 
I am  Senator Rev.  Rubén Díaz and this is what you  should know.

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