Saturday, June 6, 2015

Council Member Ritchie Torres - Summer 2015 Newsletter




Dear Friend,

As we kick off Summer, we have a lot to celebrate and be thankful
for: sunshine, picnics in the park, and outings with the family, to
name a few. Summer is definitely one of the best times to explore
our great borough and city, and I hope you are able spend some
time out in the sun.
In the City Council, I have been working on important issues that
impact all residents of the District and across New York City, from
advocating for investments in public housing to cleaning up our
streets. Please read below for updates on my work and events that
may interest you.
As always, please reach out to my District Office if I can ever be of
assistance: 718-842-8100.
It is an honor to serve as your Council Member for the 15th District
in the Central Bronx.
 
-Ritchie Torres 

 Celebrate LGBT Pride Month
Across the world, June is recognized as lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender (LGBT) Pride month in honor of the 1969
Stonewall Riots and our continued fight for equal rights.
Although our city and state has made tremendous progress in
advancing rights for the LGBT community, there is still much
work to do. The Council’s LGBT Caucus recently held its annual
Pride Celebration and honored extraordinary individuals who have
made significant contributions to the city’s LGBT community and
advance social justice in their daily lives. I was honored to
recognize Kim Watson, Co-Founder of Community-Kinship Life,
for her dedication to bringing quality healthcare services to
transgender New Yorkers. Her life story and work are an
inspiration to us all.


















Using Art to Empower Youth
In partnership with Groundswell and Kappa III Knowledge and
Power Preparatory Academy, I unveiled a new mural on Mapes
Ave. The mural, entitled “Domino Effect,” was painted by Kappa
III students and illustrates the impact violence has on the
community and how an act of creativity can make a difference.
The students used art as a tool to call for a more peaceful and
just community, and I’m confident that the creation of this mural
inspired them to develop their roles as artists and activists.


















Cleaning Up District 15
Clean streets improve the quality of life for our communities and
help local businesses grow. In partnership with the Doe Fund, I
funded street cleaning crews along East 180th St. and Morris
Park Avenue. I’m also partnering with FedCap to rehabilitate
vacant lots, such as Oliver Place and Decatur Avenue in
Bedford Park. Are there lots that need cleaning and walls with
graffiti that needs to be removed? Please contact my District
Office and we’ll work to get them cleaned: 718-842-8100.
  














Advocating for Public Housing Residents 
In my role as Chair of the City Council Committee on Public Housing,
I am responsible for oversight of the New York City Housing Authority
(NYCHA). NYCHA has suffered from decades of city, state and
federal disinvestment, which has magnified the security,
maintenance and infrastructure problems at public housing
developments. In coalition with my colleagues in the Council and
NYCHA residents,  I advocated for a significant increase in the City
and State’s support for public housing. The Mayor recently
announced $300 million in funding over three years for roof
replacements, waived NYCHA’s payments to the NYPD, which
totaled $70 million a year, and will waive the $30 million NYCHA
pays each year to the city in lieu of taxes on certain properties.
These savings and investment will make a real difference in the
quality of life for tens of thousands of NYCHA residents.
 

















UCHC is IMPACT-ing the Health of Bronx Residents 
Up to 10% of Bronx residents report experiencing serious
psychological distress, compared to 5.5% of NYC residents
overall. Ignoring mental health issues, such as depression, has a
direct and negative effect on an individual’s physical health and
the wellness of a community. Union Community Health 
Center’s (UCHC) integrated model of primary and behavioral
healthcare, dubbed IMPACT, is now offering all patients
mental health services along with access to their internists, family
medicine practitioners, OB/GYNs, and pediatricians as one unified
care team. Health professionals at UCHC are trained to diagnose
mental health issues like depression and anxiety as they occur, and
support services at UCHC are available as individual or group
therapy.
A Spanish-language women’s support group began this Spring and
other groups, including one for parents whose children have been
diagnosed with ADHD, will launch soon. To make an appointment
at Union Community Health Center call 718-220-2020 or for more
information visit: http://www.uchcbronx.org/
Health Bucks, Farmers’ Markets & Access to Nutritious Food
Access to nutritious food is essential to improving health outcomes
for residents of the Central Bronx. Once again, I’m using











discretionary funds to distribute Health Bucks- $2 coupons
redeemable at local farmers’ markets. These coupons make fruits
and vegetables affordable to all shoppers. If you are interested in
receiving Health Bucks please contact my District office at718-842
-8100. Below are some of the farmers’ markets in and around
Council District 15 where you can redeem Health Bucks: 
  • Harvest Home Mt. Eden Farmers Market: Mt. Eden & 
  • Morris Aves., at Bronx Lebanon Hospital – Tuesdays & 
  • Thursdays, 8am-4pm.
  • Harvest Home Echo Park Farmers Market: Ryer St. & 
  • Burnside Ave. – Opens July 7 - November 17- Wednesdays, 
  • 8am-4pm.
  • Inside MetroNorth Parking Lot – Saturdays, 8am-4pm
  • La Familia Verde Farmers Market: East Tremont & 
  • LaFontaine Aves. – Opens in July – Tuesdays, 8am-2pm.
  • Poe Park Greenmarket: Grand Concourse & 192nd St. – 
  • opens June 30th - Tuesdays 8am-3pm.
  • West Farms Farmers Market: Boston Rd. & East Tremont 
  • Ave., in Drew Gardens – Wednesdays, 10am– 3pm.
  • New York Botanical Garden Greenmarket: Mosholu Pkwy. 
  • at Kazimiroff Blvd. – Opens June 17th - Wednesdays, 9am-6pm
  • The Botanical Garden’s popular Greenmarket returns for its 
  • 13th season. Come to the Library Allee by the Moshulu Gate 
  • at the Garden to purchase some of the best and freshest 
  • homegrown produce and treats from across the State.
 













Participatory Budgeting: Putting City Money to Work for Our 
Community
This Spring, my office completed the first cycle of the Participatory
Budgeting (PB) process. This process places residents in charge
of how $1 million City capital dollars are spent in their neighborhoods.
During the Fall, residents submitted proposals for projects they
wanted to see done in the District and considered for PB funding.
Working with my office, Budget Delegates organized a PB Vote
Week from April 11th-18th and more than 2,300 residents casted
votes for projects that will bring much needed improvements to our
schools, parks and public transit. The top 3 winning proposals are:
  • 1st Place:  Security Cameras for Public Schools ($80,000) 
  • - 1,352 Votes. Security camera systems will be installed on 
  • the exteriors of Kappa III and M.S. 391/TAPCO. This will 
  • allow staff to monitor the exterior of each school.
  • 2nd Place: Bronx Park Improvements ($450,000) – 
  • 1,323 Votes. Renovations and enhancements will be made 
  • throughout Bronx Park north of Pelham Parkway (known as 
  • Bronx Park East).
  • 3rd Place: NYPD Security Cameras ($315,000) – 1,288 Votes. 
  • 9 NYPD Security Cameras will be installed throughout District 
  • 15. The cameras will provide video feeds directly to local 
  • police precincts.
  • 4th Place: Air Conditioning for Public Schools ($145,000) – 
  • 1,236 Votes. Air conditioning units will be installed at PS 28, 
  • PS 32, and PS 9. These units will keep classrooms cool in 
  • warmer months.
  • 5th Place: Bus Countdown Clocks ($80,000) – 935 Votes. 
  • Digital displays will be installed at four bus stops, showing the 
  • times buses will arrive.
If you are interested in submitting project proposals for PB funding,
contact my District Office at718-842-8100.
 





















IDNYC at The New York Botanical Garden
         The New York Botanical Garden is honored to participate in
IDNYC’s inaugural year by providing a complimentary Community
Grounds Membership to current IDNYC cardholders.  Benefits
include year-round admission to the Garden grounds for an
ndividual or family (2 adults and 2 children under age 16).  To join,
you must present your valid IDNYC before December 31, 2015 at
any ticketing window at The New York Botanical Garden, Tuesday-
Sunday, 10 am-5pm.  Please note this membership offer is not
available for current or recently lapsed (January 2012 – Present)
Garden members. For a full explanation of this benefit at NYBG
for IDNYC holders, please visit: 
http://www.nybg.org/support_the_garden/membership/idnyc.php

My Legislative Work in City Hall
CLEAN Act: Cleaning Up Industrial Laundries in the Bronx 
and Outer Boroughs
New York City’s industrial laundries clean the textiles, linens,
tablecloths and gowns used by millions of people in the City’s
hotels, hospitals and restaurants. These facilities employ more
than 5,000 immigrant, low-wage workers and are concentrated
in the Bronx and outer boroughs. I was shocked to learn that
industrial laundries- unlike your neighborhood laundromat-
currently go unregulated by the City’s Department of Consumer
Affairs and are not required to meet health and safety protocols.
Without regulations and oversight, industrial laundry workers
are routinely exploited and work in unsanitary conditions that
create serious public health risks for consumers. They are
forced to sacrifice cleanliness in order to meet production quotas,
which can lead to contaminated linens being used by the public.
To help fix this problem, I introduced the City Laundry Equity and
Accountability Act (CLEAN Act). If passed, the CLEAN Act would
require industrial laundries to undergo inspections and obtain a
license. By regulating industrial laundries, we can help protect the
city from potential public health risks and safeguard a vulnerable
and exploited work force.  The bill will be heard in the Council’s
Consumer Affairs Committee on June 18th. In collaboration with
Workers United, my office released a report on the unsanitary
work conditions at industrial laundries.
Read the report at: www.cleannyc.org and watch the Fox 5
segment here: Report: Dirty hotel, restaurant linens
 




















Making School Diversity a Priority
The Council recently passed my resolution calling on the City’s
Department of Education to establish school diversity as a
priority in admissions, zoning and other decision-making
processes. The resolution passed as a part of the School
Diversity Accountability Act, designed to confront segregation
and increase diversity in NYC public schools.

 Upcoming Events
  • Friday, June 5: Teens Take the Met5-8pm: Free Art Making, 
  • Performances, Gallery Activities, and More, free for teens 13+. 
  •  Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 81st St. More info: www.metmuseum.org/teennight
  • Friday June 12: Parkside Clean-Up Day: 12pmResidents 
  • of Parkside Houses and the Bronx Park East neighborhood will 
  • hold a cleanup day in the development. Residents will meet at 
  • 644 Adee Ave.
  • Tuesday, June 23: Department of Transportation Helmet 
  • Giveaway: 3:30-7pmIn collaboration with DOT, I will be 
  • holding a bike helmet give away at PS 32. On a first come, 
  • first serve basis, you can be fit for a free bike helmet. 
  • 690 E. 183rd St., Bronx.
  • Friday, June 26: Fordham Road Film Festival: 8:30pm
  • The Fordham Road BID will kick off their free summer film 
  • screenings with “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, 
  • Very Bad Day”. For the full Film Festival list visit:  
  • http://www.fordhamroadbid.org/
  • Tuesday, June 30: Centerlight Senior Prom: 2-5pm. 
  • The 5th Annual Beth Abraham/Centerlight Senior Task Force 
  • Senior Prom will have dancing, giveaways and refreshments. 
  • Free admissions. For more information and to RSVP, 
  • please call Carmen Cruz Lee, 718-519-4072
  • ccruz-lee@centerlight.org or Jacqueline Kennedy-Saddler,
  • 718-636-1000 x437, jkennedy-saddler@centerlight.org
  • RSVP by June 10. 

 



























Folow me on Twitter: @RitchieTorres
Find me on Facebook: Hon. Ritchie Torres
CITY HALL OFFICE

250 Broadway, Suite 1759  
New York, NY 10007

(212) 788-6966


DISTRICT OFFICE
573 East Fordham Road  
(Entrance on Hoffman Street) 
Bronx, NY 10458
(718) 842-8100
Fax: (347) 597-8570

SENATOR KLEIN, ASSEMBLYMAN DINOWITZ, COUNCILMAN COHEN CELEBRATE RIVERDALE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE COMMUNITY AND TEEN CENTER GRAND OPENING



   State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Council Member Andrew Cohen, Riverdale Neighborhood House Executive Director Daniel Eudene, civic leaders and local community members celebrated the grand opening of Riverdale Neighborhood House’s (RNH) new community and teen center at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday. Klein, Dinowitz and Cohen together provided more than $550,000 in state capital and municipal grants to modernize and upgrade the facility, as well as bolster social services programming in the Riverdale community.

Senator Jeff Klein said, “The Riverdale Neighborhood House has been an anchor to the families of  Riverdale since its inception more than a 100 years ago. For decades, parents have entrusted Riverdale Neighborhood House as both the first stop in their child’s education and as a great connector later for internships and job programs for teens. Riverdale Neighborhood House has offered essential social services, resources and support to countless families and I am proud to have provided these much-needed upgrades to the facility. I look forward to continuing to work together with Riverdale Neighborhood House to ensure that Riverdale’s families and children will be afforded these vital services for years to come.”

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said, “The Riverdale Neighborhood House has been a pillar in our community since it was founded over 140 years ago, and I am absolutely thrilled to be here for the ribbon cutting of its new facilities. For generations it has been an invaluable resource for children and families as a place to learn and grow together while also providing service to the community. I was more than pleased I could help provide funding for their new facilities along with my colleagues so that RNH can continue its long tradition of service and learning in Riverdale.”

Council Member Andrew Cohen said, “It is exciting to be here today for the ribbon-cutting of the new community and teen center at the Riverdale Neighborhood House. I was happy to be able to contribute funds for the social and recreational programming that Riverdale Neighborhood House will offer local teens through their center to help the younger people in our community better prepare for their future. Through the community and teen center, Riverdale Neighborhood House will be able to help the youth in the community build foundations for their educational and professional futures while also gaining meaningful social experiences. These social and recreational opportunities will enable these teens to understand community engagement and leadership qualities.”

Daniel Eudene, Executive Director of the Riverdale Neighborhood House said, “We are grateful for Senator Klein and Assemblyman Dinowitz's commitment to Riverdale Neighborhood House and the community we serve. They have been there since they took office and continue to look out for us every day. And Council Member Cohen has sprung into action allowing new programs and services to take off at RNH, including our expanded efforts to engage volunteers. Together they help RNH be the best we can be for the entire neighborhood.”

Senator Klein secured $250,000 in state capital funding, Assemblyman Dinowitz an additional $250,000, while Council Member Cohen added $75,000 in municipal grants. Together, this much-needed funding provided the following improvements to RNH:

  • Construction of the community and teen center;
  • Replaced the oil fired broiler with a high-efficiency gas fired unit;
  • Installed new air conditioning units;
  • Made the RNH pool accessible by providing an elevator and rail lift to ensure those with limited mobility can not only get to the pool but enjoy it;                    
  • Greened the property which included making it more environmentally friendly, adding permeable asphalt and more plant life on the grounds;
  • Provided new fencing and exterior lighting;
  • Supported the new Telephone Reassurance Program (TRP) that includes phone calls to homebound older adults to ensure they are able to remain connected to the community and secure in their homes; and                           
  • Supported social and recreational programming.

Riverdale Neighborhood House, founded in 1872, is a multi-purpose agency that helps families of all income levels and ethnicities through various social programs for children, teens and seniors, including Pre-kindergarten.



Summer Sizzles in The Bronx - June Events




The Bronx eNews


  The official eNewsletter of The Bronx Tourism Council 

JUNE 05, 2015

  


A concert celebrating 10 years since the inauguration of
Pregones Theater on Walton Avenue in The Bronx

Pregones Theater
571-575 Walton Avenue
718.585.1202
 or click here

 ____________________________________________

presents


PUERTO RICAN MASTERS
Los Grandes Maestros de La Salsa
SAT  |  JUN 6  |  8pm
Box Office: 718.960.8833
or Click here 


  







June Events in
The Boogie Down Bronx


10 Things I bet you didn't know about The Bronx


10 Notable African Americans Inducted in
The Bronx Walk of Fame

10 Famous Women Inducted into
The Bronx Walk of Fame

Seeking volunteers to 
help provide Bronx Tours!

 
The non-profit organization founded in 1992, has served to enhance New York City's worldwide image by connecting visitors with knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers passionate and proud of their favorite neighborhoods.
To become a volunteer, or for more information, click here

check out our
SUMMER FUN GUIDE
 
what to see and do
in The Bronx all year-round 
  
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
  
SAVE THE DATES
June 25
New York Salutes America
Fireworks Extravaganza
August
 Bronx SalsaFest
October
Fall for The Bronx
October 25th 
Tour de Bronx
November
Savor The Bronx
Restaurant Week
ON VIEW IN THE BRONX

ACCOMPLISHED WOMEN: SCHOOLGIRL ART FROM FEMALE ACADEMICS IN THE EARLY 19TH CENTURY
BARTOW-PELL MANSION MUSEUM
895 Shore Road
Until June 21
click for more info 

DOUG BRIN: JOURNALS AND SURREALIST IMPULSE: WORKS FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION
Opening reception: Apr 19, 3:30 - 5pm
DERFNER JUDAICA MUSEUM + THE ART COLLECTION
Hebrew Home @ Riverdale
5901 Palisade Avenue
RSVP art@hebrewhome.org
until July 31
click for more info 

FRIDA KAHLO: Art. Garden. Life
until November 21
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Boulevard
Click for more info 
 The Ultimate
Book to
experience The
Ultimate Bronx!

Available now on
Amazon







Also available
on Amazon
Arlene Alda's
book!


  
































































































































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Established in 1991, The Bronx Tourism Council is a subsidiary of 
the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC), 
creating a cohesive and symbiotic relationship between arts and 
culture and economic development. The role of The Bronx 
Tourism Council is to promote the borough's rich history,its 
institutions, and cultural diversity on a local, national, and 
global level. 
Olga Luz Tirado, Executive Director
Brendaliz Candelaria, Deputy Director 
Annette Carrion Pastoriza, Tourism and Administration Coordinator

Visit www.ilovethebronx.com or 
call 718.590.3518 for more information.


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Senator Espaillat: I Welcome Governor Cuomo's Support for Strengthening Rent Laws


News from New York State Senator
Adriano Espaillat



Senator Espaillat: I Welcome Governor Cuomo's Support for Strengthening Rent Laws

 
"Rent laws play a major role in determining if New York will be affordable for working and middle class New Yorkers. My stance has been firm, we must end vacancy decontrol and the vacancy bonus to stop the massive loss of affordable housing we have seen in the last two decades. Since 1993 over 200,000 regulated units have been lost, and 35,000 units have been lost under the current rent laws. This is a critical juncture in the fight to keep our city affordable and I am encouraged by Governor Cuomo's support will help us do right by New York's tenants and pass common-sense rent laws our state sorely needs"