Wednesday, September 2, 2015

ELECTED OFFICIALS ISSUE REPORT ON KINGSBRIDGE/BROADWAY BUSINESS CORRIDOR



  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Council Member Andrew Cohen, Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, Bronx Community Board #8 and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation issued a joint report examining the Kingsbridge/Broadway retail corridor, running along Broadway between West 230th Street and West 238th Street, including connecting side streets, in the northwest Bronx.

This well-known commercial corridor has seen two new retail shopping centers open at each end in recent months, and is slated for more retail, commercial and residential development in the near future. Given this activity, this group sought to identify issues affecting the corridor and put forth recommendations, which they believe will help maintain the area’s status as a vibrant, active and relevant shopping corridor for both local residents and those beyond.

Those recommendations include a renewed focus on graffiti removal, standardized street furniture and sanitation receptacles, increased lighting and the creation of new parks and public interaction spaces, among others.

The complete report on the Kingsbridge/Broadway business district can be read at http://on.nyc.gov/1fRNJcA.

“With two major new developments opening along Broadway in recent months, this shopping corridor is seeing increased traffic from not just Bronx shoppers, but travelers from northern Manhattan and Westchester, as well,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Our recommendations will go a long way towards keeping Kingsbridge an attractive place to visit, shop and eat for local residents, while also ensuring that potential customers from all over the region will feel welcome here, shop in our local stores, and become repeat customers.”

“I am very excited to see that the Kingsbridge shopping corridor has had an increase in traffic since the grand opening of two major developments along Broadway. The report my colleagues and I have constructed reflects our dedication to ensuring that the Kingsbridge business district continues to be a destination for not only local shoppers, but for our neighbors outside the northwest Bronx as well.  These recommendations, particularly, removing graffiti, removing old parking meters to repurpose the space for bike racks and sidewalk repair throughout the corridor, will keep the Kingsbridge corridor thriving and maintain the community’s status as an active and vibrant neighborhood ,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen

"Having lived in the Northwest Bronx for most of my life, I have seen the Broadway corridor during some of its best and its worst times. It is exciting to see the amazing renaissance that has taken place along Broadway in recent years. New developments, including the construction of two new shopping malls, bring a new vitality to this corridor. There is so much more potential for growth along Broadway, but it must be done in a smart and coordinated fashion. While I have no doubt that Broadway’s rebirth and revitalization will continue, we need to do everything we can to make common-sense improvements along the corridor. This includes better lighting, more seating areas, pedestrian- and bike-friendly pathways, improved parking, graffiti removal and better sanitation. I am confident that all of us working as a team will have a tremendously positive impact on Broadway," said Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz.

“The opening of the two new shopping centers along Broadway continues to attract new businesses and customers from around the City. Common sense measures such as better lighting and the removal of non-functional parking meters will greatly enhance the experience of residents and visitors and will go hand in hand with the revitalization process that this area is currently undergoing," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "These recommendations will go a long way in strengthening the development of the Northwest Bronx.”

"Retail in Kingsbridge is thriving. I applaud my colleagues, Community Board #8 and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation for outlining a vision to maintain this vital shopping corridor that's seen two new major retail developments blossom. I'm also proud to partner with the BOEDC on the Bronx Revolving Loan Fund which allows businesses, big and small, to borrow up to $50,000 to make capital improvements to their ventures. This is a great way, especially for mom and pop shops looking to revitalize their stores, to get a loan and take part in this Kingsbridge Renaissance," said State Senator Jeff Klein.

“Kingsbridge is one of the most significant shopping districts in The Bronx, and this report puts forward several common sense improvements that can make this area more attractive to shoppers. I look forward to working with my fellow board members, elected officials and businesses together to make this shopping district an even better place to visit, and to take advantage of the new traffic this neighborhood will see as a result of these two new shopping centers,” said Dan Padernacht, Chairman, Community Board #8.


BRONX STREET TO BE RENAMED IN MEMORY OF LONGTIME COMMUNITY BOARD 12 DISTRICT MANAGER



   Members of Bronx Community Board 12 (CB 12), elected officials, friends and family members will gathered Saturday, September 12 at 11 a.m. at the corner of East 229th Street and White Plains Road, Bronx, to rename the intersection “Carmen Rosa Way” in memory of the longtime district manager of CB 12.

Council Member Andy King will officiate the ceremony and present a City Council Proclamation to the family.

Carmen L. Rosa, a first generation New Yorker and longtime resident of the Bronx, had provided more than 20 years stellar service and contributions to Community Board 12. In 1995, after serving seven years as Community Board 12’s Assistant District Manager, Ms. Rosa became District Manager. From the start, she has applied an unparalleled level of expertise, dedication, leadership skills to improving the quality of life for Community Board 12 residents and for the Bronx as a whole.

During Ms. Rosa’s tenure as District Manager of Community Board 12, she played an instrumental role in getting the toxic site known as Hexagon Labs cleaned by the Federal and State Department of Environmental Protection, ensuring the contaminates contained at the site would no longer endanger residents.

In her role as District Manager for the second largest populated district in the borough of the Bronx, Ms. Rosa responded to the needs of young people and submitted a proposal to the Mayor, which identified a potential site for an all-inclusive recreational facility.

Ms. Rosa’s work with the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, the South Bronx Economic Development Corporation and the White Plains Road merchants association culminated in a revitalization program with local industrial merchants, developing a vital economic engine in the 12th District.

In addition to her tireless work with Community Board 12, Ms. Rosa was a devoted mother of two children, Linda A. Angueira and Alfredo M. Angueira, as well as an Adjunct Professor at Monroe College. She truly excelled in all of her endeavors and earned the enduring gratitude of all New Yorkers.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Aguila's Back-To-School Backpack Giveaway



   State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz joined with Aguila' Inc. Director, Ms. Jenny Rivera and police officers from the 43rd Precinct to give backpacks filled with school supplies to the 100 families who live in the homeless shelter located at 1056 Boynton Avenue (between Bruckner Blvd and Watson Avenues) in Bronx County. A few photos are below.


Above - Backpacks filled with school supplies are piled high waiting to be given to the children.
Below - State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. is with Aguila Inc. Director Ms. Jenny Rivera.






Above - Senator Diaz Sr. and Ms. Rivera are joined by the rest of the staff of Aguila Inc. here.
Below - There was a face painter 'Silly Cindy' for the children. 





Aguila, Inc. is a Bronx based non-profit organization that provides transitional housing for homeless families throughout the New York Metropolitan Area. 


Friends of Van Cortlandt Park's September 2015 Enewsletter



Summer is quickly coming to an end but we are looking forward to enjoying the fall in Van Cortlandt Park.

Eleven young people just finished up working for our SummerFOTB9DD 2 2015
Teen Trails Crew.  These interns maintained nearly 5 miles of trail while also partnering with a boyscout troop to build up a section of the John Muir Trail that runs alongside Mosholu Avenue. The interns also took a trip to Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park in Putnam County to work with the NY- NJ Trail Conference (pictured). Head out on the trails in VCP to see their great work.
We have lots of great events planned for the fall including Canoeing with Wilderness Inquiry on October 24th and two fun fundraisers planned in September-  Otis Matthews Fall Start 10Kand a Paint Nite event at Kelly Ryans.   Check out the list below and visit our website for a full listing of upcoming events.

Hope to see you in the Park!

Christina and all of your Friends at the Friends of VCP

SEPTEMBER 2015 EVENTS

Otis Matthews Fall Start 10K
Monday September 7th starting at 9am
The Friends will join the Van Cortlandt Track Club for this 10k race. Kids activities include a 1 mile run and Eco-Crafts. Proceeds will go towards trail maintenance. Registration is now open!  


Art in the Park Adventures
Saturdays September 12th, 19th and 26th at
11am and 1:30pm (sessions are just under 2 hours)
Your little Picasso will create their own original art and expand their skills in a wide variety of methods and materials during this art class series. Children, ages 6 to 12, can attend as many or as few sessions as they would like. Meet at Woodlawn Playground- just south of VCP East and Kepler Avenue.


Get Active Hiking Series
 Saturday SEPTEMBER 12th at 10am
Join us for a Wetlands Tour in VCP.  Please wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water and a snack for the hike.  Meet at 242nd and Broadway near the last stop of the 1 train.


Paint Nite Fundraiser
 Thursday September 17th starting at 7pm
In just about two hours, a performing artist will guide you through a painting so that you come up with your own unique masterpiece that you will be amazed YOU created. Everything you will need is provided: canvas, paints, brushes and even a smock. All proceeds will go towards future art programs in Van Cortlandt Park.  Event will be held at Kelly Ryan’s at 5790 Mosholu Ave.  Tickets must be purchased in advance.


Fall Kickoff Forest Volunteer Event 
Saturday September 26th meeting at 10am
Join us as we start our fall volunteer season with projects on the East and West Sides of the Park. Projects include shrub and tree plantings and invasive plant removal (both sides) and hillside beautification projects near Healy Field on the east side. Meet at the Nature Center- enter the Park at Broadway and W. 246th St. –OR- Meet at Van Cortlandt Park East and Kepler Ave.

“Back to School Clean Up Event”



    The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce its Back to School Clean Up Event on the Allerton Avenue Commercial Strip. 
   On Wednesday, September 2nd at 10:00AM, the day will begin at The Sanz (815 Allerton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467).  There will be many exciting activities for the students participating.  Children will receive a free breakfast, school bags, school supplies, haircut coupons, and more.  Many federal, state, and city officials will be on hand along with the leadership of The Allerton Avenue International Merchants Association. Merchants and local residents will be participating in this neighborhood beautification project. 

Bronx Chamber of Commerce

Back to School Clean-Up Event

WednesdaySeptember 2, 2015 at 10:00AM 

The Sanz 815 Allerton Avenue, 
Corner Boston Road.


Monday, August 31, 2015

STATEMENT FROM STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA ON THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE BENEFITS OF THE "HAPPY MEAL" BILLS



GOVERNMENT HEADER

"Not only does this study confirm that children will pick a healthier meal that is accompanied by toy when given the option, but it also highlights the nutritional shortfalls of the fast food our children are consuming. This scientific study highlights how the "Healthy Happy Meal" bill proposed by Councilmember Kallos has the potential to make these fast food meals that are targeted to kids healthier. 

One of my legislative priorities in the State Senate has been to set statewide nutritional standards for meals that are accompanied by a toy. I commend and thank New York University for conducting this study, which will support our efforts to pass legislation in both the city and state that aims to set standards that will encourage our children to make healthy food choices without any misguided influence."



Editor's Note: I wonder just how many 'Happy Meals' Senator Rivera has eaten, and have they made him the person he is today? 



New York Comic Con 2015

NYCC - New York Comic Con - A New York Super Week Event








October 8 - 11, 2015 | Javits Center
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Finn JonesNatalie DormerKeisha Castle Hughes
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ABC Family Comes to NYCC Pretty Little Liars Shadowhunters Stitchers
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Show Floor Hours
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Panel Hours
Thursday: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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ASSEMBLYMAN SEPULVEDA AND PTA OF PS X106’s WEEKEND SCHOOL SUPPLIES GIVEAWAY A BIG SUCCESS




   
Three Hundred backpacks & back-to-school supplies packets distributed Saturday
at ‘Family Fun’ celebration at Caserta Playground

Over 400 people attended a back-to-school celebration and free school supplies giveaway held Saturday at Caserta Playground which was jointly sponsored by Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda and the PTA of PS X106. Nearly 300 elementary school-age children received a slew of free school supplies — including backpacks, notebooks, pencil cases, and pens and pencils at the event.
“It is really gratifying to have had so many families and young learners participate,” said Sepulveda, who gave special thanks “for the dedication, hard work, and leadership of PS X106’s PTA as well as those generous and community-minded corporate sponsors who made the event possible — St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, WellCare, United Healthcare, Apple Bank, MCU, TD Bank, Key Food, and Staples.
“The beginning of the school year is exciting but can also be challenging,” added Sepulveda. “Supplies are costly, and many of our families are on really tight budgets. That’s why the PTA and I are so pleased that these children are ready for school, prepared and eager to learn, and equipped with shiny, brand new supplies, and at no cost to their parents. This community always comes together to put kids’ interest first,” Sepulveda concluded.
“The Back to School celebration was a huge success. We were able to give close to 300 school supply packages to the children throughout the Parkchester community. It was beautiful to witness the joining of so many diverse groups of people in order to collaborate on an event that would benefit the community. The parents and volunteers are especially grateful to Assemblyman SepĂșlveda for his generous contributions to the event.  Without his assistance, a lot of our success would not have been possible. This event epitomized the concept of community. For next year’s event, we hope more local sponsors will participate and we hope more of those who live in the community will play an active role in the celebration,” said Diana Neverson, President of the PTA of PS X106.