5th Annual International Music Festival

ASSEMBLYMAN MARK GJONAJ,

SENATOR JEFF KLEIN 

& ASSEMBLYMAN MICHAEL BENEDETTO 

present

5th Annual International Music Festival

July 22,2017

1:00PM - 5:00PM

Loreto Park 

Morris Park Ave. between Haight Avenue & Tomlinson Avenue

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION REVEALS 10 NEW SCHOOLYARDS TO PLAYGROUNDS SITES

$24 Million in NYC Parks and Community Development Block Grant Funding to Help Close Walk to a Park Gap

  Mayor de Blasio today announced that 10 new sites will be added to the Schoolyards to Playgrounds program, with many of the sites slated for full capital renovations or minor improvements. Funded with more than $24 million dollars, with $18.2 million from NYC Parks and $6 million in Community Development Block Grants, these additional Brooklyn and Queens sites will help to close the city’s walk to a park goal of bringing 85 percent of New Yorkers within walking distance to a park by 2030.

“Every New Yorker deserves access to quality recreational space," said Mayor Bill de Blasio.”This program is an innovative way to bring more residents within walking distance to a park simply by opening up our schoolyards to the public when school isn't in session."

“Schoolyards to Playgrounds is a powerful partnership founded on the belief that public spaces are where our communities thrive. These ten new sites are targeted strategically in neighborhoods with below-average access to public space, and will bring even more New York City families within a walk to a park where they can play, relax, and grow,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP.

“Schools are hubs for communities and the Schoolyards to Playgrounds initiative provides public space for children in the area to play and be active,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “It’s important for children to engage in physical activity from a young age and this will provide additional space for families to come together and strengthen community relationships.”

Schoolyards to Playgrounds opens school play space during non-school hours. Currently, there are 251 schoolyards are already open in this capacity, and upon renovation completion, the expansion brings the number to 261 across the five boroughs. This new investment will also fund improvements to existing sites in the program, including PS 54 in Queens. Each site receiving complete capital reconstruction will receive up to $3 million dollars for completion; improvement site funding varies. Additionally, NYC DOE will provide $70,000 in funding annually, per site, for custodial labor and supplies.

Full capital construction: 

Queens:

·         PS 136 – NYC School Construction Authority    

Brooklyn:

·         PS 361 – NYC Parks

·         PS 95 – NYC School Construction Authority

·         PS 177 – NYC School Construction Authority

·         PS 163 – NYC School Construction Authority

·         IS 228 – NYC Parks       

Minor improvements: 

Queens:

·         PS 306 – NYC Department of Education to include new sports coating, safety surface, and fencing.

Brooklyn:

·         PS 377 – NYC Department of Education to include a new basketball court.

No Improvements Needed:

Brooklyn:

·         PS 29

·         PS 202

NYC Parks has conducted community input meetings for IS 228 and PS 361 and are expected for fall 2019 completion; both are currently in design.

“Playgrounds provide public space for students, families and community members to come together and be active,” said Lorraine Grillo, School Construction Authority President and CEO. “We look forward to working with the Parks Department, schools and community members throughout the renovation process to ensure the design meets the needs of the community.”

EDITOR'S NOTE:

It looks like the Bronx is first to get new homeless shelters, but when it comes to schools, school yards, and parks the Bronx is last.

Senator Ruben Diaz announces the celebration of “Abrazo Dominicano in New York”

  Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, in conjunction with New York State Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda, Victor Pichardo and City Council Member Rafael Salamanca will celebrate the Annual “Abrazo Dominicano in New York.”

"Abrazo Dominicano" is a completely free for 500 people (by invitation only) annual banquet, that will take place on Friday July 28, 20017 from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am at Maestro’s Caterers, located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx, New York.  

This event is in honor and recognition of the many contributions that the Dominican community has made to the State and the City of New York.

During this Banquet, Senator Ruben Diaz together with elected officials will be presenting Proclamations and Recognitions to distinguish members of the Dominican community.

For more information, please call Leila Martinez at 718-991-3161.

This event is by INVITATION ONLY.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz Calls on MTA to Craft New Plan for Subway ADA Accessibility

The MTA is approaching the end of their 1994 Key Station Plan for subway accessibility, but have not included elevator installation in their recent capital budgets.

  Assemblyman Dinowitz (Chairman of the NYS Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions) along with fellow elected officials and disability advocates this morning to demand a new plan for 100% subway station accessibility. Currently, only 23% of subway stations have at least one accessible entrance and the MTA has not released an updated accessibility plan since 1994. “The MTA is on pace to have full accessibility in 70 years, presuming they continue to add elevators to stations. I have three grandchildren now ages 2 and under and, if they are lucky, they might have elevators by the time they are senior citizens,” said Dinowitz.

The rally was organized by TransitCenter, a national organization that advocates for a variety of transportation causes, and was held outside of the MTA headquarters at 2 Broadway. TransitCenter released a new report titled “Access Denied” which highlights the impact that a lack of elevator access has on transit users. Dinowitz added, “So many people rely on elevators to access our transit system – people with strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, canes, or even just a lot of bags. It is inconceivable in this day and age that these people don't have the same rights as everybody else.”

Assemblyman Dinowitz, TransitCenter, and other elected officials and advocates demanded several actions for the MTA to take. First, the MTA should include ADA accessibility improvements into future Capital Needs Assessments and Capital Programs. Second, they should accelerate their pace of elevator construction with the ultimate goal of achieving 100% accessibility. Third, they should improve elevator maintenance and provide accurate outage updates so users can plan trips accordingly. Dinowitz concluded, “We need the MTA to have a plan for how to achieve these goals. Subway elevators cost around $10 million each and take about a year to install, give or take depending on if they are above ground. Obviously this is not a change that happens overnight, but we should have a strategy and schedule to ensure we continue making progress.”

Next week marks the 27th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, on July 26th.

MAYOR DE BLASIO HIGHLIGHTS NYC PARKS’ TREES AND SIDEWALKS REPAIR PROGRAM

 Additional $16 million in funding brings total to $21.75 million to conduct inspections and fix more sidewalks 

  Mayor de Blasio today appeared with NYC Parks Queens Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski to highlight NYC Parks’ Trees and Sidewalks program, which helps homeowners repair severe sidewalk damage caused by the root growth of street trees. Trees and Sidewalks received an additional $15.75 million this year, bringing the total to $21.75 million in funding in the FY18 budget, and more than tripling the previous year’s $6 million allotment.

“Our nearly 700,000 street trees beautify our neighborhoods, clean our air, and cool our environment.  But as they grow, trees can also come into conflict with city sidewalks, creating inconvenient or even dangerous conditions. Trees and Sidewalks supports homeowners by assisting them with sidewalk repairs – and this significant funding increase will make this program even more powerful,” said Mayor de Blasio.

“Loving New York means loving our trees and our sidewalks. And true to its name, the Trees and Sidewalks program improves both, providing crucial aid to homeowners and supporting the strength of our urban forest. Over $20 million will bring smoother sidewalks and healthier trees to homeowners, pedestrians, and tree-lovers all over New York City,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP.

At today’s event, part of City Hall in Your Borough in Queens, Mayor de Blasio and Borough Commissioner Lewandowski met with Flushing resident Peter Kyriakakis to examine the damaged sidewalk outside his house. Mr. Kyriakakis’s sidewalk is slated for repair as part of the Trees and Sidewalks program.

Trees and Sidewalks is offered to owner-occupied one-, two-, and three-family homes not used for commercial purposes. Homeowners may request to enlist in the program by calling 311 or filling out anonline form. NYC Parks foresters then examine the site and assign it a priority rating based on criteria including the vertical lift of the sidewalk, the number of damaged flagstones, the volume of traffic on and width of the sidewalk, and tree condition. Repairs may include tree bed expansion, adjustment of sidewalk grade, strengthening sidewalk materials, and improving drainage.

13 th Council Forum at the Throggs Neck Houses

  Last night there was a forum at the Throggs Neck Houses where the seven remaining candidates appeared. Just like the previous forum however the sparks and barbs were part of this forum as candidates hurled accusations at the two leading candidates. This time candidate Marjorie Velazquez was the subject of most of the comments by those who went after Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj at the previous forum.

   Candidate Victor Ortiz said that his petition was challenged by Ms. Velazquez, and was angry about it. He said that her husband works for the mayor so how could she represent the district fairly. Velazquez answered by saying that she has been fighting the mayor on some issues that are important to the district. It got to a point that candidate Velazquez answered Mr. Ortiz in the same language   he spoke several times that being Spanish. 

  

  It got to a point that Ms. Monique Johnson President of the Throggs Neck Houses Tenants Association Said to the candidates that she asked them to stop going after certain candidates and answer the questions that they were not. It got to a point that Ms. Johnson was accused of having a candidate that she favored. the candidates tried to prove why they were the best choice for the council seat, but some fell short. Photos of the forum are below.

The candidates who arrived early either spoke to each other or to the people in the audience.

Above - One candidate hands out voter registration cards,

Below - You can see how the room was filled to capacity, but was less than half of this later as people walked out for one reason or another.

Above - the seven candidate (l-r) John Cerini, John Doyle, Mark Gjonaj, Alex Gomez, Victor Ortiz, Edidio Sementili, and Marjorie Velazquez,

Below - Candidate Doyle gives his opening speech as to why he is the better candidate.

Above - Candidate Mark Gjonaj speaks of his experience in the state assembly.

Below - Candidate Sementili talks of empowering people as he holds a voter registration card.

Above - Candidate Velazquez answers criticism of her by one candidate, and responds also in Spanish.

Below - Ms. Johnson is telling the candidates the reason why people are leaving. That they are attacking certain candidates, not fully answering the questions, and going way over on their allotted time to speak.

 My take on this forum was, yes there are several qualified (if not all) candidates to fill the soon to be vacant 13th City Council seat, but several failed to connect with the voters on the issues, and chose to try to get even at other candidates who are in the lead.

2ND Annual Bronx 12th Council District Community Engagement Parade Saturday, Aug. 5

  Bronx residents are excited about the second annual Bronx 12th Council District Community Engagement Parade, which will kick off at 12 noon on Saturday, Aug. 5^th , at the intersection of Eastchester Avenue and East Gun Hill Road, Bronx.  Attendance in the parade will include New York City Council Members Andy King, Fernando Cabrera, Andrew Cohen, James Vacca and Ritchie Torres. In addition will be the appearance of marching bands, professional athletes, local schools, steppers, sororities, colorful costumes and cars, FDNY and more than 1500 participants from various businesses, churches and community-based groups.

  Rain Barrel Giveaway Set for Saturday, August 5

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Council Member Andy King will hold a rain barrel giveaway on the Evander Childs High School football field, 800 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, on Saturday, August 5^th ,  during the 5^th annual 12th District Community Engagement Day/ Fun In the Son Parade & Concert.

Fifty rain barrels will be distributed to local residents at 10 a.m. However, because of the limited number of barrels, residents must call and reserve their barrel --  one per person per household.

“This somewhat, old-fashion technique is very effective for homeowners who want to ensure that their plants don't suffer in summer heat and for business owners looking to manage storm water runoff from rooftops. Not only will harvesting rainwater safeguard plants and keep the sewer pipes from overflowing but it’ll help many save on their water bill. You can’t beat that!” said Council Member Andy King, 12th CD.

The 60-gallon rain barrels are easy to install and connect directly to a property owner's downspout to capture and store the storm water that falls on the rooftop. The water collected in the rain barrel can then be used to water lawns and gardens, or for other outdoor chores.

Rain barrels should only be used for non-potable purposes, such as gardening, and must be disconnected from the downspout during the winter months to avoid freezing.

For more information or to reserve a rain barrel, phone King's office at 718-684-5509.

12th District Community Engagement Day/ Fun In the Son Parade & Concert

It will all happens on Saturday, August 5, 2017, starting with a community parade that kicks off at noon at the intersection of Eastchester Road and East Gun Hill Road and culminates at Evander Childs High School football field (800 East Gun Hill Road). More than 2,000 people from community-based organizations and businesses will be marching in the parade.

Inside the football field will be over 50 community-based exhibits and vendors, games for the children, health-care activities, free food, and music. Outside the field will be mobile vans that will pro-vide free health and wellness services, such as dental screenings, legal services, flu shots and more. There will also be a NYPD Rock Wall and a “Shooting 4 Peace” 3-on-3 Basketball tournament featuring celebrity pro ballers and local streetball legends.

The day’s event is a partnership between the High School of Contemporary Arts, Council Member Andy King , Fun In the Son NYC, Good Neighbors and Shooting 4 Peace.

  NYC Council Member Andy King to host NYU Dental Van

The NYU College of Dentistry's "Smiling Faces, Going Places" dental van will provide free dental services to Bronx residents of all ages in partnership with City Councilmember Andy King on Saturday, Aug. 5^th as a part of the 5^thannual 12th District Community Engagement Day/ Fun In the Son Parade & Concert.

The van will be parked on Barnes Avenue in front of Evander Childs High School Campus at 800 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx. Services provided will include exams, X-rays and screenings.

Interested residents must fill out permission forms at Council Member King’s office, 940 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx. For more information, call 718-684-5509.

12^th District Community Engagement Day/ Fun In the Son Parade & Concert

It will all happens on Saturday, August 5, 2017, starting with a community parade that kicks off at noon at the intersection of Eastchester Road and East Gun Hill Road and culminates at Evander Childs High School football field (800 East Gun Hill Road). More than 2,000 people from community-based organizations and businesses will be marching in the parade.

Inside the football field will be over 50 community-based exhibits and vendors, games for the children, health-care activities, free food, and music. Outside the field will be mobile vans that will pro-vide free health and wellness services, such as dental screenings, legal services, flu shots and more. There will also be a NYPD Rock Wall and a “Shooting 4 Peace” 3-on-3 Basketball tournament featuring celebrity pro ballers and local streetball legends.

The day’s event is a partnership between the High School of Contemporary Arts, Council Member Andy King , Fun In the Son NYC, Good Neighbors and Shooting 4 Peace.

Highest Number of Petition Signatures in The Bronx!

  

Thanks to the hard work put in by you and so many other dedicated volunteers and community members, I’m excited to announce that we officially filed 6,094 petitions -- the most amount of petition signatures in The Bronx -- to get my name on the ballot for the September 12th Democratic primary! 

Additionally, we were able to raise $180,040 for this filing period. These victories are testament to the strength of this campaign.

The most important endorsement a candidate can receive is that of his neighbor. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dozens of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to help me meet voters. I am incredibly thankful for their dedication to this campaign.

The summer is just beginning and I look forward to continuing to meet with all of you to hear more about the issues that matter most so we can work towards tangible solutions together. If you'd like to join our efforts and volunteer, email NewYorkersForMarkGjonaj@gmail.com.

Thank you again for the support you have shown me.

Sincerely,

Mark