WEDNESDAY: MAYOR DE BLASIO TO HOST TOWN HALL WITH COUNCIL MEMBER TORRES

  

  On Wednesday, October 4, Mayor Bill de Blasio will host a town hall with residents of the 15^th Council District, including the neighborhoods of Bedford Park, Fordham, Mount Hope, Bathgate, Belmont, East Tremont, West Farms, Van Nest, Allerton and Olinville. The event is co-sponsored by Council Member Ritchie Torres, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., Congressman José E. Serrano, State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assembly Member José Rivera.

Residents of the 15^th Council District are asked to RSVP by October 2 at 5 p.m. via email atbronxtownhall@cityhall.nyc.gov or by calling (212) 788-6732. Space is limited.

 WHAT:           Council District 15 Town Hall

WHEN:           Wednesday, October 4, 2017

                        Doors open at 6:00 P.M.

   Program begins at 7:00 P.M.

WHERE:         I.S. 254

                 2452 Washington Avenue, 

                        between 188^th and 189^th Streets

  Bronx, NY 10458

Bronx Chamber of Commerce 2017 Bronx Biz & Information Expo | Thursday, October 5th, 11:00 am-5:00 pm, at The Mall at Bay Plaza

M/WBE CERTIFICATION EVENT AND ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING UNPRECEDENTED M/WBE AWARDS

  On the one-year anniversary of the Office of Minority and Women-owned Enterprises (M/WBEs), Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives Richard Buery, Citywide M/WBE Director; the Mayor’s Office of M/WBEs; the Department of Small Business Services and State Senator Marisol Alcantara hosted an M/WBE certification event at the Isabella Geriatric Center in Washington Heights.

At this certification event, Deputy Mayor Buery announced that, for the first time, the City has awarded over $1 billion to M/WBEs in one Fiscal Year (FY) – FY17. The $1 billion in awards to M/WBEs is double the value of contracts awarded in FY15. For context, the City awarded nearly $400 million to M/WBEs in FY15. Awards to M/WBEs increased to nearly $700 million in FY16.

The contracts have been awarded by the Mayoral agencies governed by Local Law 1, which does not include non-mayoral agencies such as NYCHA, EDC and Health and Hospitals. When including the awards of non-mayoral agencies, the City has awarded over $6 billion to M/WBEs since FY2015 under its OneNYC Plan– a plan that established a goal of awarding $16 billion to M/WBEs by close of FY 2025.

The Deputy Mayor also thanked leadership and member of both houses of the Legislature, in particular legislative bill sponsors State Senator Alcantara and Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman for passing a State bill that expands economic opportunity for New York City’s M/WBEs.

A key goal of the de Blasio Administration is to certify 9,000 M/WBEs by 2019. The certification event helped firms learn how to obtain M/WBE certification, which is done by the Department of Small Business Services, with the City of New York and access free programs and services to help attendees grow and sustain their businesses. Certified firms are listed on the City’s online directory of certified companies where they are more visible to City agencies and private companies.

About S6513-B/A8508-A

S6513-B/A8508-A allows the City to spend up to $150,000 on purchase contracts (goods and services) with minority and women-owned businesses without requiring those businesses to first go through a time-consuming formal competitive bidding process. This increased discretionary spending limit for goods and services is now closer to the State’s $200,000 limit in this area. The City currently has $20,000 and $35,000 in discretionary spending limits for purchase contracts and construction, respectively.

This change would help minority and women-owned businesses overcome the historical disadvantages they have faced in the marketplace. The legislation also allows the City to award points or price preference to a firm for being a City-certified or State-certified M/WBE during the RFP evaluation process. In June 2016, the legislature passed the bill with a vote of 115-15 in the Assembly and unanimously in the Senate.

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION PREVIEWS NEW SHARED STREET AS PART OF EAST MIDTOWN’S PUBLIC SPACE IMPROVEMENTS

   The de Blasio Administration detailed plans to launch a Shared Street on 43rd Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenue as part of the rezoning of Greater East Midtown. That comprehensive plan, developed with Council Member Dan Garodnick and Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, included major improvements to the public realm and streetscapes across the business district. The NYC Department of Transportation will begin piloting a new configuration of 43^rd Street between Lexington and Third Avenues in spring 2018 that will increase sidewalk space, provide room for tables, chairs and plantings and lower vehicle speeds—while maintaining access for deliveries. A full capital buildout of the space will be completed by 2021.

The rezoning of East Midtown directly ties new commercial growth to improvements in the district’s public transit and public space. In addition to the 43^rd Street ‘shared street,’ New Yorkers will see major investments in subway stations, less congested sidewalks and expansive plazas across the district.

“This shared street will make a big difference in the quality of life for people working and traveling near Grand Central. It’s part of our commitment to a new formula for growth,” saidMayor de Blasio. “In the years ahead, this neighborhood will see major upgrades to subway stations, more expansive space for pedestrians, investments in its iconic landmarks, and a new generation of office buildings that will spur good jobs for New Yorkers.”

A “Shared Street” is a roadway designed for slow travel speeds where pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists all share the right of way. Vehicles are advised to drive 5MPH and the roadway is flush from building line to building line without the typical curb line grade separation. Shared streets can be designed and managed in a variety of different ways to balance the needs of all users while enhancing the safety, aesthetics, and overall experience of the area. Earlier this year, DOT created its first full-time Shared Street on Broadway between 24^th and 25^th Streets in the Flatiron District; on that block during evening rush hours, pedestrians had previously outnumbered vehicles by an 18:1 margin.   

East Midtown is the city’s largest business district, generating 250,000 jobs and 10 percent of the city’s property tax revenue. But its office buildings average 75 years-old and have become increasingly out-of-date and inefficient for today’s companies. The rezoning passed in August will spur a new generation of office buildings to grow jobs and keep New York competitive, while investing in the area’s streets and public transit.

“Our newest Shared Street, steps away from Grand Central Station, will be an amazing public space in the heart of one of the densest parts of New York City,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.  “In a part of Midtown where pedestrians can outnumber cars by as much as 16 to 1, we will strike a better balance.  Pedestrians, bicycles and slow-moving cars will all safely share this block of East 43^rd Street, which will become more welcoming and more vital.  We thank Deputy Mayor Glen, Councilmember Garodnick and our community partners for their leadership in the continued transformation of this vibrant neighborhood.”

Wave Hill Events Oct 13–Oct 20

Wedged between two autumn high points—Wings over Wave Hill Day and Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend—this is a week to absorb the rich, fall landscape. Assistant Director of Horticulture Matt Turnbull’s walk on Saturday, Late-Season Blooms, would be a fine place to start. Perhaps begin the morning at master carpenter Frank Perrone’s woodworking workshop and come away with your own, one-of-a-kind, sculptural bird feeder—but make your reservations soon! After a light lunch in The Café, stroll back toward Glyndor Gallery and a reading of Mark Twain’s controversial “The War Prayer” by Call & Response exhibition artist Kiran Chandra. Food for body and soul!

Sat, October 14    Woodworking: Bird Feeder Workshop

Using basic woodworking tools, assemble a one-of-kind sculptural bird feeder for your garden’s avian friends with master woodworker, author and Wave Hill Director of Facilities Frank Perrone. The finished project can be mounted on a pole or hung from a wire, just in time for winter birdwatching! No carpentry experience required. Ages 12 and up welcome with an adult. Space is limited. $60/$50 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. 

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 9:30AM–4PM

Sat, October 14    Family Art Project: October Treasures

Stroll along Wave Hill’s Conifer Slope or venture to the lower woodland to see the treasures autumn trees have laid upon the grounds. Use your findings, along with buttons, small stones and a bit of sparkle, to decorate a recycled box or metal tin, a home for your growing nature collection. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, October 14    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR C ENTER, 11AM

Sat, October 14    Garden Walk: Late Season Blooms

Trees are not the only colorful part of Wave Hill’s autumn landscape. Late-blooming plants such as asters, dahlias, perennial sunflowers and salvias create a spectacle equal to that of spring. Join Assistant Director of Horticulture Matthew Turnbull as he shares his seasonal floral favorites. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

Sat, October 14    Mark Twain’s “The War Prayer,” A Call & Response Interpretive Reading by Kiran Chandra

On select Saturdays, Call & Response artists present talks, readings, live music, performance art and workshops in and around Glyndor Gallery. Artist Kiran Chandra presents an interpretive reading of Mark Twain’s controversial 1905 text “The War Prayer.” When Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was a resident of Wave Hill House, he built a treehouse on the property. Chandra’s reading commemorates Twain’s structure and the writings at Wave Hill at the beginning of the 20th century. The reading will be performed in front of Chandra’s outdoor installation. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Sun, October 15    Family Art Project: October Treasures

Stroll along Wave Hill’s Conifer Slope or venture to the lower woodland to see the treasures autumn trees have laid upon the grounds. Use your findings, along with buttons, small stones and a bit of sparkle, to decorate a recycled box or metal tin, a home for your growing nature collection. Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, October 15    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, October 16    

Closed to the public.

Mon, October 16    Members Trip: Mansions along the Old Croton Aqueduct   SOLD OUT

Meander along the Old Croton Aqueduct trail from Irvington to Tarrytown to admire mansions, architectural landmarks and Hudson River views, with Sara Kelsey of the Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct. Hear about local history as you explore the 19th-century Tiffany Reading Room in Irvington, as well as the landscape and architectural features of the Lyndhurst estate, an unusual octagonal house, and other historic properties along the route. This trip includes significant walking, mostly along level terrain. Lunch on your own in Irvington. $65 Wave Hill Member includes transportation and tour fees. Reservations required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Rain date:Monday, October 23.

MEET WAVE HILL’S FRONT GATE, 9:30AM–4:30PM

Tue, October 17    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Tue, October 17    Gallery Tour

Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow leads a tour of the current exhibition in Glyndor Gallery. This fall, the entire gallery is given over to new site-responsive projects honoring the tenth anniversary of Wave Hill’s Sunroom Project Space. Call & Response showcases the work of 50 artists who have exhibited in this unique venue, in projects ranging from art objects created from natural materials gathered onsite, to sound pieces, outdoor installations and performance works. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Thu, October 19    Art Workshop: Plein Air-Journals    SOLD OUT

Using the intimate space of the journal page, depict human-made elements in the landscape in this outdoor workshop. Artist Wennie Huang shares traditional and alternative journal formats and provides individual guidance on drawing and plein-air techniques. Basic materials provided; participants receive a short list of additional recommended materials. This four-session workshop continues October 26,November 2 and 9. $185/$150 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–5:30PM, starting March 15.  Closes 4:30PM, November 1–March 14.

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesdaymornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Heritage Luncheon

 The Bronx Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Hispanic Heritage Luncheon yesterday with a packed room for the six honorees, and a surprise for all who were in attendance. 

  First the six BCC honorees were Mr. Carmelo Alvarado VP Relationship Mgr. T D Bank, Police Officer Norkiss Andino of the 49th Precinct, Ms. Nydia Edgecome Alumni Relations Director for Hostos Community College, Mr. Joe Ithier, Consultant Red Apple Group, Ms. Dulce Maria Nunez Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator A.S.A.P. Mortgage Corp., and Principal Luis Eladio Torres Community School 55 School District 9. 

   Before the awards were handed out, BCC President Nunzio Del Greco told the audience that membership in the Bronx Chamber of Commerce was up twenty-five percent this year over last year. While Assembly members Mark Gjonaj and Jose Rivera were in attendance, Republican Mayoral candidate Nicole Malliotakis was also on hand to help her friend Mr. Joe Ithier celebrate his receiving a BCC award. 

  As each of the honorees had people speak as to why each person deserved the BCC award Mayoral candidate Malliotakis was one of two speakers who spoke on behalf of Mr. Ithier, whom she had known from the administration of former governor George Pataki. The other speaker Mr. Joe Ramos a former commissioner and someone who has held several other key city positions went on for almost ten minutes about his good friend Mr. Joe Ithier and all the great work Mr. Ithier did for the Bronx including a stint as Chief of Staff to former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer. 

Above - The six honorees (l - r) Principal Luis Torres, Ms. Nydia Edgecombe, Police Officer Norkiss Andino, BCC Chairman Joseph Kelleher, BCC President Nunzio Del Greco, Mr. Joe Ithier, Mr. Carmelo Alvarado, and Ms. Dulce Maria Nunez. 

Below - BCC President Nunzio Del Greco and BCC Chairman Joseph Kelleher stand with Mayoral Candidate Nicole Malliotakis in front of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Coat of Arms.   

Above - Captain Alsp of the 49th Precinct was on hand with his executive officer to see one of their police officers receive the BCC award. also in the photo is Mayoral candidate Nicole Malliotakis, Mr. Joe Ramos.

Below - After an almost ten minute introduction, Honoree Mr. Joe Ithier says to Mr. Joe Ramos you may have left out a few things.

Above - A group photo of the supporters of Mr. Joe Ithier which included family and friends, both Bronx Assembly members Mark Gjonaj and Jose Rivera, and Mayoral candidate Nicole Malliotakis.

Below - A group photo of the Honorees, family members, and friends.

Engel: GOP Has Wasted Time, Jeopardized Vital Programs

Funding for children’s health, college affordability programs not extended due to GOP inaction

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a top member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement on Republican inaction in Congress:

“Congressional Republicans have spent nine months on their tired vendetta against the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Now, just days before the fiscal year ends, they’ve proven only that they were willing to put critical programs on the backburner for a shot at fulfilling their misguided political promises.

“Federal funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expires on September 30^th. This program, known in New York as ‘Child Health Plus,’ provides health insurance to more than 600,000 New York children and about 9 million children nationwide. Thankfully, New York has sufficient funds to keep our CHIP program operational past this deadline – but other states face a grimmer reality. 10 states are projected to deplete their CHIP funds by the end of this year, meaning they will soon need to begin the process of shutting their programs down – making the threat of disrupted health coverage very real.

“Also expiring September 30^th is funding for community health centers. Community health centers, funded by the federal government, serve one-in-thirteen people nationwide. Americans who are uninsured or don’t have a ‘regular doctor’ can turn to community health centers in times of need, rather than the emergency room. This allows patients to avoid unnecessary ER bills and, in turn, saves our health care system billions of dollars. By allowing this deadline to pass, Republicans are putting these centers and their patients in jeopardy. Some will need to end weekend and evening hours, roll back services, or freeze hiring to cope with the funding cliff.

“For months, I have urged the Majority to act on these programs. I highlighted the need to extend CHIP and community health center funding during an Energy and Commerce Committee hearing in June. I again pressed the issue in a letter to House Leadership earlier this month. In addition, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 3770, the Community Health Investment, Modernization and Excellence Act to extend community health center funding. I sincerely hope that Republicans won’t waste any more time before extending these lifelines for our constituents.

“Also expiring September 30^th is the Perkins Loan Program. Perkins Loans are federal loans provided to low income students to make higher education more affordable. Students throughout this country rely on these funds to pursue their dreams of higher education. Unfortunately, beginning October 1, no new Perkins Loans will be disbursed and billions of dollars in student aid will be eliminated from schools’ revolving funds. This jeopardizes the future of the 50,000 New York students who have already begun their fall semesters.

“The Perkins Loan Program is too important to New Yorkers to let lapse. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 2482, the Perkins Loan Extension Act and this week I called on House leadership to reauthorize this critical program. Sadly, those in leadership have failed to act.

“These are programs that protect Americans, improve affordability, and expand access to critical, life-saving care. It is shameful that, just days before the end of the fiscal year, Republicans have put so many people in jeopardy.”

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES FINAL DESIGN OF PROJECT TO FILL EAST SIDE GREENWAY GAP WILL COMMENCE NEXT WEEK

$100 million initiative comes as part of administration-wide push to complete a contiguous 32-mile waterfront pedestrian promenade and bikeway around Manhattan

  As part of City Hall in your Borough week in Manhattan, Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that the formal design process for a new section of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway between East 61^st Street and East 53^rd Street will officially kick off next week. The Mayor was joined by local officials to tour a portion of the existing greenway and discussing plans for its expansion. Construction of the new segment will commence in 2019, with completion expected in 2022.

“The Manhattan Greenway stands out as open space that connects communities to one another and also to New York’s expansive and beautiful waterfront. Closing this gap will vastly improve quality of life for New Yorkers, and for East Siders who’ve advocated for decades to get this done,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.  

For more renderings of the project, click here.

“For years East Side residents have looked at the Hudson River Park and wondered why they didn’t have that same type of world class greenway all along the East River,” said NYCEDC President James Patchett. “Today we take a major step towards changing that reality, and delivering on Mayor de Blasio’s vision for a fully connected Manhattan greenway. Creating this kind of waterfront access is central to EDC’s mission of creating strong neighborhoods and building an even more vibrant city.”

“Parks looks forward to furthering the work we are doing with EDC, CDOT and the community to realize the City’s efforts to connecting communities and creating scenic destinations by designing a seamless greenway along the East River,” NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP.

In April of this year, the Mayor dedicated $100 million in City capital to significantly narrow the Greenway’s largest gap as part of an administration-wide push to complete a contiguous 32-mile waterfront pedestrian promenade and bicycling path around the whole of Manhattan. The Mayor’s announcement came as a response to a longstanding effort by local elected officials and community advocates to fund and build a continuous esplanade to close the gap.

The project has received initial approval from the US Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, and State Department of Environmental Conservation. The structure will be based on plans previously developed in consultation with a board composed of Mayoral representatives and local officials.

“Today’s investment will help bring recreational open space to East Midtown, where it is sorely needed,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “With Mayor de Blasio’s help, we are closing the gap from 53rd Street to 61st Street, and are that much closer to encircling all of Manhattan’s 32 miles of waterfront with biking, jogging, and open space for residents and tourists alike to enjoy.”

Local elected officials and civic organizations, including Borough President Gale Brewer, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, State Senator Liz Krueger, Assembly Members Dan Quart and Brian Kavanagh, Council Members Ben Kallos and Dan Garodnick, have pushed for a complete East River Greenway for decades, resulting in continuous progress at critical links along the route.

Since its inception in 1993 under Mayor David Dinkins, each administration has contributed to Manhattan Waterfront Greenway. The last major section of the Greenway to open was a 10-block pile-supported Riverwalk built in Riverside Park on the West Side between West 81st and West 91st streets, completing a contiguous 11-mile Hudson River Greenway from the Battery to the George Washington Bridge. With more than 7,000 daily cyclists, it is the busiest bike path in the United States.

The Mayor’s Executive Budget also dedicated $5 million for a multi-agency study to be completed this year of the remaining gaps in the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway. The study will identify solutions necessary to upgrade existing pinch points and complete gaps, as the basis for additional funding in the next update of the City’s capital plan.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

  Now that Manhattan has been finished Mr. Mayor, it is time to cross the Harlem and Hudson Rivers, and start on the Bronx portion of the Hudson River Greenway.