Cardinal Dolan Celebrates Holy Thursday with Blessing for New Yorkers; Presides at Opening of Low-Income Housing and Food Distribution in the Bronx

 

Cardinal Timothy literally jogged into the courtyard at 1932 Bryant Avenue on Holy Thursday to Bless and open the 319 unit low income housing building called Second Farms being in the West Farms area of the 17th Council District. Cardinal Dolan with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and Councilman Salamanca and members of the construction team were on hand. This is the first of six new low income housing projects around the Bronx by Catholic Charities, that are on part of current or former Catholic Church property. 

Second Farms is made up mostly of low income housing with ten percent of the apartments that were set aside for homeless people. That would account for thirty-two  of the 319 apartments. One such now formerly homeless person Emily, thanked Cardinal Dolan, BP Diaz Jr., and the rest of the team for her new modern apartment.  

Cardinal Dolan was seated in the front row with Bronx Borough president Ruben Diaz Jr.

Cardinal Dolan Blessed the newbuilding at 1932 Bryant Avenue, complete by Sprinkling some Holy Water on the building.

Cardinal Dolan holds the second box of food that was given out to each person, as Bronx BP Diaz Jr. places this first box into this woman's cart.

All the work of b\Blessing the new building and handing out boxes of food, did not stop Cardinal Dolan from stopping to bless people individually.

 

SPRING PLANT SALE GrowNYC's Annual Spring Plant Sale, which we've been running since 1986, is a great way for community gardens, schools, block associations, churches, and any other group greening project to purchase vegetable, herb, and flowering plants grown by local Greenmarket farmers at wholesale prices. Our Plant Sale takes place over 5 days in late April/early May - 3 days in Brooklyn and 2 days in the Bronx.  The sale is pre-order only. Orders must be placed by 5pm on April 9th, 2021. Go to the 2021 Spring Plant Sale order form Please read the instruction sheet first. Our 2021 Plant Sale will have 2 pickup locations: Domino Park (parking lot) 15 River St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 Thursday, April 29th from 12pm to 4pm Friday, April 30th from 12pm to 4pm Saturday, May 1st from 12pm to 4pm Oak Point Property LLC 1 Oak Point Ave, The Bronx, NY 10474 Friday, May 7th from 12pm to 4pm Saturday, May 8th from 12pm to 4pm Plants are intended for neighborhood open space projects and can be re-sold as fundraisers for community, school, neighborhood orgs. Plants are not intended for individual use. ‌

Easter Bunny and Food Giveaway by Councilman Mark Gjonaj on Pelham Parkway

 

Councilman Mark Gjonaj brought the Easter Bunny visit Pelham Parkway South at Wallace Avenue this week. He also brought with him some gifts for the children, who picked out their favorite Easter Egg from the Easter Bunny's basket of eggs. 

That was not all, because after all the eggs were given to the children, it was time to give boxes of food to people during this pandemic and the food crisis that had developed. 

Councilman Gjonaj watches as an eighteen wheeler parked on the main road of the South side of Pelham Parkway to be unloaded for the food giveaway.

The pallets of boxed food were brought into the parkway island one by one.

The boxes of food were given out by Councilman Gjonaj and a couple of his helpers.

275 Days and Counting

 

Governor Andrew Cuomo is Corrupt. He lied about the Nursing Home COVID-19 deaths, nine woman have accused him of improper behavior, he held back COVID-19 vaccines while having friends and family vaccinated before their proper times, used government staff to help write hi book, and did I leave out anything? I on the other hand have been proved innocent by the U.S. Attorney who said there was not enough evidence to charge me with anything.

We need Governor Cuomo out, so I can start my campaign for governor, like I did with my presidential campaign.

Comptroller Stringer to MTA: As Overnight Subway Cleaning Continues, Workers Must Be Paid Prevailing Wages

 

Comptroller informs MTA of his determination that Labor Law Article Nine applies to the cleaning of trains as well as subway stations

 New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer sent a letter to Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Chairman & CEO Patrick Foye urging the MTA to ensure that the contractors providing subway cleaning services are paying prevailing wages and benefits to their employees. Highlighting concerns that these workers are not being paid what they are owed under the law, Comptroller Stringer is already investigating one contractor for underpayment of prevailing wages on a cleaning contract for subway train interiors. Comptroller Stringer informed the MTA of his determination that Labor Law Article Nine applies to the cleaning of trains as well as subway stations.

“For the past year, the employees tasked with disinfecting the subway have risked their lives keeping our massive transit system clean,” said Comptroller Stringer. “These essential workers have faced extraordinarily challenging conditions, often without sufficient supplies and protective equipment. It is critical and common sense that we pay subway cleaners every cent of wages that they are owed for their invaluable work. There will be no economic recovery for New York without a clean, safe, reliable subway system – and the MTA must not shortchange the very workers who are crucial to ensuring that millions of New Yorkers and our frontline workforce can use our transit system safely.”

In May 2020, Comptroller Stringer sent a letter to the MTA concerning the payment of prevailing wages to employees of NYCT contractors that perform the important task of cleaning and disinfecting subway stations and trains.

MAYOR DE BLASIO, TRUST FOR GOVERNORS ISLAND ANNOUNCE GOVERNORS ISLAND TO REOPEN ON MAY 1ST

 

Brooklyn ferries will serve two locations for the first time at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 and Red Hook’s Atlantic Basin on weekends

 

City to offer free ferry rides for residents of NYCHA, seniors, children, IDNYC holders, current and former military personnel and community organizations

 Mayor de Blasio and The Trust for Governors Island (The Trust) today announced the seasonal reopening of Governors Island on May 1st, 2021. Governors Island will return to its pre-pandemic season calendar, open to visitors every day from May 1st  through October 31th. In addition to daily Manhattan ferry service, for the first time Governors Island ferries will serve two Brooklyn locations for weekend service at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Atlantic Basin in Red Hook, allowing easy access to the Island for a wider range of Brooklyn residents than ever before.

 

New Yorkers can visit the island to enjoy open space and car-free natural surroundings, unmatched views of New York Harbor and surrounding skylines, historic settings, dozens of free public art exhibitions, cultural programs and activities, and diverse selection of food and beverage vendors.

 

“Governors Island is one of New York City’s crown jewels. It’s the kind of beautiful, open public space that we will rely on to drive our recovery this spring and summer,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I’m grateful to the Trust for making the Island more accessible than ever this year, and the return of their full season will give more New Yorkers than ever a chance to enjoy everything the island has to offer.”

 

“We are thrilled to be able to open Governors Island for its full, six-month public season again this year, and with more access from Brooklyn than ever before,” said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “As the City reopens, Governors Island will provide an affordable destination for New Yorkers to enjoy open space, arts and culture, and everything that makes it such a remarkable place. One of the Trust’s main goals is to provide equitable access to the Island, and we’re proud to continue to deliver on that mission this year. We can’t wait to see everyone on the ferry.”

“I'm pleased to welcome visitors back to Governors this season,” said National Park Service Manhattan Sites Superintendent Shirley McKinney. “We will continue to allow self-guided public tours of the historic forts. Park Rangers will be on site to answer questions and provide information to our guests.”

 

“This year made clear how critical green spaces like Governors Island are to the health and well-being of our city,” said Merritt Birnbaum, Executive Director of the Friends of Governors Island. “Everyone needs the ability to escape the concrete jungle and recharge after such a hard winter, and we can't wait to welcome New Yorkers back to enjoy the spring blooms, fresh Harbor breezes and plenty of room to bike, stroll, picnic and relax. We're especially grateful to our volunteers and supporters who stepped up in big ways over the past year to ensure Governors Island remains a beautiful and welcoming place for everyone.”

 

VISITOR INFORMATION & FERRIES

 

Governors Island will be open daily between May 1^st - October 31^st from 10 AM - 6 PM on weekdays and 10 AM -7 PM on weekends and holiday Mondays including Memorial Day, July 5, Labor Day, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Governors Island ferries will run daily between the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Manhattan and Soissons Landing on the Island.

 

For the first time, Governors Island ferries will serve two Brooklyn locations this year: Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Atlantic Basin in Red Hook. These routes will run directly to Governors Island from each location every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday Monday all season long.

 

Visitors must reserve ferry tickets in advance of their trip to Governors Island, and face coverings are required. Tickets will be available soon through an online reservation system at www.govisland.org. Round-trip ferry tickets will cost $3 for adults. Governors Island ferries are always free for children 12 and under, seniors 65 and up, residents of NYCHA, IDNYC holders, current and former military servicemembers and Governors Island members. Ferries before noon on Saturdays and Sundays are free for all. There is no surcharge for bicycles or strollers at any time. The Trust will also offer waived fares for non-profit community-based organizations, youth camps, and senior centers throughout New York City. To inquire about group visits, organizations may email groupvisits@govisland.org.

 

NYC Ferry will offer additional connections to Governors Island’s Yankee Pier via a dedicated weekend shuttle from Wall Street/Pier 11. Ticketing information and full schedules will be available soon at www.ferry.nyc.

 

The Island’s food and beverage vendors will return on May 1st. For a full list of vendors, please visit govisland.org/visit-the-island/food.

 

OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION

 

Visitors can enjoy Governors Island’s over 120 acres of award-winning open space. The Island’s park offers rolling lawns and plenty of room for New Yorkers to spread out for picnicking and recreation, including over 7 miles of car-free bike paths. Hammock Grove’s 40+ public hammocks nestled into the foliage provide a relaxing retreat. The Hills feature unparalleled views of the Harbor and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty as well as the surrounding Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines.

 

Activities, including bike rentals with Blazing Saddles and CitiBike, visits to the Governors Island National Monument, self-guided history tours, free kayaking, grill reservations and more will be available for visitors beginning May 1. More information on activities can be found at govisland.org/things-to-do.

 

ARTS, CULTURE AND EDUCATION

 

Ongoing Arts, Culture and Science Programs

Over two dozen arts, culture and education organizations will utilize space inside the historic houses of Nolan Park and Colonels Row this year to present a robust slate of ongoing free public programs, host artist residencies, engage visitors in special activities for all ages, and more. Ongoing public programs will include indoor and outdoor exhibitions, installations and interactive exhibits. The Urban Farm, home to GrowNYC’s Teaching Garden and Earth Matter NY’s Compost Learning Center and Soil Start Farm will also be open weekends from 12-4pm. Participating organizations are listed at govisland.org/things-to-do and programming schedules will be available soon.

 

Public Art Commissions and Installations

Public art installations including Rachel Whiteread’s Cabin and Mark Handforth’s Yankee Hanger will remain on view, as will Shantell Martin’s The May Room. The Trust will announce new commissioned public art installations and projects to debut on the Island in 2021 throughout the season.

 

LMCC’s Arts Center at Governors Island

Curated and programmed by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC), the Arts Center at Governors Island will reopen to the public June 12 through October 31 with two large-scale, site-specific solo exhibitions; a participatory sculpture; and the return of the Take Care public programs series. Appropriate COVID-19 health protocols will be in place for visitors entering the Arts Center, with exhibitions and presentations free and open to all. More details about the 2021 season at the Arts Center will be announced soon on LMCC's website, www.LMCC.net.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Governors Island will host a limited calendar of socially distanced outdoor events in 2021. Dates and more details on these and other special events will be available at govisland.org as they are announced over the coming weeks and months. All events will adhere to the latest local, state and federal health and safety guidelines.

 

Statement From Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Production Issue

 

"We are closely monitoring concerning reports about a production issue at a Johnson & Johnson affiliated factory in Baltimore that may have impacted millions of doses. New Yorkers can rest assured that next week's allocation will not be impacted and all appointments scheduled at State-run mass vaccination sites will be honored. As we learn more information about potential impacts going forward, we will provide updates." 

276 Days and Counting

 

April Fool's, and I don't mean me. The state budget is not on time like we did here in NYC.