Free Wi-Fi is coming to NYC but not all will get the super fast speeds.
A mayor who won office citing inequality between rich and poor New Yorkers has approved a citywide wireless Internet system that gives superfast service to Manhattan and upscale Brooklyn and Queens neighborhoods, but puts everyone else in the broadband slow lane.
Mayor de Blasio’s “five-borough Wi-Fi Network” will operate 10 times slower in Staten Island and poorer neighborhoods of Brooklyn and the Bronx, a Daily News examination found.
Bronx Library May Get a New Neighbor: Another Library
The Huntington Free Library and Reading Room in the Bronx. The building at left is where a New York Public Library branch will be built. Credit Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times
The red brick library in the Bronx was built in the early 1880s with a $15,000 bequest from Peter Van Schaick, a wealthy tobacco merchant who wanted to honor his late wife with a free reading room.
Only his gift was refused not once, but twice, by local taxpayers who worried it would be too costly to operate and maintain. So it languished, unwanted and unloved, until a railroad magnate, Collis P. Huntington, bought it, and opened it to the public in 1891 as the privately run Huntington Free Library and Reading Room.
Now more than a century later, it is the Huntington that is being courted as part of a larger effort to revitalize Westchester Square, a once-thriving commercial hub around an elevated No. 6 subway station. Under an $18 million plan, New York City and the New York Public Library would take over part of the Huntington’s one-acre site on Westchester Square, and replace a storage building that adjoins the library with a modern glass-and-steel structure that would be the new public library branch for the neighborhood.
Morris Park Community Association works to fund holiday lights • Bronx Times
Holiday lights are going up in Morris Park, but the effort to pay for them is just beginning.
The Morris Park Community Association has recently started its annual canvassing for contributions to the holiday light fund, which has gotten increasingly difficult over the years.
Although the lights will go up about a week before Thanksgiving, MPCA president Tony Signorile said the fundraising still has a long way to go.
More Homeless Get Public Housing in New York City, but Shelter Population on Rise – WSJ
Marta Vargas hangs holiday decorations with her daughters at their home in the Patterson Houses in the Bronx. The family moved to their apartment this year after living in a shelter for 18 months. ANDREW HINDERAKER FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
Every New York City public-housing apartment set aside for homeless families this year was quickly filled, officials said, but the homeless-shelter population keeps growing despite the city’s renewed efforts to tackle the problem.
Mayor Bill de Blasio is facing criticism from homeless advocates and Democratic elected officials who say the administration’s policy of giving the homeless preferential status in public housing is insufficient. Some conservatives, however, warn the policy may inadvertently increase the number of people in shelters.
Currently, those in the area who utilize express bus service into Manhattan for their weekly commute pay either $6.00 each way if they’re purchasing single rides or $55/week for 10 round trip peak fare rides downtown ($220 a month for those doing the math). The average Jane and Joe who cannot afford express bus service are stuck taking the longer route and paying the $2.75 single ride fare each way, $30 week for unlimited rides or $112 a month for unlimited rides.
The way Metro North fares are set up today, a one way trip downtown costs $8.25 from any Bronx Metro North Station whether you’re as far north as Riverdale or as close as Melrose which is 2 stops into Grand Central Terminal. $193 gets you a monthly pass into Manhattan — $81 more than your regular monthly unlimited subway and bus trip. Those who may want to use the new stations instead of the express buses will find themselves having to pay two fares: One for a bus to get to the new stations and one for Metro North itself.
The MTA needs to come up with special fares for Bronx residents commuting downtown in order for this to be an equitable system for all residents. It is much cheaper for a Bronx resident to commute into White Plains in Westchester County where they can get a monthly pass for just $72 or a weekly for $22.25.
Earlier this year, the projected completion date for this project was by 2019 since most of the infrastructure is already laid out, however, we know we can add a couple of years or more to that date simply based on previous (and current) MTA projects. This gives Bronx residents enough time to lobby the MTA for better fare structure that would truly serve the residents of the Bronx and not just one segment of the population.
We’re all for improved Mass Transit access for our neighborhoods and city but we’re also advocates for an equitable system.
Because we know that FreshDirect LOVES the BRX…Bronx Borough President posing for a photo op with FreshDirect Founder and CEO Jason Ackerman, neither who showed up to the public hearing showing a lack of respect to the community. FreshDirect instead shipped its employees to the hearing much like delivering their goods to the folks who use their services. Ackerman obviously has no shame in using his own employees to come to the hearing instead of showing up himself. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)
Today Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr, along with FreshDirect Founder and CEO Jason Ackerman (neither who showed up to the public hearings this past Monday for the company’s proposed subsidies) handed out 500 turkeys to residents of Mitchel Houses in Mott Haven (“…taking advantage of the poor and hungry” as one person put it). Oh did we mention that we can’t even take Diaz’s photo-op seriously since he doesn’t seem to know that Mitchel Houses is spelled with one L and not two and secondly, the NYCHA development is located in Mott Haven and not Port Morris as he says on his Facebook Page?
Perhaps it’s that Diaz Jr is wearing a FreshDirect jacket that is making him forget what is located where in The Bronx. Maybe he was wearing a ‘FreshDirect Loves the BRX’ shirt too?
I guess this is what you HAVE to do when you’re lobbied by FreshDirect so I guess he has no freewill since he’s bought and paid for by FreshDirect as the Mott Haven Herald first reported:
“Because the consultants aren’t obliged to disclose their compensation and the lobbyists’ reports combine work related to the move to the Bronx with other lobbying on the company’s behalf, it is impossible to tell just how much FreshDirect has spent in its campaign to win approval for its move and the accompanying tax breaks and grants, but the reports suggest that it is at least $200,000.
Among those lobbied by the Parkside Group and Akerman Senterfitt LLP are a deputy mayor, the borough president, the heads of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, the city Economic Development Corporation and the state’s Empire Development Corporation, the counsel to the governor, City Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo, the Bronx director of the Dept. of City Planning and members of Community Board 1 and its district manager Cedric Loftin. – See more at: http://www.motthavenherald.com/2014/01/20/lobbyists-smoothed-way-for-freshdirect/#sthash.wiKfda6C.dpuf“
This is so pathetic because it’s a tactic that politicians use all the time in The Bronx and particularly the South Bronx. Hand out a turkey and it will be ok…
A turkey won’t save you from asthma
A turkey won’t save you from an onslaught of thousands of trucks through our neighborhood streets
A turkey won’t save children from developing ADHD or leukemia due to diesel fumes or even worse, dying from Asthma since we have 21x the hospitalization rates of this ailment in NYC.
A turkey won’t stop industries from destroying our environment and waterfront
Ruben Diaz, Jr, why do you continue to support FreshDirect moving to our neighborhood and destroying our quality of life when residents have clearly said we don’t want this. On Monday at the public hearing over 40 residents gave testimonies backed with SCIENCE as to why this is not good for us. If there is such great support for this project in The Bronx where were they on Monday (Marlene Cintron doesn’t count nor does your testimony or that of 12 FreshDirect paid employees forced to give testimony).
Why don’t you instead partner with the community on what they want rather than what a company wants? The residents have spoken and you, Mr Borough President are outnumbered here. Work with us on developing a waterfront that everyone can enjoy and send these slave wage jobs out of here. Our residents deserve much better.
PS. Did you see the latest poll on News12 The Bronx? 64% of viewers who responded do not support FreshDirect moving to our beautiful borough. This particular poll had one of the HIGHEST numbers of participants in recent polls by News12.
Join the BDC tomorrow, Saturday November 22nd as they launch their film series in conjunction with their latest exhibition.
MIRADAS: CONTEMPORARY MEXICAN PHOTOGRAPHERS FILM SERIES Join us for a fresh season of screenings, talks, and more.Sat, Nov. 22, 7 PM Las Marthas. The documentary follows two Mexican American debutantes portraying Colonial heroines at an annual pageant for George Washington. Producer/Director Cristina Ibarra will take part in a skype Q&A moderated by award-winning playwright, Virginia Grise, following the screening. Spread the word on Facebook
Sat, Dec. 13, 7 PM Firmes. This is the story of the hardships and triumphs of a group of Mexican immigrants fighting for survival in the Bronx. United by their love for art, culture and Mexican traditions, they have forged strong bonds and formed a solid community. Q&A with subjects of the film following the screening.
Thur, Dec. 18, 7:30 PM Which Way Home. A documentary film that follows unaccompanied child migrants on their journey through Mexico as they try to reach the United States. Panel discussion following the screening.
All events: suggested donation $10, Bronx residents $5, children 18 and under free, unless otherwise noted.
CURRENT EXHIBITION Miradas: Contemporary Mexican Photographers
On View: Thursdays-Fridays 3PM-7PM, Saturdays and Sundays 1PM-5PM
Could thousands of waterfront units along the South Bronx’s Lower Concourse Rezoning District reaching heights of up to 40 stories be far away? Picture gentrification of the South Bronx Citibikes, a Fairway market, cafes, high-tech and web design companies, bakers/caterers, artist work space, and professional/incubator space along the waterfront. Parks and esplanades tying commercial, residential (both affordable and market rate as well as supportive housing), and retail all together.
If SoBRO and property owners in the district get their way, it can be what the future holds.
SoBRO (The South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation has just issued Phase 1 Visioning Study & Preliminary Market Feasibility Study for the Special Harlem River Waterfront District (which they’re now calling Lower Grand Concourse Waterfront, bye-bye SHRWD? We grew to love that name). The study was released at a meeting where SoBro, “gathered over 75% of waterfront property owners, community, City, State, and Federal representatives in order to take meaningful steps in creating a world class model for waterfront development with integrated community access.” SoBRO administered and executed the study, was funded by the New York Department of State, and MAP (architects who designed the Melrose Commons Urban Renewal Development Project) and AKRF(who specialize in environmental, planning, and engineering) acted as consultants to the plan.
According to the press release issued along with the study, Jamila Davis, Vice President of Business Services at SoBRO stated that they are, “taking vigorous steps to expedite the development of the Lower Grand Concourse BOA. Whether it is through a Master Plan model or through developer-initiated projects, the South Bronx waterfront represents the potential to create global best practices in impactful and measured community and economic development.”
So take that as a fact that it seems this is definitely coming and may be arriving sooner than we all thought. (Although the plan duly notes that being in a flood zone and new resiliency requirements can cause delays and increase projected cost estimates related to the project).
Upon reading the market study under the residential section, I noticed a glaring error. The study says that pricing for the units should reflect current rents in the South Bronx which they listed as:
$1500-$1,800 for 1 bedrooms
$2,000- $2,300 for 2 bedrooms
$2,500+ for 3 bedrooms (*Friedland Realty Advisors and Halstead Property, LLC (and other data)
These numbers are way off for the South Bronx as the average 1 bedroom in the area is still around $1,100-$1,200 (even lower if you know where to find). 2 Bedrooms generally begin at $1,200 depending on location and can reach as high as $1,800 and 3 Bedrooms are generally $1,600-$1,800 as well depending on configuration and location. It seems that the numbers provided by the above agencies just used buildings like the Clocktower and apartments along the Grand Concourse above 153rd Street.
For the proposed developments, SoBRO is calling for market rate rents of $2,500 for a two bedroom apartment and $1,100 for the same apartment under affordable housing guidelines (using inclusionary zoning).
Michael Brady, Director of Special Projects, Strategic Initiatives & Governmental Relations at SoBRO said, “The Phase 1 Visioning Study and subsequent market and feasibility preliminary data are an important step in making sense of long awaited development on the Lower Grand Concourse waterfront. Heavily mixed affordable housing would receive significant subsidy attention and provide for the existing community to benefit from waterfront development. A 50 / 30 / 20 blend with commercial and retail developments would provide a balance for existing and new residents and add to the economic vitality of the area.”
The cost of this project is far from the numbers that Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr mentioned earlier this year when he incorrectly stated, 1,500 units and no less than $500 million in development. As per the analysis in this study, parcel 1, if developed as suggested at almost 800,000 square feet of residential and commercial retail along with infrastructure needed — including resiliency since it sits on a flood zone — it would cost almost $410 million dollars including subsidies. Based on this fact alone the remaining parcels and assemblage area combined will in all probability cost around $5 billion to develop (of course, if started today, which it’s not so that number could very well be $8-$9 billion).
The breakdown of what can be built vs what is being proposed is as follows:
“Each parcel has the potential to be developed individually; in order to maximize the development potential, identify the current market trends, and takes advantage of available public and private financing. When examined individually, all parcels taken together yield the following maximum numbers:
Residential: In excess of 7.0 million square feet (sqft) or 8,500 dwelling units (DUs)
Commercial: In excess of 3.9 million sqft
Community Facility: In excess of 8.1 million sqft
Rather than using these maximum numbers above, our recommended approach is a zoned development area that will create a sustainable community that meets the needs of the future residents, visitors, and businesses; while impacting the surrounding neighborhoods in a positive manner. We have begun to adjust these maximum numbers by implying program (housing, supermarkets, entertainment, schools, cafes, pharmacies, dry cleaners, parking, etc.) across all the parcels located within the conceptual site plan.
Residential: 2.8 million sqft or 4,000 DUs
Commercial: 2.3 million sqft
Community Facility: 1.0 million sqft”
Transportation Problem
Let’s face it. The area, although surrounded by 3 subway stations (the 2/4/5 trains at 149th Street / Grand Concourse at the northern end, 4/5 line at 138th Street / Grand Concourse and nearby 138th Street / 3rd Avenue on the 6 line) are already at capacity with all by the time the trains arrive at these stations during rush hour. The situation is quite abysmal and adding 4,000 units (and say about 10,000+ new residents) without a comprehensive transportation plan is not gonna do the area any good no matter how great the development will be.
The proposed solutions do not really seek to ameliorate the situation since the following options wouldn’t be for the average joe but instead for the market rate resident:
Public transit suggestions:
Create a shuttle bus route that runs along Exterior Street, and connects the Grand Concourse at East 149th Street and Third Avenue at East 138th Street. This would connect the community to the 2, 4, 5 and 6 subway lines; and the northbound, westbound, and eastbound bus lines.
Create an express bus stop at the Madison Avenue Bridge. Exterior Street is a pass-thru at the moment, which does not promote development. Express buses include BxM1, BxM2, BxM3, and BxM18 buses.
Locate Citibike stations in the development area to connect the community to the 2, 4, and 5 subway lines; the Bronx greenway and other borough connections; and Harlem.
Locate a ferry dock at the shore-ward edge of the required public park that is to be located at the northern end of the Special Harlem River Waterfront District.
The community seriously needs additional transit options (like perhaps extending the 2nd avenue subway up to the neighborhood since it’s only right across the river?).
The base zoning for this site is commercial (C4-4) which has a residential equivalent of R7-2. The commercial uses would be focused around entertainment uses – movie theater complex, gallery, and South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation potential indoor sports such as bowling or gymnasium, dining (indoor and outdoor) cafes and/or pubs possibly with live entertainment, food for consumption along the outdoor promenade. Uses might also
include specialty shopping such as clothing, baby products, and toys. Residential towers will rise above the commercial base. The area on the eastern boundary of Parcel 1 is an easement for maintenance and expansion of the Expressway. This area can become a public plaza with vendor cart locations, planting and sitting areas.
Parcel 2 and Parcel 3
These two sites are grouped together, since the two property owners are looking at doing a joint development. The base zoning for Parcel 2 is commercial (C4-4) which has residential equivalent of R7-2. The base zoning for Parcel 3 is residential (R7-2) with a commercial overlay (C2-4). The commercial uses for Parcel 2 would be focused around the needs of the residential community such as supermarket and/or specialty food shops, pharmacy, laundry, dry cleaner, other convenience retail and possibly specialty shopping, cafes and restaurants that would permit take-out orders. Parcel 3 would house community facilities within its base, such as a preschool and elementary school, and medical offices.
Residential towers would rise above the bases.
The proposed public park for this community, as per the SHRWD, is located between Parcel 1 and 2. The commercial uses, particularly food services should be organized to work with the park.
Parcel 4, Parcel 5 and Parcel 6
The base zoning for these sites is residential (R7-2) with a commercial overlay (C2-4). The base of these buildings could house community facility uses such as day care, elder care, social service offices, and medical offices. General retail/small food shops could be located along the base, particularly fronting the shoreline walkway. Residential towers will rise above the base, possibly some supportive housing, and/or senior housing.
The intersection of Exterior Street and East 138th Street and the Madison Avenue Bridge forms a ‘boundary’ within the Special Harlem River Waterfront District, effectively subdividing the study area into two pedestrian zones, north and south, due to the traffic congestion.
East 138th Street is an extremely dangerous intersection for pedestrians. It is an exit and an entrance to the Major Deegan (I-87) Expressway as well as providing access to Manhattan via the Madison Avenue Bridge and the Third Avenue Bridge. This intersection has high volumes of vehicular traffic, particularly during morning and evening rush hours, with multiple turning lanes and complex traffic signaling. It effectively forms an “invisible yet tangible” pedestrian barrier separating the neighborhoods between the north side and the south side of the intersection.
Parcel 7, Parcel 8, and Parcel 9
These sites, zoned residential (R7-2) with a commercial overlay (C2-4) are separated by ‘natural’ pedestrian barriers on their north and south sides. On the north, East 138th is the barrier. On the south side, (Parcel 9 and the land below the MetroNorth bridge), the land, owned by MetroNorth, is an undeveloped area that is the most natural shoreline frontage of all the sites. This area should be stabilized and preserved as a wetland and public open space. This area is also where the rail line engages the land and railway signaling and traffic control devices will have to be installed to protect the public as well as the trains.
As these sites are somewhat insulated from the area to the north and south, development should focus on residential above commercial bases. Commercial activity should consist of general retail needs for the residential community. Community facility space could be devoted to educational purposes with a focus on the potential wetland/public open space on its southern boundary.
Courtesy of SoBRO
ASSEMBLAGE SITES
The assemblage sites are those located between the Metro North railroad bridge (the southern boundary of Parcel 9 SHRWD) and the Third Avenue Bridge. The current zoning for these is mixed use MX-1: M1-3/R8. The current land uses are compatible with the zoning and can remain and continue to grow. However, a major land use along the shoreline is for industrial storage and personal storage. This is not necessarily the most productive use of the land and is inconsistent with the new residential and mixed use district planned for the SHRWD. As the area below the Third Avenue Bridge has slowly been developing with old warehouse buildings being converted to residential, new stores and restaurants, artists and antiques dealers occupying former industrial spaces, we thought to reorganize the area to make it more accessible and to bring a greater mixed use density to the sites. Commercial activities should focus on a major retail supermarket that would also serve the community south of the Third Avenue Bridge. Community Facility uses could focus on the burgeoning artist’s community south of the Third Avenue and provide gallery space, retail outlets devoted to arts and antiques and artist live/work housing.
Lots of events are happening at the Bronx Writers Center this week! Check them all out below and make sure you RSVP to one or all of these free and excellent workshops and events!
This Thursday through Saturday: three great professional development sessions for writers and poets, teaching artists, and filmmakers!
This week: How writers and poets can receive funding, a session for emerging teaching artists, and a presentation for filmmakers…all of value to writers!(Free, but please RSVP at the links provided.)
Thursday, November 20 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m. 2700 E Tremont Avenue Bronx NY 10461
Bonnie Marcusof Poets & Writers Magazine – Get Funding for Readings and Workshops!
Bonnie Marcus is the East Coast director of readings and workshops for the esteemed Poets & Writers Magazine and will discuss how to apply for funding when conducting literary workshops and readings in New York City. She has a solid arts background in the theater and writing disciplines and was the recipient of the Louis Reyes Rivera Excellence Award for Educator Artists in 2014.
Poets & Writers’ work is rooted in the belief that literature is vital to sustaining a vibrant culture and focuses on nurturing literature’s source—creative writers. Its mission is to foster the professional development of poets and writers, to promote communication throughout the literary community, and to help create an environment in which literature can be appreciated by the widest possible public.
Friday, November 21 7p.m.-9p.m. 2700 E Tremont Avenue Bronx NY 10461
Milteri Tucker on New and Emerging Opportunities for Teaching Artists
Milteri Tucker will be sharing the new and emerging field of opportunities for teaching artists. This introductory workshop will feature what this field entails, key concepts on pedagogical content knowledge, and its important role in community and educational settings. She will also advise attendees on ways to become a successful teaching artist in various educational and cultural settings—how to expand your workforce development tools as an artist to generate supplemental income.
Milteri is an award-winning artist, professional dancer, choreographer and dance educator. She holds degrees from Hunter College and is a graduate student of NYU. Milteri has performed in theater, film, and television, alongside hit Latin sensation Don Omar on the 2013 Latin Billboard Awards, and in leading roles in off-Broadway productions. She is the director of Bombazo Dance Company and was given a proclamation by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for her community work in dance and dance education.
Saturday, November 22 5p.m.-7p.m. 2700 E Tremont Avenue Bronx, NY 10461
Mark Cabaroy – BRIO winner for Filmmaking – On Making Films
Mark Cabaroy has been making films for over twenty years. He has written, produced and directed over two dozen short films, music videos, and commercials, plus one feature under his iMark Films production company since founding it in 2000. His feature film Life’s Passing Me By was produced for less than $1,000 and has played at numerous festivals, where it’s won awards and critical praise. His short film Blindsided has been screened at over two dozen festivals in the US and abroad, where it has taken home numerous awards, including but not limited to, best drama and best director.
He is currently at work on his sci-fi comedy web-series The Invaders.
Mark Cabaroy is a BRIO winner and will be clarifying the process of filmmaking, as well as the several promotional and branding steps filmmakers should take in order to get their work recognized and circulated at festivals and other distribution channels. He will outline his process from start to finish and will advise attendees on ways to raise the necessary funds to achieve these goals. Mark will be screening his work as an example of his award-winning process and will touch upon contractual and legal issues.
Residents were prevented from entering Hostos Community College as FreshDirect employees and supporters were allowed in.
Last night at Hostos Community College in the South Bronx, hundreds came out during a rainy Monday to participate in the public hearing hosted by the Empire State Development Corporation on whether or not the State agency should approve $10 million in grants and loans to move their headquarters to the Port Morris section of The Bronx. It should be noted that this same public hearing was held back in August but employment numbers for FreshDirect were overstated therefore a new hearing was held and a new vote will be held in December. It should also be noted that this is only for a portion of the over $130 million in grants, loans, tax subsidies by the city, state, and The Bronx Borough President’s office offered to FreshDirect.
Members of South Bronx Unite and their supporters, including Welcome2TheBronx, arrived early for a 4:30PM press conference but as with other meetings, we were prevented from going into the college while dozens of FreshDirect employees were let in.
After arguing with campus security about their unethical behavior, we were eventually led in and began our press conference after airing our grievance with representatives of the ESD on why we were not allowed into the building.
Once inside the auditorium, the room was packed with almost every single of the 367 seats filled up. Dozens of FreshDirect employees were bussed by the company to the hearing wearing green t-shirts that read “FreshDirect loves The BRX”.
What exactly is the BRX? The company loves the Bronx so much that they can’t even get our abbreviation correct? Many who oppose the company’s move to the South Bronx to exacerbate traffic and asthma along with other health related ailments could not help but shake their heads at this embarrassing faux pas by FreshDirect. (Oh and did we mention that FreshDirect catered the event with water and treats?)
FD Loves the BRX? What is The BRX? FreshDirect can’t even get our borough’s initials right.
The hearing began promptly at 5pm and testimonies from those in favor or against FreshDirect receiving the subsidies began almost immediately.
Blackmon, once seen as an ally to many was greeted to boos and shouts of “traitor!” and “sellout!”
He appealed to the ESD stating that during his time working at FreshDirect he has been able to meet many from the community who support the company’s move but it should be noted that not ONE single individual or independent organization from The Bronx came to testify in favor of the corporation.
Of the approximately over 60 testimonies given, about 46 were against FreshDirect including physicians who reside or work in the Bronx, local residents, school teachers, reverends from local Bronx churches, a lawyer from the Upper East Side who is suing the company for their “illegal street depots and idling practices” throughout Manhattan, and last but not least New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.
Missing from the hearing was Mayor de Blasio or any representative from his office to offer testimony. As you may recall, during his campaign he said FreshDirect would never get such subsidies.
Those who testified in favor of FreshDirect receiving these public monies numbered around 15 and all but one had a vested interest in testifying in the company’s favor further proving that this is something that the Bronx does not want. 12 of these individuals were employees of the company including a member of their legal council and Larry Scott Blackmon, two from the Bronx Borough President’s office including Marlene Cintron, Executive Director of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. If there is such great support in The Bronx for FreshDirect’s move to our borough to worsen hazardous conditions in our neighborhoods, where were they last night?
The Borough President’s office called them a good neighbor since they first announced the deal but a good neighbor doesn’t dump 100 damaged trucks on the waterfront of the South Bronx.
One independent organization supported FreshDirect — a women’s rights group located in Upper Manhattan.
None of the aforementioned speakers on behalf of the corporation provided any concrete data as to why the ESD should approve these monies which would create a hazardous health condition to the neighborhood.
During the 4 hours of testimony (with only a brief 10 minute recess) those who opposed the state giving a company run by billionaires such funds mostly provided testimonies replete with scientific and legal data as to why a trucking intensive company should not be allowed to receive public money to come into a neighborhood already overwhelmed with trucks.
The testimonies described how the Harlem River Yards where FreshDirect intends to establish their headquarters violates the constitutional requirement that the state-owned land on which it is proposed to be sited provide a public benefit and reduce truck traffic.
During its over 20 years, the leaseholder, Harlem River Yards Venture, run by the Galesi Group, has repeatedly violated the intended purpose of this land which was to alleviate truck intensive operations in the area.
Instead they have increased such outfits by allowing companies such as The New York Post, FedEx, and a Waste Transfer company to operate on the land unleashing thousands of trucks through residential streets.
The numerous physicians who testified provided their expert testimonies backed by scientific study after study of the delitrious effects of diesel and trucking pollution on the health of children and adults.
Several of the physicians who testified against the public subsidies for FreshDirect
A resident from Riverdale representing a climate change group of 78 individuals called for an end to deals that deeply divide the borough. She said, “what impacts the South Bronx, impacts the North Bronx. What impacts the North Bronx, impacts the South Bronx. Enough with these divisive policies and we stand by the residents of The South Bronx who also oppose these subsidies.
Jason Ortiz, a lifelong resident of The South Bronx who’s family’s roots in the area goes back to 1954, said in his testimony, “While every other borough in the city is planning, or has completed major waterfront access, including residential, commercial, retail, green space, and pedestrian zones, the South Bronx waterfront is bucking that trend across the city and closing off its waterfront, hyperindustrializing, and adding truck traffic. It is unclear what the social or economic benefits are for the residents of NYC or the Bronx to have a waterfront increasingly shuttered, and blighted, particularly when every other borough is developing their waterfronts into dynamic, economic, and social destinations. ”
Ortiz went on to say:
“Ask yourself, if this is such a great deal for the community, why didn’t Brooklyn Bridge Park become FreshDirect’s new distribution facility? If this is such a benefit for the community, why didn’t South Street Seaport become Fresh Direct’s distribution facility? How about eliminating Chelsea Piers and replacing with a FreshDirect warehouse? All of this sounds silly doesn’t it…except somehow it’s ok for the South Bronx waterfront because? Because? That answer has yet to be answered. Staten Island’s plan for economic revival along the waterfront does not include a Fresh Direct distribution center, or any industrial purpose, but an open waterfront with housing, retail, commercial, pedestrian zone, and green space which will be an economic engine for Staten Island and NYC.
The South Bronx waterfront also has a similar plan that will in fact be the economic and social engine every other borough is already enjoying or planning to enjoy. FreshDirect’s distribution center is not the answer, it is in fact the problem, and we have only one chance to help correct all of the injustice the South Bronx has suffered. I ask that you take a moment today or tonight, and ask yourself whether you want to live next door to the freshdirect distribution center, and whether you want freshdirect to confiscate your waterfront, and whether you believe adding thousands of trucks into your community is a benefit?”
Claire Huene, an attorney who lives on the Upper East Side also testified against the company and said:
“…I live in Manhattan. I am here because, quite simply, I do not believe that taxpayer funds should go to a company that deliberately and systematically ignores applicable regulations.
FreshDirect’s method of delivery in Manhattan is to operate illegal street depots, as I describe in detail in a written statement that I submitted to ESD today. One of FreshDirect’s illegal depots is directly outside of my residential building. As I also describe in my written statement, the Fresh Direct depot continuously violates many – practically all – NYC regulations applicable to commercial delivery operations, creates an ongoing traffic hazard, and constitutes a public and private nuisance. We are preparing a lawsuit concerning FreshDirect’s depot outside our building, and we believe FreshDirect’s street depot operations are equally illegal and problematic throughout the city.
I hope ESD will consider my written statement. In 2009, the New York Attorney General took action against FreshDirect for ignoring NYC’s anti-idling law, and to this day, FreshDirect continues to prove that it believes it is entitled to ignore this and all other regulations applicable to its NYC delivery operations.
Taxpayer funds should not go to support such a company…”
It is a shame that FreshDirect’s CEO, Jason Ackerman, was no where to be seen at this hearing but instead had his employees loaded onto a school bus to come in and show support for the company’s move to The Bronx. It is unconscionable to make your employees do your dirty work.
Throughout the evening, many testifiers against the FreshDirect deal cleared the record that this is not about wanting or not wanting jobs but about wanting good paying jobs for our residents and employees of FreshDirect. Many encouraged the FreshDirect employees who were present and were testifying on behalf of the corporation, to look into their hearts and ask if they could live with their conscience on what their proposed move to The Bronx would do to our residents’ health. Many testifiers told FreshDirect employees that we stand in solidarity with them.
Ramon Jimenez, an attorney who ran for NYS Attorney General under the Green Party told the FreshDirect employees to “seek me out if you are fired because you change your minds about the move or seek me out if you need a good job.”
FreshDirect, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr (who supports this deal yet was absent from the hearing) and his office, State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr (also absent) constantly pit this as people against job creation in the poorest congressional district and the borough with the highest unemployment rate but if that were the case we wouldn’t have come up with a comprehensive waterfront plan that includes an economic benefit to the community.
In the beginning of the hearing, FreshDirect employees were just as loud and boisterous as those who opposed the deal when their respective representatives came up to speak. By the end of the evening, most had gone and those that remained were quiet and appeared humbled by the testimonies given by local residents who would be impacted by their company should they move to The Bronx.
In light of the the overwhelming community opposition, or shall a I say 100% community opposition, at last night’s meeting from people who were not financially beholden to FreshDirect, should the ESD ignore the residents testimonies documented with scientific and legal evidence as to why this deal should not happen, it would be criminal of said agency in the eyes of the public.
It was quite clear last night what the people of The Bronx want and it’s not FreshDirect on our waterfront. Residents, physicians, attorneys, and people from all walks of life agreed that what we want is open space and the chance to breathe free. A resilient waterfront against climate change and not industry on said waterfront that runs counter to New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation’s mission which is “To conserve, improve and protect New York’s natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being.”
Further information on the FreshDirect Deal, how it affects us, and the company’s track record:
FreshDirect is exempt from providing a living wage to its workers (as documented by the media including The New York Times) Recently the company agreed to living wages for ONLY its unionized workers in delivery which according to their website is only 1/3 of their workforce. This means that well over 1,500 (2/3) of their workers are excluded from this living wage and will continue to make approximately $8.00 hour. These are far from good jobs for Bronxites.
FreshDirect does not need to be based in The Bronx to deliver to those who want to use their services. They already travel through our borough into Westchester County and Connecticut for their deliveries. They claim that they will bring healthy produce and food to the South Bronx yet their prices are double that of local supermarkets for similar or the same products.
Who would have thought that a modest eye care clinic in Parkchester that opened in 1978 would become such a successful brand that, 36 years later, Metro Optics Eyewear would be opening their 4th and now flagship location in the new Throggs Neck Shopping Center.
Founded by Michael T. Ungaro, the Bronx-bred mom and pop chain has become just the very type of small business and success story we love to celebrate at Welcome2TheBronx. From their Parkchester beginnings, Metro Optics grew into the Hunts Point and Westchester Square neighborhoods and now Throggs Neck with their latest addition.
And it’s not your ordinary vision center either.
According to Metro Optics General Manager John Bonizio, the new flagship location, “marries healthcare, technology, and fashion, for a show-stopping impact.” Bonizio went on to add, ““Virtually every industry is being disrupted by technology, and the optical industry is no exception. We saw a valuable opportunity to take the lead by creating a dedicated Electronic Eyewear department, in order to ensure the safe and effective use of wearable technology within the context of our extensive optical expertise.”
General Manager John Bonizio is seen here training staff at the newest location / Courtesy Metro Optics Eyewear Facebook Page
Metro Optics Eyewear isn’t simply just an eye clinic but they are a pillar in our Bronx community. They have been proud sponsors of other small businesses and organizations including Morris Perk and this year’s historic and first ever Bronx Fashion Week, where models showcased the latest in high-end eyewear. They even host free screening events throughout the borough to promote eye health awareness.
Welcome2TheBronx would like to salute everyone at Metro Optics Eyewear and congratulations on your continued success and being an inspiration to all other Bronx entrepreneurs out there. Congratulations!
The new store opened with a soft launch on November 10th and an official open house and ribbon cutting ceremony will take place December 9, 2014 at 5:30PM.
The new location is at the Throggs Neck Shopping Center at:
815 Hutchinson River Pkwy
Bronx, NY 10461
718-569-5680 Click here to visit website!
Metro Optics Eyewear’s newest location / Photo Courtesy Metro Optics Eyewear Facebook Page
Alexander Avenue in Port Morris is about to get 3 brand new loft buildings — all on one block and all market rate. Joshua Weissman, president of JCAL Development Group LLC, is no stranger to the neighborhood. He’s developed 62 two-family homes in Mott Haven near St. Ann’s Avenue since 1999 and most recently he finished 55 Bruckner Boulevard just last year which was his first foray into the market-rate rental development in the area. The latter development was designed to fit in with the neighboring mixed use townhomes along this stretch of “Antique Row” on Bruckner.
Much like 55 Bruckner Boulevard, Weissman is looking to make sure the new buildings blend in with the existing architecture of the area.
55 Bruckner Boulevard, Weissman’s first market rate rental development in Port Morris was designed to fit in with the other, much older buildings along this stretch of Bruckner Boulevard.
The first to go up will be 136 Alexander Avenue at the corner of 134th Street and the Major Deegan Expressway and will be a 4 story building with a retail unit occupying the ground floor and 6 units above (2 units each per floor although Weissman is contemplating having 5 units with 1 unit occupying an entire floor. The units will approximately be around 650 square feet each (not sure I’d call that a loft except the 1,300 square foot one being considered). Some basic amenities will be indoor bicycle storage (which will come in handy for those wanting to commute to work by bike since the site is 2 blocks from the 3rd Avenue Bridge or simply enjoying the possible development of the Mott Haven-Port Morris Waterfront 1 block south which has been given priority status by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (you can still submit testimony in support of this project by clicking on this link) or the new Randall’s Island Connector scheduled to open by Summer 2015. The 2nd floor unit will have a private deck and the 2 top floor units will have exclusive access to the rooftop decks.
Construction is well underway at 136 Alexander Avenue
Directly across the street and adjacent to the popular Ceetay restaurant are two additional lots which Mr. Weissman will begin to develop as well within the next 6 months or so. The buildings will be identical to 136 Alexander Avenue except one will have 9 units since it will sit on a bigger lot. Combined, both buildings will have 3 ground floor retail spaces.
When asked what he thought about the effects of adding additional market rate apartments to a neighborhood that is already considered to be gentrifying, Weissman said that he wants to work with the community and hopes that people from within the community can be a part of it all. “The community needs to grow from within not from the outside”, added Weissman.
To that end, he’s currently seeking a tenant for the retail space at 55 Bruckner Boulevard but is willing to work with local groups and organizations to utilize the now empty space as a pop-up shop until a tenant is found.
Area resident Alex Brown, who lives just a few blocks north of the new developments and alerted us to the construction had his own mixed-feelings about what’s going on in the area:
“At first, it is exciting to see an empty lot being filled with more housing but I still got a chill up my spine. My first thought was fear and anger. As soon as [Borough President] Diaz got the waterfront plan in motion with all the re-zoning and marketing, the spread of development moved like wildfire. The exact feeling I was terrified of. I want to see my community develop, become even more cohesive and continue to work with each other on community needs, but my feelings are the newcomers are not going to enjoy its current charm. I noticed the construction sign while on my way with my camera to document what seems like a new movie being shot over at Club Miami. Another indication that The Bronx has opened all doors. I plea with the future residents of Alexander Ave Lofts to open their eyes and understand we have plenty of kind hearted souls contributing to this borough each and every way they can and to understand they need to be active. Consumer culture is atrocious. Be a citizen! Most importantly do not attempt to change what we have because you think it is better for my Port Morris and Mott Haven communities. We are loud, boisterous, very eclectic and refuse to submit to a homogenous, suburban lifestyle of Starbucks ice coffee. We are not and never will be Williamsburg, we are different. We have our own character. We got to know each other and share our ideas. We plan for fights against what we believe is not in our best interest, like the battle against Fresh Direct. “
Second Market Rate Condominium Development Coming To Mott Haven?
2610 Third Avenue, which sold earlier this year for $1.1 million now sits vacant and is rumored to be slated for market-rate condos according to a local area developer.
2610 Third Avenue sold earlier this year for $1.1 million and is a 4 story mixed use building with ground floor retail. It also happens to be on the same block as Bronx Bricks which was the first market rate condominium development in the South Bronx (and earlier this year also home to the $900,000 listing for one of the units — which was eventually pulled off the market). According to conversation with a local developer who preferred to remain off the record, the new owners are planning to convert the 4 story building into full floor market rate condominium units. Attempts to reach the new owners have been unsuccessful thus far but it wouldn’t be too far fetched considering all that is going on in the area.
Over the past 10 years The Bronx has experienced an unprecedented growth in our Mexican population mostly having settled in Mott Haven and Melrose neighborhoods of our borough from 1.7% of the population in 2000 to over 5% as of 2010. And it’s not just The Bronx but the city’s Mexican population has increased as well during the same time.
Lehman College in The Bronx responded to this trend by establishing the first ever Institute of Mexican Studies, otherwise known as The Jaime Lucero Mexican Studies Institute, in the East Coast.
Now, the Bronx Documentary Center brings us a landmark exhibition of Mexican photographers and documentary journalist showing us their community through their own eyes.
From the BDC:
Mexico is too often represented by American photographers traveling south across the border. In this exhibition, five Mexican and Mexican-American photographers reverse that dynamic, focusing their lenses on the complex duality of their lives and on the United States itself. In these photos, the gaze is not at a Mexico defined by the US, but at Mexicans exploring and defining themselves as they navigate the Mexican and Mexican-American experience today.
Ruth Prieto Arenas opens a window into the lives of Mexican immigrant women in New York City, where they are masters of their own world, where they control their time and their choices, where they have a safe haven. Chuy Benitez’s panoramic photographs capture Houston’s vibrant Mexican-American community at a moment of explosive growth. Fernando Brito’s images of bodies dumped in the Sinaloa countryside by drug cartels bring home the tragedy created by the United States’ insatiable drug consumption. Alejandro Cartagena has spent much of the last decade examining the Mexico-US relationship along the border in various documentary photo series, including Suburbia Mexicana, Between Borders and The Car Poolers. Mauricio Palos’ photos, from spring break in Cancun to Detroit’s bleak streets, brilliantly highlight the historic contradictions between our two countries. In this exhibition, the gaze is not at a Mexico defined by the US, but at Mexicans exploring and defining themselves as they navigate the Mexican and Mexican-American experience today.
EXHIBITION RECEPTION
Saturday, Nov. 15, 6:00PM – 9PM
Free and open to the public
ON VIEW
Nov. 15 – Jan. 12, 2014
Thursdays and Fridays 3PM – 7PM
Saturdays and Sundays 1PM – 5PM
Dozens of people from all over The Bronx and the city came out today for a sneak peak tour of the new Randall’s Island Connector which will connect our borough to the 432 island park. Once the connector is completed by Summer 2015 it will provide Bronx residents with walking access onto the island which currently is only accessible from the Bronx by car via the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (Triboro Bridge) or via Manhattan through East Harlem. This, of course, is ironic considering that The Bronx is closer to the island and only separated by 30 feet at the narrowest point by the Bronx Kill — during low-tide you can walk from The Bronx to Randall’s Island.
The connector is something which the community has been battling to get constructed for well over 20 years but due to lack of funding and interest from City Hall for so long as well as dealing with not just one but multiple agencies which the connector runs through, the process has been a lengthy one.
The tour was part of the New York Restoration Project’s ‘The Haven Project’ in which numerous organizations and residents came together collaborate on community improvements. According to their latest progress report the project is described as:
What Is The Haven Project? The Haven Project is a collaboration between the citizens of the Mott Haven/Port Morris Neighborhoods and a multi-disciplinary team of community leaders, academic researchers and urban designers lead by the New York Restoration Project (NYRP).
The Haven Project will be different. This is not a “pie-in-the-sky” masterplan for Mott Haven. The project will be specific in its implementation and pointed in its purpose. Goals will be attainable and will help cultivate larger changes in the physical and social fabric of the neighborhood.
The project will implement strategic community improvement projects that will better connect pedestrians and bikers of the South Bronx with their long neglected waterfront and to the soon to be completed Randall’s Island Connector, giving the community access to a world class recreational facility.
Community led design strategies will be directed at improving the health and well being of the neighborhoods. The Haven Project will identify and analyze metrics to determine design objectives that will be most impactful in creating and improving necessary connections and in advancing health outcomes.
Already the ground has been paved (just the first pavement, an final layer of pavement will be added to the connector) and landscaping has been done along the quarter-mile stretch adding plants, bushes and reeds with more to come.
The actual frame of the bridge going over the Bronx Kill and into Randall’s Island has been installed but yet to be complete. According to Kate Van Tassel of the New York City Economic Development Corporation and a construction worker, the costliest part and most time consuming part of the project will be the the safety gate to protect pedestrians from the CSX train which runs once a day into the New York Post facility once a day.
The gate will automatically close off the path onto the bridge when a train is approaching and keep pedestrians safely away from the train. Once the train moves away the gates will automatically open and allow for the flow of residents, whether on foot, bicycle, rollerblades or however they choose to get to Randall’s Island.
CSX rail tracks which will be blocked off by automatic gates to protect pedestrians. According to NYCEDC and NYRP the train only runs once a day to the New York Post facility and usually at night but the times do vary and schedules are never the same.
Robin Urquhart (left) of the New York City Montessori School along with fellow residents from the Morris Park neighborhood of The Bronx.
All these diverse business owners and organizations are excited about the new access that the area will gain once the connector is completed as well as the potential for the Mott Haven-Port Morris Waterfront Plan becoming reality now that the Department of Environmental Conservation has given the plan priority status and #8 in line among all plans being considered.
“My business is right across from Randall’s Island but there’s no way for me to get there unless I go over the Triboro (RFK Bridge)”, said Rafael Barbosa, owner of Port Morris Distillery. He added that, “My daughters have basically been lifelong residents of Randall’s Island, playing soccer there since they were 4 and 5 years old. It’s also a great opportunity for our business to be able to tap into all the people who will potentially come over from Randall’s Island and into The Bronx and vice-versa. Hopefully with this movement the government will see that there is a so much great interest in waterfront access by the residents that FreshDirect wouldn’t be allowed to locate here because we have a lot of people that want to be down there on that land and use it as open space.”
Once completed, the Randall’s Island Connector will only demonstrate further that the residents and businesses of Port Morris and Mott Haven not only deserve the waterfront which they have planned but that it should come off the drawing board and turn into a reality.
Courtesy New York Restoration Project
Edwin Torres, a Visual Journalist and local resident in the Melrose area of The Bronx, who also partook of the tour said, “It was great to see a behind the scenes look at the Randall’s Island Connector. I never imagined having bridge connecting the Bronx to Randall’s island. This will directly provide Bronx residents with easy access to the summer games and reputable concerts on Randall’s Island. It is an ideal gateway to quick summer retreats and picnics. “
It was very clear that everyone on the tour was excited about the connector finally nearing completion. Walking through the landscaped connector and seeing the how beautiful it already looks without even being complete gave me great pride and joy and it was easy to envision the Mott Haven-Port Morris Waterfront alive with thousands of residents and Bronxites enjoying what all the 4 other boroughs of this great metropolis take for granted.
Randall’s Island Connector, highlighted in red, is a 1/4 mile strip under the Amtrak Railroad lines and begins at 132nd Street.
Big Bank Hank of the pioneering rap group the Sugarhill Gang poses for a portrait at Sugar Hill Records on November 7, 1983. (Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images – Via LA Times)
Born Henry Lee Jackson in The Bronx in 1957, Big Bank Hank of The Sugarhill Gang has passed away due to complications with cancer. Big Bank Hank is considered to be one of the founders of Hip Hop with The Sugarhill Gang’s hit ‘Rapper’s Delight’ which was released 35 years ago this month.
Hank went to Bronx Community College where he received his Associates Degree in oceanography but was unable to find employment in his selected career. This eventually led to his path to becoming one of Hip-Hop’s pioneers.
