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Groundbreaking Of Triangle Plaza Development at the Hub in Melrose

News

Ed García Conde

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September 30, 2013

Groundbreaking Of Triangle Plaza Development at the Hub in Melrose

Directly across the street from the Opera House Hotel will rise a new mixed-use development that promises to bring 191 permanent jobs to the neighborhood along with 151 construction jobs.

Called Triangle Plaza Hub and once completed will house a campus for Metropolitan College, a Fine Fare supermarket as well as provide new retail opportunities for the area along with a new plaza.

The development is bounded to the south by E 149th Street, to the north by Westchester Avenue, East by Brook Avenue and West by Bergen Avenue and is where the 2 and 5 trains emerge from underground as they make their way above and through the Bronx over the El.

The Hub Is going through some exciting changes and it all seems to be happening at once. The Opera House Hotel opened in August, making it the first and only luxury boutique hotel not just in the neighborhood but the entire Bronx.

Roberto Clemente Plaza is to begin renovation and construction this fall and by 2015 we should have a brand new open plaza for local residents and visitors to the neighborhood to enjoy.

If ever there was a time for retailers to invest in Melrose and the Hub of definitely is now.

Now while we’re all excited for such a major development to take hold in the Hub we should also urge Triangle to try and resist leasing any retail space to yet another rinky sink 99 cent store or bargain shops – something we have way too much of.

Hopefully they will actively seek out a more diverse retailer to add a bit more variety for shoppers. The Hub receives over 200,000 visitors a day so foot traffic is definitely not an issue.

What kind of stores would you like to see there?

Read the press release below or click on over here.

NYCEDC, Borough President Diaz, Empire State Development and Triangle Equities Announce Groundbreaking at The Triangle Plaza Hub at 149th Street in the Bronx
September 30, 2013

by New York RealEstateRama

Project Will Include Metropolitan College of New York Campus, Fine Fare Supermarket and Public Plaza

New York, NY – September 30, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., Empire State Development (ESD) and Triangle Equities, in partnership with the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group (Goldman Sachs), today announced the groundbreaking of the Triangle Plaza Hub in the Melrose neighborhood of the Bronx. The $35 million project will transform an underutilized municipal parking lot into an 88,000 square-foot mixed-use commercial and community facility, which will provide a variety of community amenities, including a campus for Metropolitan College of New York and a Fine Fare supermarket, which is being built in an underserved area as part of the City’s Food Retail Expansion to Support Health (FRESH) Program. In addition, the development will include new construction of an 8,000-square-foot public plaza located at the intersection of Bergen and 149th Street. The project is expected to create approximately 191 permanent jobs and 151 construction jobs, with opportunities for local residents. The development will also incorporate energy efficiency and green building principles with a minimum goal of LEED “Silver” Certification.

“The Triangle Plaza Hub will provide the Melrose neighborhood with many new amenities and jobs, enhancing the area’s economy and helping the Bronx continue to flourish,” said NYCEDC Chief Operating Officer Zachary Smith. “This underutilized lot will be transformed into a vibrant mixed-use facility that will serve the community for years to come.”

The project will be financed with a $14.8 million senior loan, $10.3 million of NMTC equity, $5.8 million from the New York Healthy Food & Healthy Communities Fund, a partnership between the Low Income Investment Fund, ESD, and Goldman Sachs, as well as $3.4 million of direct equity from Goldman Sachs.

The project benefits significantly from $35 million in New Markets Tax Credit allocation from NYCEDC’s partners United Fund Advisors (UFA), LIIF, and Goldman Sachs. UFA is providing $19.3 million of NMTC allocation; LIIF is providing $10 million of NMTC allocation; and Goldman Sachs is providing $5.6 million. Since 2008, NYCEDC and UFA have leveraged nearly $428 million of NMTC allocation to finance over $1.5 billion of development costs and create over 4,100 construction jobs and 5,400 permanent jobs located throughout Brooklyn, the Bronx and Manhattan. The Triangle Plaza Hub is the 17th project on which UFA and NYCEDC have partnered.

“I am very excited with the development of Triangle Hub in Melrose,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. “This green mixed-use commercial and community facility will positively impact the South Bronx community providing residents with much needed access to both fresh produce, new job opportunities and higher education. This is a major development that will help us revitalize the area and at the same time will provide a shot in the arm to our local economy. I thank all the parties involved in investing in our great Borough as we work together to make the Bronx a great place to live and raise a family.”

“Bringing this project to fruition has taken a very long time and a great deal of energy on everyone’s part,” said Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo. “I believe we will agree the end result will be a great transformation and a welcomed change in our community.”

“We are very excited to be a part of this special and important development project for the South Bronx”, said Lester Petracca, President of Triangle Equities. “We appreciate the tremendous support that we received from the NYCEDC, ESD, Borough President Diaz, Councilwoman Arroyo, Marlene Cintron from BOEDC, and Community Board 1, as well as our partners Goldman Sachs, LIIF and the United Fund Advisors, illustrating what it takes to make these challenging projects become a reality. We are looking forward to building a project that we believe will be a catalyst for the redevelopment of this area and provide amenities to a deserving community.”

“ESD is extremely pleased to be taking part in the development of the Triangle Plaza Hub,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. “The New York Healthy Food and Healthy Communities Fund was created to support underserved communities in gaining access to both fresh produce and new job opportunities. The facilities that will be built on this site will provide the area with new resources and growth that will stimulate the local economy for years to come.”

“We are thrilled to work on this transformative project with Triangle and our financing and public sector partners,” said Alicia Glen, managing director and head of the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group. “Triangle Plaza Hub will increase access to fresh food and higher education in a community that critically needs these options.”

“By bringing a fresh food grocery, educational opportunities and jobs to the Mott Haven neighborhood in the Bronx, Triangle Plaza Hub exemplifies the impact that the LIIF seeks to make on low income communities,” said Judi Kende, Senior Vice President, Eastern and Central Regions, LIIF. “LIIF is proud to have provided New Markets Tax Credits, as well as financing through the New York Healthy Food and Healthy Communities (HFHC) Fund for this transit-oriented project. LIIF is thrilled to be working with Triangle Equities, Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group, Empire State Development, United Fund Advisors and New York City Economic Development Corporation. Triangle Plaza Hub demonstrates the tremendous economic, health and educational benefits created when nonprofits, public agencies and the private sector collaborate.”

“Triangle Plaza will bring fresh food and job opportunities to a highly distressed community,” said Cam Turner, Principal, United Fund Advisors. “This transformative project is a shining example of the value of the New Markets Tax Credit program in providing opportunity and revitalization for the communities that need it most.”

“Bringing new healthy food retail into underserved communities is one of the core planks of New York City’s food policy, and the FRESH program has been a key part of helping us to achieve that goal,” said New York City Food Policy Coordinator Kim Kessler. “I’d like to thank the many partners that have helped to bring this project to fruition – this new supermarket will mean healthier options for neighborhood residents, and more jobs in this community.”

“This development project will provide new commercial opportunities on the main business strip of East 149th Street in Bronx Community Board #1,” said Community Board #1 President George L. Rodriquez.

“We believe that the Triangle Plaza Project will add to the buying diversity of products and services for our residents.”

“The BID is very happy that the site is being developed, and we want to thank Mayor Bloomberg, NYCEDC President Kimball, Borough President Diaz, Council Member Arroyo, Community Board 1, BOEDC, Triangle Equities and all of our other partners,” said Vincent Valentino, Executive Director, HUB/3rd Avenue BID.

“We at Fine Fare Supermarkets are thrilled to have partnered with NYCEDC and the FRESH Program in the leasing of space for a new supermarket at the Hub,” said Frank Pimentel, owner of the Fine Fare Supermarket. “We are excited to have received assistance from the FRESH Program in order to provide better shopping alternatives to this community, which is lacking in access to fresh produce. We also look forward to creating jobs in this community.”

The Fine Fare supermarket will join a list of 16 FRESH projects to have been approved since the program’s inception in 2009. It was created in partnership with the City Council to increase access to food in underserved communities by incentivizing the establishment and retention of neighborhood supermarkets. The closest full-service grocery stores to this project are over a quarter mile away. These 16 FRESH supermarkets are expected to provide over 430,500 square feet of new or renovated space, and are estimated to retain over 500 and create over 350 jobs. They represent an investment of approximately $63 million across the city.
The development sites are part of the Bronxchester Urban Renewal Plan and the City’s South Bronx Initiative. The development of this site will help fulfill the goals set forth in these plans and serve to strengthen and complement the existing commercial and retail corridor at “the Hub”. The Hub, centered at the intersection of Third Avenue, Melrose Avenue and East 149th Street, is one of the busiest intersections in the Bronx where more than 200,000 pedestrians pass through daily.

Triangle has committed to work with HireNYC to develop a targeted local hiring and workforce development plan to fill the jobs created by the project. HireNYC is a free City program that provides connections between business owners and job seekers to ensure that local community members have access to jobs available in the area.

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC’s mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City’s competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City’s many opportunities. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or visit our blog to learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.

About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I Love NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.

About Triangle Equities Development Company, LLC
Triangle Equities is a diversified, full service real estate company. Triangle and its related entities develop, own, and manage commercial, residential, and mixed use properties in the New York Metropolitan area.

Triangle Equities focuses on “value-added” developments and specializes on city projects. We are efficient at obtaining all necessary approvals and working with municipal agencies to bring a project to fruition that utilizes a property to its full potential and realizes the best outcome and future potential for its tenants and community members.

About the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group
Established in 2001, the Urban Investment Group deploys the firm’s capital by making investments and loans that benefit urban communities. Through its comprehensive community development platform, UIG is a catalyst in the revitalization of underserved neighborhoods. UIG has committed more than $3.0 billion, facilitating the creation and preservation of approximately 13,000 housing units – the majority of which are affordable to low, moderate and middle-income families – as well as over 1,300,000 square feet of community facility and nearly 2,000,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.

About the Low Income Investment Fund
The Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) invests capital to support healthy families and communities. Since 1984, LIIF has served 1.4 million people by investing $1.3 billion. Over its history, LIIF has provided financing and technical assistance to create and preserve affordable housing, child care centers, schools, transit-oriented developments and healthy food retail in distressed neighborhoods nationwide. LIIF’s work has generated $25 billion in family income and societal benefits. LIIF has offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City and Washington, D.C. For more information about LIIF, visit www.liifund.org.

About United Fund Advisors, LLC
UFA is a fund manager and financial services company that provides tax-advantaged investment capital and advisory services for community development and renewable energy projects throughout the country. With over $710 million of assets under management, all of UFA’s investments and services are driven by its triple bottom line mission “to create opportunities for profitable investments which enhance social and environmental yields.” Nearly all of UFA’s products and services involve syndication of tax credits and benefits, including NMTCs, Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credits, Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits, and other federal and state tax credits and benefits. For further information, visit www.unitedfundadvisors.com
– See more at: http://newyork.realestaterama.com/2013/09/30/nycedc-borough-president-diaz-empire-state-development-and-triangle-equities-announce-groundbreaking-at-the-triangle-plaza-hub-at-149th-street-in-the-bronx-ID02647.html#sthash.F690dHVT.dpuf

Hundreds of Bikers Invade The Bronx – And It Was Awesome

News

Ed García Conde

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September 30, 2013

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Hundreds of Bikers Invade The Bronx – And It Was Awesome

Yesterday, as I walked over the 145th Street Bridge into Manhattan, I was startled by a deafening roar only to be surprised by hundreds of bikers zooming their way into the Bronx.

I was able to capture them on video as they crossed over the bridge and then as they came back into Harlem and made their way down Lenox.

Were you part of the ride? Do you know someone who was? We’d love to hear from you! Send us a message at info[at]Welcome2TheBronx.com and we’ll post your comments or you can do that yourself below!

Check out the videos:

Entering the Bronx over the 145th Street Bridge

Coming down Lenox in Harlem

Community Board 1 REJECTS FreshDirect’s Land Use Modification Request Needed To Move To The Bronx

News

Ed García Conde

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September 27, 2013

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Community Board 1 REJECTS FreshDirect’s Land Use Modification Request Needed To Move To The Bronx

Pictured: Local residents in opposition to FreshDirect's move, waiting for the start of June's CB1 meeting – a meeting who's location was changed several times in one day without public notice.

This past Wednesday September 25th, in a surprise community board meeting which was not announced to the public, Community Board 1 not only rejected the minutes of July’s chaotic meeting on FreshDirect but voted overwhelmingly to REJECT the company’s request for a much needed land use modification.

Sources report that Councilwoman Melissa Mark Viverito – thought to possibly be the next Council speaker as Christine Quinn steps down due to term limits – called District Manager Cedric Loftin just minutes before the meeting to question him as to why not only was the meeting date changed at the last minute but as to why it was not made public in clear violation of how community boards are to operate.

Some of the reasons for rejecting the request are, but not limited to:

“…overutilization of adjacent street systems, excess bulk and density on the Harlem River Yard and interference with the predominant public purpose of the lease to reduce traffic.”

The aforementioned are at the very crux of why we do not support this deal. FreshDirect has been consistently downplaying the impact of the truck traffic and pollution in our already congested neighborhood.

Before the meeting, the board had received minutes laced with factual errors and omissions on July 10th’s meeting – which erupted in chaos – and were asked to approve them as is.

According to South Bronx Unite, the organization opposed to FreshDirect’s move to our waterfront using millions in tax payer subsidies and of which I am a part of, the following serious omissions were noted in the minutes sent to CB1 members:

* Video evidence of the meeting that directly contradicts the currently drafted written record. See video here

* The exclusion of public testimony from the currently drafted written record, including the testimony of South Bronx Unite member and Mott Haven resident Corrine Kohut, as well as Julio Pabon.

* The exclusion of (i) the name and description of the motion presented by Board Member Michael Brady (READ MICHAEL BRADY’S MOTION HERE) , (ii) the inaccurate statement that Mr. Brady’s motion was not seconded, when it was indeed by Board Member Linda Ortiz and (iii) the absence of mention that the District Manager refused to distribute to board members the written motion of Mr. Brady.

* The inaccuracies of describing and tallying two votes that evening of which few Board members understood the subject of the matter on which they were voting or refraining from voting.

* The select exclusion of discussion and comments by several Board Members, including Wally Nash, John Johnson and Linda Ortiz, among many others, as well as the exclusion of the community feedback

.

As you can see, all the omissions and inaccuracies were quite deliberate in silencing community opposition to the project which overwhelms any local support for the project.

South Bronx Unite also mentioned that, “Fresh Direct must make a similar but more rigorous application for a land use modification to the State Empire State Development before the project can move forward. The public will have an opportunity to comment on that application at a public hearing as required by state law.”

Having attended June (which was FreshDirect’s FIRST time coming to the community since the deal was announced 16 months prior – very telling of how concerned they are NOT for the community) and July’s CB1 meeting where FreshDirect came to make their case to the Board, I can attest that not a single member living in CB1 came to testify in support of the company’s move to the Bronx.

It is safe to say conservatively that 95% of Bronxites in attendance in those meetings were (and still are) against the deal.

In a press release Mychal Johnson, former CB1 member who was kicked off the board for his strong opposition to the dirty deal by Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr, said, “I’m happy to see that the action taken by the Board reflects the concerns of the community.”

This officially places Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr in a very difficult situation. He now stands for a deal filled with cronyism between Bloomberg and his Ackerman buddies at FreshDirect – a deal with staggering community disapproval – and the very constituents he was elected to serve.

It places Díaz between an outgoing mayor and the candidate for the next Mayor, Bill de Blasio who as of last week was ahead in the polls by a whopping 66% over his contender, Joe Lhota who only 25% of those polled by Quinnipiac said they’d vote for.

Let’s not forget – because Bill de Blasio won’t if elected as next mayor of New York City – that Ruben Diaz, Jr supported Bill Thompson during the primaries earlier this month.

De Blasio as you may already know has recently been highly critical of the sweetheart deal saying that “Fresh Direct would never have gotten more than $100 million in government subsidies to stay in New York City if he ran City Hall, Bill de Blasio said Thursday. The Democratic mayoral nominee said his administration would remove subsidies from large companies such as Fresh Direct and “give them to smaller companies.”

We have reached out to Ruben Diaz, Jr’s office but as of this moment we have not received an official statement on the latest vote.

In February of 2012 when the sweetheart deal was announced as a done deal, the community rose up in opposition against a deal we were never consulted on regarding the use of our public lands – instead, the administration along with FreshDirect assumed that they can continue to dump on the Bronx and we’d accept it without a fight.

Since then, the opposition has snowballed to over 40 community based organizations representing a cross section of our borough while those in support of FreshDirect have only been able to muster roughly 5 or 6 organizations to back them up.

How can one go against the deafening roar of the people who reject this deal? The community has spoken, repeatedly, that this is a bad deal and our elected officials MUST listen to the will of the people. If not, then what is the point in electing them in if they’ll cave into cronyism and corporate pressure.

The Oysters Are Back! Bronx River Now Home to 100,000 Oysters

News

Ed García Conde

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September 26, 2013

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The Oysters Are Back! Bronx River Now Home to 100,000 Oysters

Michael Abegg, with the New York Harbor School, and a student, Luis Negron, in background, putting oysters into a reef in the Bronx River.NICOLE BENGIVENO / THE NEW YORK TIMES

The Bronx River, which decades ago was mired in filth, is now home to thousands of oysters thanks to restoration efforts of such organizations like NY/NJ Baykeeper and Hudson River Foundation.

After a summer of building a massive reef for them (one of the largest in the city) this past Saturday, 100,000 oysters came home to the Bronx in the Soundview area of out borough.

Winnie Hu of the New York Times reports:

These Bronx oysters are not destined for the dinner plate or coveted as a source of pearls, but instead are prized for their ability to filter pollutants and anchor a marine ecosystem with their craggy reefs.

“They’re ecological engineers,” said Dennis Suszkowski, science director of the Hudson River Foundation in Lower Manhattan, which is overseeing the oyster reef in the Bronx River. “Oysters will grow on top of one another and create a three-dimensional habitat with all sorts of nook and crannies for fish to feed and use as shelter. It’s the kind of habitat that was once here that is no longer here.”

Just like the borough it runs through, our mighty river is coming back to life.

Read the full story here.

Gardens of Melrose: A. Badillo Garden

News

Ed García Conde

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September 25, 2013

1

One of the many great things about living in Melrose is our abundance of community gardens which are a substitute for the lack of actual parks in the neighborhood.

This morning I had the pleasure of checking out the A. Badillo Community Garden on East 163rd Street between Melrose and Brook Avenues. It is one of the largest in the neighborhood and like many, it boasts the traditional Puerto Rican casita or little house.

The garden has been around for about 5 years and each morning between 8 and 9 Jose, who retired after Ford closed its Tarrytown plant over a decade ago, can be found opening up the place.

Born in the Bronx but raised in Puerto Rico before coming back to New York, Jose spends his time at the garden relaxing, playing dominoes or gardening.

He said that the garden is open to anyone and everyone so if you’re in the neighborhood, feel free to stop by and say hi or sit a spell and relax from the daily stresses of life.

Support your local community gardens!

The centerpiece of the garden is the little house, or casita, nestled under a great willow tree.

Melrose Building Materials, which is located across the street from the garden, graciously donates bricks, cement and granite slabs for the garden.

Eggplants are just one of the many crops you'll find here.

Behind the house you'll find a picnic area.

No community garden is complete without a rustic, Puerto Rican-styled outdoor kitchen.

José, who's retired, can be found here daily. He keeps his tools handy in case his mechanic skills are needed.

"Each day a garden is destroyed. Save ours."

Melrose Building Materials – good neighbors who supply the garden with their needs.

Bronx Politics: Bob Not-So-Thorough-Setter?

News

Rob Giuffre

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September 24, 2013

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By Rob Giuffre, September 24th, 2013 3:47PM

Bob Not-So-Thorough-Setter

In last week’s “Boro Beat” column, Bob Kappstatter wrote that he “suspected” former Assemblyman Michael Benjamin would be running for his old seat because he moved back into “the hood.”

Well, we here at welcome2thebronx.com followed up and engaged in some actual journalism and reached out to Mr. Benjamin.

Benjamin was taken by surprise; he said the only way anyone could have even known about his moving back into the old district is from passing comment he made to Assemblywoman and Council-nominee Vanessa Gibson.

In fairness, I am writing about the writer here, but I think this is a good case study on why this weekly column needs to exist. Having a second opinion is a good thing.

I also think this case allows a glimpse into the pettiness of the Bronx political class. That this would be enough to circulate and make its way to Kappstatter and into his column is a telling sign.

When pressed, Benjamin insisted that he would never (like never, ever) run for elected office again. “I enjoy working in the private sector. I don’t want to be one of these guys who never held a real job in their life.” Which brings us to our next topic:

“YOUTH ENERGY”

After some soul searching this week, I feel like I may be too negative about the state of local Bronx politics. So, I made a point to sit down and think of something positive in the Bronx political scene. I tried and tired, but I honestly could not find one glimmer of hope. I urge readers to find SOMETHING, ANYTHING POSITIVE and comment about it below.

One might think the election of two young men from our borough would be positive.

Victor Pichardo (age 28) and Ritchie Torres (age25), on face value, and through conventional wisdom, seem like young promising rising stars of city politics. But how can one really get excited about either when faced with the evidence?

One is going into elected office after a highly controversial election amid allegations of the most serious of fraud — not one of his opponents would concede him victory.

The other received $377,000 of landlord money after running under the guise of a housing advocate and claims “the mailers made no difference.”

Right. Sure. Whatever ya say, buddy.

Both are young enough that they may remain in elected office in The Bronx into their 50’s and 60’s…they may both become one of “the guys who never actually held a real job in their life.” How can we feel positive about this? Someone please help me find some glimmer of hope! I honestly wish the best for both and hope they can make the most of their positions and deliver for their people who desperately need opportunity. The Bronx is in no position for negativity.

SPEAKER VACCA?

East Bronx Councilman Jimmy Vacca is being touted on a few lists as a potential name on the short list of new Council Speakers.

For next week’s column, I am going to take the role of whip and try to predict a count on the speaker vote.

On face value as of right now, I think the odds of Vacca being elected next Council Speaker are pretty slim. Even if he is able to grab the entire Bronx delegation, which he won’t, who else is there?

JEFF KLIEN…CAN’T KNOCK THE HUSTLE

State Senator has been busy as a beaver…scared of his political future. He has been seen all over his district lately.

Klein has been out giving away school supplies, “fighting” obesity, judging clam chowder competitions and, literally, taking seniors out to the theater.

Two things:

1. Klein is trying to posture his way out of a primary election, and it may be working.

2. The NYSDSCC’s plan is also working. Keeping Klein locked into his district, fighting an imaginary boogie man, is better than him freed up and causing problems all over the state, running IDC candidates against regular Democrats.

IS ANYBODY THERE?

I should’ve said this before, but anyone who wants to send tips, suggestions or press releases, please email me at robagiuffre@gmail.com.

Comments, views, and opinions are that solely of the author and should never be misconstrued as that of Welcome2TheBronx or any other authors of this site.

Refugee Hotel Opens This Friday At The Bronx Documentary Center

News

Ed García Conde

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September 24, 2013

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Refugee Hotel Opens This Friday At The Bronx Documentary Center

photo: Bhanu Poydel practices yoga to unwind after his arrival to New Jersey from a Bhutanese refugee camp, 2009. ©Gabriele Stabile

From the BDC:

The Bronx Documentary Center is pleased to present Refugee Hotel, an exhibtion of photographs by Gabriele Stabile. In more than sixty photographs, the exhibition chronicles refugees during their first night in the United States and their lives in resettlement. This is Stabile’s first one-person exhibition in New York City.

A refugee is defined as a person who has crossed a border to escape persecution based religion, political opinion, sexual or ethnic identities. Hundreds of refugees are placed in New York City each year, and of those more than 90% are resettled in the Bronx. For six years Stabile worked in coordination with the International Organization for Migration and other resettlement organizations around the country to photograph refugees from Cuba, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East as they set foot on American soil. Customarily, their first nights are spent at a string of airport hotels in major US metropolises. Stabile writes, “ The first night in America is for all of them the start of a new life with new possibilities, but also another fatal, definitive step away from home.” He continues, “It is a moment on the cusp between two uncertainties, a past of displacement and an unknown future…a seemingly unassuming night they will remember for the rest of their lives alongside the fireproof carpet, the standardized furniture, and the floral bed cover.”

Stabile also captures his subjects’ as they adjust to small-town life in Fargo, North Dakota; Charlottesville, Virginia; Erie, Pennsylvania; Amarillo, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma. Resettlers face the practical and existential challenges of earning a living wage, adjusting to new communities, learning a foreign language, adopting or rejecting new cultural attitudes, and sorting through memories and traumas of the past.

Join us for the opening reception on Friday, September 27, from 6:30 to 9PM.

Refugee Hotel will be on view from September 28 – December 1, 2013

– See more at: http://bronxdoc.org/post/61504657422/the-bronx-documentary-center-is-pleased-to#sthash.8cUdtRKa.dpuf

Volunteers, including myself, helped paint the gallery in preparation for the latest exhibition.

The army of dedicated volunteers is a testament to what a wonderful place the Bronx Documentary Center is to so many.

Celebrity-Inspired Fashion in the Bronx

News

Ed García Conde

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September 24, 2013

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Check out this Intersection video from the NYTIMES on Bronxites’ Celebrity Inspired Fashion.

Who inspires you?

Click for the video: http://www.nytimes.com/video/2013/09/24/fashion/100000002459817/celebrity-inspired-fashion-in-the-bronx.html

Which Is YOUR Favorite Bronx Park? ProjectBronx Explores Our Green Oases

News

Ed García Conde

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September 23, 2013

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Which Is YOUR Favorite Bronx Park? ProjectBronx Explores Our Green Oases

Not only is the Bronx the greenest borough in all the realm that is New York City but we also have more open greenspace than any other urban area in the nation.

Pelham Bay Park is the city’s largest park and is more than 3x the size of Central Park with over 2,700 acres and then we have the beautiful Van Cortlandt Park which is the 3rd largest park (nope, Central Park, you’re still smaller. Sorry.). Both of these massive beauties are incredibly steeped in history too.

Ask most outsiders what comes to mind about the Bronx and the last thing you’d expect to hear is anything about our parkland.

For the past month Adam Levine-Peres, founder of ProjectBronx has been asking Bronxites about our local parks and their thoughts on such urban spaces.

Below you’ll find each episode of the 3-part series so you can watch them at your leisure and don’t forget to hit up the comments section and tell us about YOUR favorite Bronx park!

Part 1

Part 2

Now don’t forget to tell us about your favorite Bronx park!

URGENT: Possible Exposure To Hepatitis A At New Hawaii Sea Restaurant In the Bronx

News

Ed García Conde

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September 20, 2013

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URGENT: Possible Exposure To Hepatitis A At New Hawaii Sea Restaurant In the Bronx

Please read the press release from the department of health on what to do if you ate at New Hawaii Sea Restaurant In the Westchester Square area of the Bronx. You may have been exposed to hepatitis a as 5 cases have already emerged from here.

The last DOH inspection of the restaurant was on May 17 of this year and they received a B grade. Violations were noted as:

Sanitary Violations
1) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.

2) Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Filth flies include house flies, little house flies, blow flies, bottle flies and flesh flies. Food/refuse/sewage-associated flies include fruit flies, drain flies and Phorid flies.

3) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release # 033-13
Friday, September 20, 2013

MEDIA CONTACT: (347) 396-4177
Jean Weinberg/Levi Fishman: Pressoffice@health.nyc.gov

Health Department Warns Patrons Of New Hawaii Sea Restaurant In The Bronx Of Possible Exposure To Hepatitis A From September 7th To September 19th

Customers who ate food from New Hawaii Sea Restaurant in the Bronx (1475 Williamsbridge Road) Between Those Dates Should Get Hepatitis A Vaccine as soon as possible

Five Cases of Hepatitis A at the Restaurant; One Employee, Four Patrons

September 20, 2013 – In response to cases of hepatitis A infections in an employee and four customers at New Hawaii Sea restaurant, located at 1475 Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx, the Health Department is urging customers who ate at the restaurant, either in-store, through catering or delivery, between September 7th and September 19th to receive hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible. Any leftover food from this restaurant should also be discarded.

Hepatitis A is spread by eating food (even though it might look clean) that has been contaminated by an infected person. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin), fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. People typically develop symptoms of hepatitis A infection about one month (range is 15 to 50 days) after they are exposed to the virus. If people are vaccinated within 14 days of exposure, vaccination can prevent the disease from occurring.

Any person who ate at New Hawaii Sea, either in-store, through catering or delivery, between September 7th and September 19th is considered at risk and is recommended to receive hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible. Any person who ate food from this restaurant before September 7th should be evaluated if they have symptoms suggestive of infection. The Health Department is working with the restaurant to ensure that all the food handlers are vaccinated. The restaurant is cooperating fully with the Health Department and will remain closed until enough employees are vaccinated to reopen safely.

People can visit their regular doctor to receive this shot. The Health Department will offer hepatitis A vaccinations starting tomorrow, September 21st at the Herbert Lehman High School, 3000 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 at the following times:

Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 2-8 pm
Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 2-8 pm

For vaccination clinic updates to your mobile device, text HEPA to 877877.

People who have health insurance should bring their insurance information. People who do not have health insurance will receive vaccine free of charge. Women who are pregnant will not be treated at our site and should consult their doctor as far as potential vaccination. People with immune-compromising conditions should consult their doctor to discuss whether to receive vaccine or a different preventive treatment.

People who were exposed but have already received two doses of hepatitis A vaccine sometime in their life do not need another shot; all others should be vaccinated.

“We are asking all restaurant patrons and employees to get this vaccination as soon as possible,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley. “If people experience symptoms, they should see a doctor immediately. This incident serves as an important reminder to always wash your hands thoroughly before handling food to prevent the spread of disease.”

About Hepatitis
Hepatitis type A is a liver disease caused by a virus. It is spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth (even though it might look clean) that has been contaminated with traces of fecal matter from an infected person. There are no special medicines or antibiotics that can be used to treat a person once the symptoms appear. While some people who have chronic liver disease or a weakened immune system could experience more severe illness and require hospitalization, hepatitis A is rarely fatal (fewer than 1% of cases).

In order for the vaccine to be most effective in preventing disease, people should be vaccinated within 14 days. The earlier the vaccine is given, the more effective it is in preventing the disease.

About the Investigation
The Health Department investigates all cases of hepatitis A in New York City. The Department was notified of this case on September 19, began the investigation, and inspected the restaurant that day. An average of 50-60 cases of hepatitis A are reported to the Health Department in New York City each year, with 1-2 occurring in food handlers.

For more information on Hepatitis A, please visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/living/cd-hepatitisabc.shtml

Join Us Tonight At Tosca’s In Throgs Neck!

News

Ed García Conde

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September 19, 2013

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Join Us Tonight At Tosca’s In Throgs Neck!

Join me and an excellent cast of Bronxites tonight as we bartend at Tosca to raise money for VISIONS! (check out the Facebook Event’s page)

VISIONS (Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired) Bronx Advisory Board Invites you to: “Mix It Up” for a great cause!

Join Our Bronx “Celebrity” Bartenders as they display their mixology talents Our Celebrity Bartenders are:

Gary Axelbank, Monroe College / Bronx Talk

Ed Conde Garcia, The Mayor of Melrose

Donna Karlson, New York Institute for Special Education

Hon. Mark Gjonaj, NYS Assembly

Lisa Sorin, Westchester Square BID Thursday,

September 19, 2013 6-9PM

Tosca Marquee Rooftop Garden

4034 East Tremont Ave.
Bronx, NY

$25 includes great hors d’oeuvres, networking opportunities and a chance to cheer on our celebrities – bring your business cards!

All proceeds from this event will support VISIONS free programs and services in the Bronx. Space is limited, reservations suggested, please contact: Crissy Vicendese: (212) 625-1616 ext. 135 or email: cvicendese@visionsvcb.org

Please make all checks payable to VISIONS: Send to: Amy Gordon, VISIONS, 500 Greenwich St., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10013 to pay by credit card call: (212) 625-1616 ext. 120 or visit www.visionsvcb.org/events/bronx_bar to purchase your ticket online.

The amount of $12.50 per ticket represents a contribution to VISIONS which is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law

The Joy of Painting, Bronx Style? Beloved Artist, Daniel Hauben Gets His Own Show

News

Ed García Conde

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September 18, 2013

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The Joy of Painting, Bronx Style? Beloved Artist, Daniel Hauben Gets His Own Show

Born and raised in the Bronx, Daniel Hauben has painted some of the most wonderful works of art depicting our beloved borough.

His paintings grace the new library at Bronx Community College and now the artist will have his own show starting this weekend on BronxNet.

The Daily News says:

“It’s not PBS, but the Boogie Down now has its own homespun artiste to preach the joy of painting happy little landscapes.

Daniel Hauben is making painting accessible through his new BronxNet television show, “Art and About with Danny Hauben.”

But instead of painting birches and clouds and clean mountain streams, Hauben, 57, is depicting the gritty urban landscapes that are native to the borough.

“For me, it’s the whole immersion in the urban craziness that is the subject,” Hauben said. “It really appeals to people, and is really not that common.”

As the shows become available, we’ll be posting them here for your viewing pleasure in case you miss them!