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
Part 2
Now don’t forget to tell us about your favorite Bronx park!
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
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_barto 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
“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!
So, first off…about last week’s predictions, well…some were spot on, some were off. Very surprised that Eliot Spitzer was defeated by Scott Stringer; this was a case of a lack of objectivity on my part.
The public advocate race, I had not been following it closely, so I really just guessed and was way off. (Sorry about that.) Every other race, I have to say, I did pretty well.
As predicted, Jobs for New York was the difference maker in council districts, 11, 15 and 16. Ritchie Torres in the 15th district was on the receiving end of $377,000 from Jobs for New York. This figure dwarfs the $105,002 he raised on his own. After approximately, $91,000 in public matching funds, the Torres campaign (directly and from “independent” sources) spent about $573,000 – all for 2,589 votes, or, an astonishing $221.32 per vote. While Torres ultimately won, it is my opinion that the 15th district was not sold on his candidacy considering the money spent for just 36% of the vote.
FRAUD CONTROVERSY
Courtesy of The New York Daily News
The picture heard round the Bronx political scene.
Serious allegations of voter fraud are coming from all candidates (besides Victor Pichardo) in the 86th Assembly District.
Calls from welcome2thebronx.com have been made to the Bronx Democratic Party, Assemblyman Carl Heastie and Senator Gustavo Rivera seeking comment. No comments were given.
The second place finisher, Hector Ramirez, spearheaded a letter to state and federal authorities seeking a do-over election. Our sources at the Bronx Board of Elections tell us that Bronx Democratic Party Attorney Stanley Schlein was called upon to assist the Pichardo campaign as early as the day after the primary.
More is sure to come from this situation. Stay tuned.
THE KLIEN-KOPPELL SCENARIO
Word around the campfire is that term-limited, 72 year-old Oliver Koppell, is seriously weighing a primary challenge against State Senator Jeff Klein.
This rumor was confirmed by me during the Bronx Democratic Party’s volunteer barbeque. Koppell stated “I have talked to (NYS DSCC Chairman) Mike Gianaris about putting together a campaign. I know they are looking for someone.” When asked bluntly if he would run, Kopell responded, “I’m not sure yet.”
This would be a huge challenge for Koppell. Klein is well-liked in his district and has $1,353,039 in his campaign account.
The real issue here is that Klein would rather not spend that $1,353,039 on a left-flank assault from a union, liberal, NYS DSCC backed Koppell. Klein would much rather spend that money supporting other candidates throughout the state in hopes of expanding his Independent Democrat Conference.
Mike Gianaris must know that Klein, being slightly neurotic, would spend way more than needed defending himself in a primary, at the expense of any hope of expanding the IDC.
In my opinion, this is the real motivation – wasting Klein’s time and attention. A pretty smart strategy indeed.
The show began a month after 9/11 to raise funds for the families of the victims of the tragic events and since then has grown to one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Check out some of the beauties that made their way to the Bronx yesterday for all to admire. Photographs were all provided by lifelong Bronx resident Joel Soto and Carmen Santiago, another lifelong Bronxite and community activist who dedicates her spare time in making the Bronx a better place for all.
We would like to wish our Mexican – American Bronxites a Happy Mexican Independence Day!
During the past several decades, the Mexican community has grown from virtually nonexistent to being one of the most visible members of the South Bronx particularly in Melrose and Mott Haven.
This explosive growth, not just in the Bronx, but across New York City was the impetus for the creation of the CUNY Institute of Mexican Studies at Lehman College – the first of its kind along the ENTIRE Eastern Seaboard – in February of last year.
The Institute says that, “…Mexicans constitute the fastest-growing national sub-group in New York City, due to high rates of immigration and births. If these rates remain the same, the Mexican population will surpass that of other Latino groups in New York City by the year 2024. The number of Mexicans living in New York City has grown 57.7 percent in the last decade. The Mexican population in New York City is 319,126, according to U.S. Census data for the most recent year available, 2010.”
Here’s to the continued success of our fellow Bronxites in their new homeland!
As I was walking home from the Gateway Center Mall at the Bronx Terminal Market I noticed that the carnival had gone up.
Taking up one of the Yankee Stadium parking lots along the Harlem River it is hidden from view when 30 years ago they would be prominently on display at one of the countless rubble, strewn lots in the Old South Bronx like 3rd Avenue and 149th Street where Forman Mills, Rite Aid and the soon to arrive Aldi grocery store.
As children, the arrival of Las Machinas was one of the biggest highlights of our year or at the very least – the social season.
Overnight, a lot that was just filled with bricks, broken glass (along with broken dreams) would awaken covered in trucks bearing all the rides and concession stands.
As a child, I saw nothing but the fun a carnival would bring, the number of times I’d get on my favorite rides, the cotton candy, the hot dogs, stuffed animals as prizes for the many games.
Looking back only reminds me of the innocence we had as children during those times, oblivious to the realities of where we lived.
I still remember being hoisted all the way to the apex of the ferris wheel over and over again looking across the Bronx and seeing nothing wrong with what was.
We’d love to hear from you about your memories of Las Machinas and if you have any photos you’d like to share from those days at the carnival, let us know in the comments section below or at Welcome2TheBronx [at] gmail.com and we’ll share them!
Bronxites! Let us know what you think about the upcoming Kingsbridge National Ice Center. Do you think it’s going to be good for Kingsbridge and the Bronx?
Do you have any concerns about how this project will impact your community? Do share!
Via the Associated Press:
NEW YORK — Mark Messier is the new chief executive officer of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center in the Bronx, which when constructed will be the world’s largest ice sports facility.
Messier, a Hockey Hall of Famer and captain of the New York Rangers’ the 1994 Stanley Cup champion, will oversee the center’s development and operation, including its free educational and sports programs for youngsters.
Backed also by Olympic figure skating champion Sarah Hughes, the 750,000 square-foot facility will feature nine year-round indoor rinks, including three Olympic- and six NHL-sized rinks.
The center, expected to open in 2017, will have at least two rinks that will be compatible for sled hockey for people with disabilities. The facility will feature hockey, figure skating, speed skating, synchronized skating, ice dancing and curling.
Messier was a six-time Stanley Cup champion during his 25-year NHL career.
“We didn’t lose today; we won. We showed the Bronx political machine that the people will no longer remain silent…For the first time in Bronx political history we sent an incumbent running by challenging Maria del Carmen Arroyo.” Julio Pabon said last night as he addressed a dining room at Yolanda’s Italian Restaurant in Melrose,full of campaign volunteers and supporters on our challenging of a political dynasty.
With 92% of precincts reporting as of 8AM this morning after, Maria del Carmen Arroyo won the primary with 4,081 votes (68%) while challenger Julio Pabón received 32% of total votes (1,882 votes).
Although Julio Pabón did not win outright, in many ways the people have won.
The results show that almost a third of the district does not approve of del Carmen Arroyo’s reign of corruption. We went in as an unknown candidate at the 11th hour– and the fact that we achieved so much –is nothing less than validation that we are on the right path and struck a nerve with the electorate with our message.
Our political writer, Rob Giuffre, correctly predicted an Arroyo win and said, “The only reason why Arroyo will win is due to incumbent advantage, low-turnout and low information voters. ” While this remains a reason, it is not the only reason.
A huge part of the problem is that few if any politicians in the Bronx have the chutzpah to go against the established political machine because they fear for the future of their careers and care not of the people they are elected to serve.
Sam, our amazing campaign manager who words cannot express what a phenomenal job he did.
Case in point is our Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr who is coward #1. When Julio Pabón began making the requisite calls to the elected officials in the Bronx and announce his intentions, Ruben Diaz Jr told that privately he supports him but publicly he can’t go against an incumbent because it will look bad.
Let that sink in. Our borough president chose to endorse someone who is at the center of so many corruption scandals because it would go against the establishment and look bad.
In other words he told the citizens of District 17 that we could rot because he chose political ambition over what is ethical and was in the best interest of the Bronx.
As long as we continue to allow folks with no backbone like Diaz to remain in office, the Bronx political landscape will remain a cesspool of corruption.
Although we have ousted several politicians whether through voting them out or being indicted on their corrupt ways, we are moving too slow to get the change we need and deserve.
As for the campaign, would we do it again? We’d do it tomorrow. Last night was the birth of the Innovative Progressive Democrats in the Bronx.
Thank you all for such outpouring of love and support that has not been seen in the South Bronx in such a long time. My friends and family grew by the dozens thanks to this campaign.
We are stronger now than when we entered the race and if anything, this has made our resolve that much stronger to end corruption in the Bronx.
As I perform my poll watching duties today for the 2013 primaries I saw this tag on MS 301 in Woodstock. The exterior of the school is otherwise pristine with murals here and there but this message scrawled in a childlike handwriting was the best. We Love Everyone.
The Bronx will have many political races with far reaching ramifications this Tuesday, Primary Day. Of course there are the city-wide races for Mayor, Comptroller and Public Advocate.
There are also some intriguing local races, most notable: City Council Districts 11, 15, 16 and 17 and a special election for State Assembly District 86.
MAYOR: The Bronx Democratic Party has endorsed Bill Thompson. However, it looks like new Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda might get the spoils of victory if frontrunner Bill de Blasio ends up in City Hall.
Sepulveda was a very early endorser of de Blasio and has been tweeting and facebooking constantly from subway stations, meet and greets and even backstage at the Mayor’s debate.
Should de Blasio win, Sepulveda will immediately find his political capital dramatically increased.
Borough President Diaz Jr. and Democratic Party Chair Carl Heastie have thrown their support behind Bill Thompson.
State Senator Gustavo Rivera decided to throw his support behind Christine Quinn, and this choice looks more foolish as she drops steadily in the polls; the only explanation must be found in some sort of deal worked out between the Council Speaker and Senator Rivera.
Overall, Assemblyman Sepulveda looks like he will emerge as the biggest winner in The Bronx this cycle if de Blasio can close the deal (which is a big if should there be a runoff election).
Bill de Blasio will come in first place, but not by large enough of a margin to avoid a runoff with Bill Thompson.
Thompson who has tons of institutional support in the form of unions, elected officials and county machines will get out just enough voters to force a runoff election and will win the Bronx by a comfortable margin.
PREDICTION: De Blasio 36%; Thompson 24%; Quinn 22%; Weiner 10%; Liu 6%; Salgado 1%; Albanese 1%
COMPTROLLER: Eliot Spitzer will make almost every elected official in the Bronx besides Assemblyman Jose Rivera look stupid in the comptroller’s race.
While Stringer and Spitzer are close in the polls, Spitzer will win by a comfortable margin due to his huge advantage among African American voters.
In the Bronx, Riverdale will come out for Stringer due to the Ben Franklin Democratic Club, but the rest of the borough will be a toss-up. Stringer may very well win the Bronx, but Spitzer will crush him in Harlem and Brooklyn.
Assemblyman Jose Rivera will get a little more pep in his step and find new life and former Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera will find a nice new job working for Comptroller Spitzer.
PREDICTION: Spitzer 58%; Stringer 42%
PUBLIC ADVOCATE: What can we say about the public advocate race? No one really cares? It is a useless office?
Besides for that, the Bronx Democratic Party has endorsed Letitia James (we think), although tepidly and without much overt action.
This race will come down between Councilwoman Letitia James and Cathy Guerriero. Dan Squadron is going through the motions, testing the water to see if he has city-wide appeal (which he doesn’t) and Reshma Saujan just isn’t getting any traction and should consider running for a lower office that she could actually win.
This is a race where many voters will make up their mind in the voting booth and will vote for the name they most relate. Because of this, I think Cathy Guerriero wins in a close race. Ms. James will win the Bronx.
PREDICTION: Guerriero: 32%; James 31%; Squadron 27%; Saujan 10% Bronx Borough President: Borough President Diaz is taking this primary as an opportunity to rehearse for a future city-wide run. He has pulled no punches: sending out mail, producing TV commercials and working his army of staffers and volunteers.
His opponent, Mr. Mark Bey, a former Democratic Party District leader is a gentleman and a kind soul. He should run for a smaller office one day in the future.
PREDICTION: Diaz 88%; Bey 12%
District 11: Cliff Stanton faces Party and Establishment backed Andy Cohen for the battle to replace Councilman Oliver Koppell.
Stanton has gained enough late endorsements to make a race of it, and has displayed his capacity as an aggressive campaigner. But the institutional support given to Cohen from the Ben Franklin Democratic Club and the monetary support from “Jobs for NY” will be too much to overcome.
Stanton has made many enemies in his race but has displayed courage and fortitude that is a breath of fresh air for the borough. He was by no means an easy out.
PREDICTION: Cohen 62%; Stanton 38%
District 15: Yet another race where the Real Estate Board of New York’s super PAC “Jobs for New York” will be the difference maker.
“Jobs for New York” has spent over $200,000 on mailers and bodies for frontrunner Ritchie Torres, a 24 year old staffer for Councilman James Vacca.
This expenditure from Jobs for New York will end up being more than the Torres campaign spends in whole, including NYC matching funds.
Albert Alvarez started way too late and seems like he had little fight in him.
Cynthia Thompkins, the most qualified candidate in the race, is a political newbie and never really put together a functional campaign.
Raquel Batista – rumored to be placed in the race by her boyfriend, Senator Gustavo Rivera to drain female votes — is not doing much besides being a female and a Latina.
Joel R. Rivera is alienating a lot of people and is his worst enemy.
Joel Bauza, we have no idea why he is running or why Senator Diaz Senior is support him — most likely due to church related politics.
Torres will win this race, but only because of the lack of a formidable challenger and because voter turnout is so very low in this district.
The $500,000 being put into this campaign on Torres’ behalf will be too much to overcome.
District 16: In a very crowded race, Assemblywoman Vanessa Gibson will be demoted (or promoted) to the City Council. Again, “Jobs for New York” will be the difference maker.
In addition, bodies on Election Day will help carry Gibson to victory.
PREDICTION: Gibson wins with, like, ehhhh, 31% of the vote.
District 17: Let’s put it this way: it’s a shame Julio Pabon will have to wait until 2017 to get elected to City Council.
Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo with her equally ethically challenged mother, Assemblywoman Carmen Arroyo
Pabon had Maria Del Carmen Arroyo on the ropes earlier in the summer over petition fraud and came *this close* to knocking her off the ballot and winning by default.
If a challenger had the same errors that Arroyo had on their petitions, they would have been kicked off the ballot, no questions asked.
The only reason why Arroyo will win is due to incumbent advantage, low-turnout and low information voters.
Pabon will do well and will set the stage for a future run.
PREDICTION: Arroyo 54%; Pabon 46%
District 86: This is the toughest race to predict.
The Democratic Party has endorsed a name, but no one really knows anything else about this person. I have to admit a lack of objectivity in this race and just say that I hope Haile Rivera manages to outfox everyone and pulls off a victory.
A former Obama staffer, Haile Rivera is a competent, honest straight shooter.
Well, there you have it. My objective opinion on election 2013. Of course, you know what they say about opinions.
Welcome2TheBronx would like to welcome Rob Giuffre on board as our first contributor / writer! Every Tuesday, starting September 17th, you can expect to read Rob’s political insights on what’s going on in the world of Bronx politics. Show some love for his first of what we hope to be many contributions!
