Folks who live in Soundview, especially around Clason Point, had to suffer through some of the worst commute times into Manhattan but relief arrived today.
With the launch of NYC Ferry’s Soundview line, residents saw their commutes drop considerably as they sped their way over water towards Wall Street.
One commuter incredulously commented that they made it to work on 42nd Street in under an hour. They couldn’t believe they made it to work that quickly.
We’ve never seen so many excited commuters at 6:20AM!
Another resident said that his commute would be cut by over 30 minutes each way.
We took the first ferry out at 6:30AM which departed on time and within 18 minutes we were at East 90th Street at the foot of Gracie Mansion. Mayor Bill de Blasio was nowhere to be seen as he opted for a press conference back in Soundview after the first roundtrip was complete.
Within 30 minutes of departing Clason Point we had arrived in the heart of Midtown at 34th Street. This stop was not part of the originally planned route but after we made some noise and politicians woke up, the stop was added.
When we came back at 8:13AM there was still a line for the next ferry out!
At 34th Street you can transfer over to several other routes that take you to Astoria, LIC, Brooklyn and the Lower East Side and best of all is that you can transfer for free as long as it’s within 90 minutes of the start of your first trip (round trips do not count for a free transfer).
We arrived at the final destination at Wall Street within 48 minutes of departure. For $2.75 you can’t beat that.
The views on your way down the East River are pretty spectacular…you don’t get that on an express bus or the subway.
Since the fare is the same as the subway and buses, this will be a game changer for thousands of Bronx residents who now have additional options to get around.
Now we need to add more stops in The Bronx like in Throggs Neck and City Island as well as get direct service down into Queens and Brooklyn without having to go to Manhattan.
Did you take the ferry yet? Let us know what you think!
The Bronx is home to many immigrant communities but one of them may surprise you.
Did you know that The Bronx is home to the largest Cambodian community in New York, despite declining numbers?
Over 1 million Southeast Asians came to the US between 1975 and 1994 with many Cambodians arriving in the 1980s to The Bronx creating what came to be known as Little Cambodia in the Fordham area of our borough.
This is there story thanks to CUNY TV Digital Series:
After almost 3 years of pressure from the community and the Breen Brothers thorough documentation of the treacherous conditions on Shore Road, the city has finally begun preliminary work in correcting the situation.
Beginning today, a $1.5 million topographical and traffic study has begun which will help determine a plan to stop the flooding as well as a cost for said project.
Welcome2TheBronx has been on top of this situation since James and Tommy Breen brought it to our attention back in February 2016. Since then we’ve helped get the necessary media attention on the subject and putting pressure on local officials.
And that’s not counting the years which City Island residents have been complaining to local elected officials and 311.
Just north or the entrance to Bartow Pell Mansion, there is an area that is constantly flooding and during the winter months gets even more hazardous as it freezes over causing cars to veer suddenly to oncoming traffic as drivers struggle to avoid the frozen patch.
Although it’s not considered a major road by the city the fact remains that thousands of commuters use it to travel between The Bronx and Westchester County.
“This study taking place is great news for everyone that travels on Shore Road. I‘m happy that the City is moving in the right direction towards a much needed capital project.” said Tommy Breen.
The study will also determine the length of the project as well wrap up by November 2019. No set date for start of construction or complete but it’s a start.
Tucked away in New York City’s third largest park in Van Cortlandt is The Bronx’s own ‘Stonehenge’ if you will.
If you’ve ever walked along the Putnam Trail, which is along the Old Putnam rail line, you might have noticed a row of 13 pillars just standing in, well, the middle of nowhere if you will.
Sure they’re not in a circular pattern like the original but if you’ve seen them you can pretty much see why some folks call it that.
Well did you know that those stones were set up to test out which ones to use for the construction of Grand Central Terminal? The ones that weathered best would be used in the landmark’s construction.
Much to the chagrin of residents in Bedford Park, another building will be going up in the area.
Located at 33 Bedford Park Boulevard, the 11 story building will rise near Lehman College and The New York Botanical Garden and will have 19 residential units.
Rendering of 33 Bedford Park Boulevard via Architects Studio
First of all it’s way too early to be thinking about pizza (ok I’m lying, it’s NEVER too early to think about pizza).
Tickets are finally on sale for The Bronx’s first ever New York Pizza Festival in Belmont the home of NYC’s REAL Little Italy (you can read all about it here)!
During Columbus Day weekend on Saturday October 6 through Sunday October you can eat some of the best pizza around the country and even Italy.
The event is free to enter but you need a ticketto eat and drink.
For just $20 you can get a ticket that will get you 3 slices or for $30 you can get a ticket that will get you 6 slices. Drinks are 3 for $20 and 5 for $30.
If you’re a baller you can get VIP tickets for $100 bucks which gets you 10 slices, access to the beer/wine tent and 5 beer/wine tickets. You can even get on the “fast pass” line at each pizza stand with this package. According to the website there are only a limited amount of these passes so make sure to get them while they last.
In the era of Donald Trump, our families are facing extreme levels of bigotry and discrimination under his watch and encouragement. With crisis after crisis affecting communities that were vulnerable to begin with, we need to elect stronger Democrats who will stand up and fight for justice, fairness, and compassion, even in the face of heavy opposition and attacks.
We must do better than the current status quo. The South Bronx is behind in nearly every category – just a little over half of our adult residents have completed high school, the median household income is under $30,000 per year, and the unemployment rate is a staggering 7.3%. “Business as usual” politicians have hurt us for too long. A change of guard is required.
That’s why I’m inspired by candidates like Amanda Septimo, a Democrat running for Assembly in the Bronx. A product of the Bronx, Amanda personally understands the struggles facing our families and has dedicated her life to making a difference.
She has been on the front lines fighting for protections for immigrants, more jobs, stronger schools, and better housing throughout her career. I’m especially excited about her commitment to creating Universal Afterschool programs in our schools. This will allow our kids to access supportive learning services in safe environments that parents can rely on to keep their kids engaged in school and out of trouble.
Amanda Septimo
District 84 deserves a leader who’s been constantly on the ground. As a former district director for Congressman E. Jose Serrano, Amanda worked to bring to the community the resources it deserved. She is a true community organizer and activist and will bring that energy on behalf of South Bronx residents to the Assembly. Amanda has the experience we need in our next Assemblymember, but more importantly, she has the grit and persistence that today’s politics demand.
Over the years I’ve met many of these inspiring Latina candidates, and I am continually impressed by the focus and passion they are bringing to politics and government. Amanda and these other women are exactly the leaders we need to fight Trump’s bigoted, anti-women, anti-worker agenda.
These are difficult and dark times, but candidates like Amanda Septimo are shining a light for change. I hope you join me in supporting this extraordinary young woman for New York State Assembly.
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Melissa Mark-Viverito is Vice President at Latino Victory and is the former New York City Council Speaker from 2014 to 2017
A new report by Localize, an AI-driven site powered by data scientists and urban planners, has revealed the most dangerous areas for pedestrian and cyclists across the city.
Ironically enough it’s the general Fordham and University Heights area where The Bronx’s pilot bike share program has just launched in the past few weeks.
Particularly dangerous is the stretch of Jerome Avenue stretching from Fordham Road down south to Burnside where many of these incidents appear to have occurred according to the data.
Localize writes:
There were 230 crashes injuring pedestrians and cyclists in this swath of the Bronx in 2017. That’s a 16 percent increase from the average of 200 crashes in the previous few years.
“In addition to being under elevated tracks, Jerome Avenue is also lined with auto shops,” said Lassiter. “Having cars parked on, or constantly driving across, sidewalks can create a tough environment for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate safely. And crossing the many lanes of the Grand Concourse, or maneuvering the congested shopping corridor on Fordham Road, won’t get safer until physical improvements, like expanded sidewalks at intersections, are made.”
As part of the recent rezoning — which is expected to bring new development to the area — the city plans to improve pedestrian safety under the elevated tracks, as well as along the Grand Concourse. Advocates, however, have called on speeding up the safety upgrades.
Although an increase of 30 crashes might not seem like much it does represent a 16% increase from previous years and now adding a bike share pilot program in this overly congested area might make things worse with more cyclists on the road.
Despite the successes of Vision Zero, it appears we still have a long way to go.
Right here in the Bronx, this year, we have a perfect example of why elections, especially local elections matter, and why you should get involved and vote in the Democratic primary for Senate District 34 on Thursday September 13.
Newcomer Alessandra Biaggi, a 32-year-old, Fordham Law graduate with Bedford Park, Mosholu Parkway and Pelham roots, has thrown her hat in the ring with full force. Her opponent is incumbent Sen. Jeff Klein, a political juggernaut and among the most power elected officials in Albany.
Why do we need to replace Klein? Many Democrats feel betrayed and are quite angry with him. In 2011, Klein was the leader in forming the IDC, the Independent Democratic Conference, an eight-member group of renegade State Senators who were elected as Democrats, but voted as Republicans. With these additional eight IDC votes, State Republicans have been able to hold the majority in the NY State Senate and have blocked nearly all progressive legislation from becoming law. The result was that it was impossible to pass legislation we need to protect renters, keep and expand affordable housing, protect women’s rights, make sure everyone can vote, and much more.
Take women’s reproductive rights. While working in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Counsel’s Office, Alessandra Biaggi saw firsthand the obstructionist influence of Sen. Jeff Klein’s IDC.
Allessandra Biaggi/Moon Baby Photo
“We think of New York as a progressive leader among states, but our laws on abortion are totally out of date,” Alessandra says. “For example, if a woman finds out late in her pregnancy that her fetus is no longer viable, she still has to carry it to term. With Roe v. Wade at risk now nationally, it is essential that New York update its law. I thought it would be simple to pass the Reproductive Health Act here in New York, but thanks to Jeff Klein’s turncoat Democrats, it was impossible. That’s when I knew I had to run against him.”
Klein will be tough to beat. All incumbents are, and Klein has a huge war chest, thanks to big donations from many special interests, like landlords, real estate developers and other companies seeking favors in Albany. In his most recent report on campaign contributions, Klein got more than 80% of his contributions from corporations, LLCs and PACs, and only 123 from individuals. Biaggi got most of her contributions from more than 3,000 individuals.
With not much more than passion, energy and a clear progressive platform, Biaggi has built a formidable grass roots movement. To date, more than 500 individuals have volunteered. Recently, on a rainy July evening, approximately 100 supporters gathered in Van Cortlandt Park to cheer her on. This rally was volunteers who collected thousands of signatures from District 34 Democrats to officially put Alessandra Biaggi on the ballot.
“I am so grateful for the support I’ve received from so many people in the Bronx,” Biaggi says. “I’m building a campaign based on the people of the district because that’s the kind of State Senator I will be, one who works hard to represent all the people of the district, not special interests providing big campaign contributions looking for favors.”
Can a young woman beat an establishment powerhouse? The Bronx has already provided a clear answer. How could Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a young Latina from the Bronx, possibly defeat Joseph Crowley, the popular and powerful chair of the House Democratic Caucus? How could a startup, grassroots campaign compete with one of the Democratic Party’s most successful fundraisers? Crowley was a shoe-in, most assumed. But despite all the naysayers, Ocasio-Cortez won, and she won handsomely, proving money can’t buy hustle!
Biaggi has been endorsed and is being supported by 80 groups, unions and progressive and women’s organizations, including 32BJ SEIU and UAW Region 9A. She has also been endorsed by City Comptroller Scott Stringer and City Council Speaker Cory Johnson, among others.
If the name Biaggi rings a bell, it should. Alessandra is the granddaughter of an urban legend, Mario Biaggi. At the time of his retirement from the NYPD, he was the most decorated officer in NYPD history. After leaving the force, and he got a law degree and returned to public service. For 19 years, Mario Biaggi, served the people of The Bronx in the United States House of Representatives. He was beloved by most and was often reelected with over 80% of the vote.
“I was lucky to be able to spend a great deal of time with my grandfather and I learned so much from him about politics, government and the importance of being accessible to your constituents.” Biaggi said. “People constantly come up and tell me about how Mario helped them. But his serious mistake, for which my entire family paid a price, is also an important lesson about honesty and not even coming close to crossing any lines.”
To find out more about Alessandra Biaggi’s progressive platform and people powered campaign, visit www.Biaggi4NY.com
The following neighborhoods are in District 34: Allerton, City Island, Country Club, Eastchester, Fieldston, Hudson Hill, Hunts Point, Jerome Park, Kingsbridge, Morris Park, North Mount Vernon, North Riverdale, Parkchester, Pelham Bay, Pelham Manor, Pelham Parkway, Rikers Island, Riverdale, Schuylerville, Soundview, Spuyten Duyvil, Throggs Neck, Unionport, University Heights, Village of Pelham, Woodlawn.
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It’s hard to imagine for many that at one point, The Bronx was the most Jewish borough of NYC with almost 50% of the population of our borough identifying as Jewish in 1930.
To this day no borough has even come remotely close to those numbers.
As we were sifting through a catalog of old images of The Bronx, we came across several depicting Bronx daily life but what immediately stood out was that in many photographs you can see storefronts advertising in Yiddish.
Mrs. Max Hochfield, a prospective New Jersey homesteader, now living in the Bronx, New York/1936
When we did a little further research we found out that these images are from a set of images documenting poor and low-income families living in the, “…slums, tenements, and apartment housing in The Bronx” according to the Library of Congress.
These images documented this segment of the population of which many had been accepted for a resettlement program that would take them from the slums to New Jersey homesteads in Hightstown during the Great Depression in what would be come the America’s only government funded Jewish commune with hopes of creating a Utopia.
Since we know many of our readers are from this bygone era or are products of that generation, we thought we’d share them with you.
Check them out. All images are from the Library of Congress and their captions have been used accordingly.
Back in April we featured a video a video on Bronx born and raised Dr Melissa Freeman and now Good Morning America has a longer feature on this fascinating woman who at 92 years is still a practicing doctor!
According to the interview the Williamsbridge native sees hundreds of patients a year treating individuals with opioid addiction and rides the subway at least twice a week.
During the second quarter of 2018, more than 9 million square feet of construction was completed in New York City resulting in the highest level this decade and even besting pre-recession levels according to an analysis conducted by The Real Deal.
And The Bronx just shattered its own record.
The Real Deal reports that The Bronx completed over 1 million square feet of new construction during Q2 as developments received their first temporary Certificates of Occupancy for the first time.
Just take a look around the borough and you’ll notice a slew of residents moving into new developments particularly in the South Bronx like Mott Haven’s first luxury new construction condo, The Joinery and its neighbor across the street 255 E 138th Street, an affordable housing development known as The Graham.
With all these new construction developments coming on line quarter after quarter year after year, how will our crumbling infrastructure handle it all?
Our subways are packed and failing so how are these new residents going to get to work?
Localize writes:
