This is an excellent opportunity for our Bronx youth (or anyone in NYC) between the ages of 18-24 who are seeking a pathway into the construction industry. Urban Upbound is providing an amazing opportunity to these individuals from training, workshops, job shadowing, and job placement with partners.

With construction booming in NYC and average construction wage of $76,000 a year in our area, this program is exactly what is needed. See below for more information from Urban Upbound.

Urban Upbound’s mission is to break cycles of poverty in New York City public housing neighborhoods by providing low- and moderate-income residents with the tools and resources needed to achieve economic mobility, self-efficacy, and self-sufficiency. Urban Upbound’s comprehensive, integrated programs–employment services, financial counseling, youth services, neighborhood revitalization, and financial services target residents of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) public housing neighborhoods in Queens, including Long Island City, Astoria, and Far Rockaway and the surrounding boroughs.

In recent years Urban Upbound has expanded its reach to young adults, we have implanted youth development initiatives throughout our programs. Most recently with a one-year grant, Urban Upbound will launch its Exploration in Construction (EPIC) program in February 2017. Exploration In Construction training will allow participants to learn soft and hard workplace skills to obtain construction jobs and pursue an additional education that will get them on the path to economic prosperity. The training will be an 8-week certification program, where youth (18-24) who are facing the challenge of unemployment, limited educational attainment, and financial exclusion, will learn construction skills and other relevant academic, financial, and workplace skills. This credential will make youth enrolled in our employment services programs competitive for job opportunities being provided by our construction partners.

The program will incorporate problem-solving skills, project oriented mindsets, multi-tasking abilities; regard for safety rules, strong work habits, communication skills; and any specific hard skills (e.g. OSHA-10, NCCER) required for specific positions. EPIC will be offered in 8-week cycles at our 3 sites: Long Island City, Astoria, and Far Rockaway. EPIC will serve participants and provide them with fundamental adult basic education skills (e.g. literacy, math, writing) within the context of construction-related topics. Participants will hone and practice academic skills (study skills, time management, listening, group work), socio-emotional skills (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationships, decision making), workplace (communication, teamwork, problem-solving), and job search skills (resume, mock interviewing, networking with employers). In total, participants will be provided with 168-hours of construction-related ABE and 112-hours of supplemental educational services, including field trips, college and career exploration activities, job shadows, library research, and online instruction.

The program is an 8-week training with job placement upon program completion. The Exploration in Construction program provides career pathways, credential attainment, and supportive services to young adults who may face difficulties obtaining employment. Through partnerships, workshops, and job shadowing, participants gain hands-on work experience. They also develop academic, career, and life skills that lead to lifelong success.

Our program includes:

Job readiness training
College readiness training
GED/HSE and high school diploma assistance
Nationally recognized certifications and credentials ( i.e. 10-HR OSHA)
Supportive services
Leadership and soft skills training
Job placement upon program completion

Who Qualifies?
This program is designed for youth ages 18 to 24, who are looking to obtain skills, credentials and employment in the construction industry. There is no work experience necessary and no educational requirement. We also welcome individuals who are facing the following:

• Limited literacy skills
• No high school diploma or GED
• Homeless, runaway, or foster child
• Pregnant or parenting young adult
• Involvement within the Criminal Justice System
• Have a disability
• Lack necessary work readiness skills
• Unemployed
• Underemployed
• Looking to obtain new or improve on current skills

For more information contact:

Danielle Lorenzo, Assistant Director of Youth Career Pathways

danielle@urbanupbound.org;
(718) 784-0877 ext. 354

Ok I’ll say it. The new Second Avenue line, which opened on New Year’s Day, is a colossal failure.

Yes it’s beautiful, yes it provides much needed relief to the already strained 4, 5, and 6 on the Lexington Avenue line but by not being extended into The Bronx, once again, hundreds of thousands of Bronxites are left behind and segregated not just by economics or even along racial lines (although which is abundantly clear when you ride the Second Avenue line) but also by infrastructure.

I’m not gonna lie, I had an enjoyable ride on it and it’s great that you can get from the far Upper East Side to Times Square in roughly 15ish minutes in one ride.



The stations are lovely and filled with beautiful artwork but what about the rest of us?

The Bronx is on the verge of shattering its historic high population set in 1970 just before the massive depopulation of the South Bronx began—something that we know all too well was orchestrated by the powers that be.

Back in 1970, we had 1,471,701 residents—the most we’d ever had.

We also had the Third Avenue El, although at that time it was no longer connected into Manhattan, at the very least we had a train running down from the North Bronx and connecting to 3rd Avenue and 149th Street in Melrose on the 2 and 5 line. That line served hundreds of thousands and it served them well.

Then the fires began spreading. People began fleeing the South Bronx and borough in general.

And in April of 1973, the Third Avenue El was terminated, essentially stranding huge portions of our borough and population without a running subway line.

All this, along with other issues, led to a massive decline in our population. By 1980, The Bronx lost 20.6% of its residents—302,729 Bronxites gone.



Since 1990, massive urban renewal in the South Bronx began filling vacant lots with houses or new apartment buildings. Vacant buildings were revived with new families moving in. And now, with barely any vacant land left, thousands of more residential units are under construction or planned along with massive rezonings of parts of The Bronx.

Subways in The Bronx are already packed during rush hour and waiting for two or three trains to pass by before being able to get on one is not uncommon yet New York City thinks it’s ok to continue building for more and more people without looking towards our transportation infrastructure.

So while wealthy Upper East Siders are enjoying a new subway line, folks in The Bronx are still dealing with horrible conditions.

How’s that for a tale of two cities?

The Bronx has the fastest growing population of all NYC boroughs and projected to continue to lead the rest of the city until 2040 in terms of population growth yet there are no plans at all on the table to deal with that when it comes to transportation. Sure, we’re getting 4 new Metro North stops in the East Bronx but that’s not where the population growth is happening or projected to occur.

The New York Times issued its list of 52 Places to Go in 2017 and surprisingly has listed the South Bronx as a destination among dozens of other domestic and international destinations.

As if gentrification creeping in wasn’t enough, now we have one of the leading newspapers in the world urging people to descend upon our borough and in particular, the South Bronx.

Oh and The New York Times failed miserably. In their blurb about The South Bronx they only mentioned new, gentrifying businesses without any real roots in The Bronx.

But Curbed calls them out on it:

Of course, the riverfront hotel isn’t the only venue on that list that’s being developed by Somerset Partners. Along with Chetrit Group, the firm (headed up by billionaire Keith Rubenstein, he of the $84.5 million Upper East Side townhouse) is behind a larger redevelopment of the South Bronx (once calling it “the Piano District”), and has funneled millions of dollars into creating housing and new businesses in the area.

The Times piece neglects to mention this, though—something of a glaring omission, considering that Somerset also helped, in one way or another, with the creation of Filtered, the coffee shop the Times mentions, along with the Bruckner Market(which will include Douglas Rodriguez’s restaurant), La Grata, and 9J. (Somerset and Chetrit were also behind the disastrous “Bronx Is Burning” party that took place last November—another fact the Times omits.)

New York City experienced a record breaking 60. 3 million plus for 2016 with over $60 billion in economic activity as a direct result.

But very little of that trickles to the outer boroughs (unless you’re Brooklyn) including The Bronx other than tourist attractions like Yankee Stadium and that’s pretty much it for the South Bronx.

The New York Times writes:

51. South Bronx, New York

An industrial neighborhood’s revival.

Since the 1970s, the South Bronx has suffered in reality and reputation. But things are turning around. (Though crime is still an issue in the area, numbers are way down from heights in the early ’90s.) Openings in 2016 included artisanal coffee shops, galleries and boutiques like To_Bridges and 9J, La Grata Neapolitan pizzoteca, and Milk Burger. This year’s arrivals will include the Bruckner Market food hall, with a rooftop beer garden and a distillery and brewery; the Bronx Post Place retail and dining complex; Latin-inspired restaurants from the chef Douglas Rodriguez; and a riverfront hotel by Somerset Partners.

Not one original Bronx business. Every single one noted is new without roots to our borough. I’m personally insulted by such an affront.

If travelers are indeed going to descend on the South Bronx, then we have a comprehensive list of truly Bronx-based establishments that should be on anyone’s list to the area.

It’s important that we capture that economic activity within our borough supporting our mom and pop shops and small businesses.

So if you are interested in visiting, read ahead.

Oh, and if you’re looking for lodging, two luxury boutique hotels are already open and a bed and breakfast off the Concourse.

Folks can stay in luxury for half the price and twice the space at The Umbrella Hotel or The Opera House Hotel, both in Melrose.

Or they can choose to stay at a local bed and breakfast, Mi Casa Tu Casa, which was the first actual lodging space in the neighborhood.

So what would one do in the South Bronx?

Art & Culture

No, The Bronx’s art scene isn’t new like many would like to say.

We’ve been creating and influencing the world for over a century if you really want to get technical.

1. Longwood Gallery of the Arts
   450 Grand Concourse
2. The Andrew Freedman Home
   1125 Grand Concourse
3. Pregones Theater Puerto Rican Traveling Theater 
   571 Walton Avenue
4. The Bronx Documentary Center
   614 Courtlandt Avenue
5. BronxArtSpace 
   305 E 140th Street
6. Wallworks NY
   39 Bruckner Boulevard
7. The Bronx Museum
   1040 Grand Concourse
8. Bronx Music Heritage Center
   1303 Louis Niñe Boulevard

Food glorious food (and drinks)

With a borough as diverse as The Bronx, it’s not surprising that you’ll find some delicious cuisine.

1. Xochimilco (Mexican)
   653 Melrose Avenue
2. Mexicozina Cantina (you guessed it, Mexican and 40 different types of tequila—opening very soon)
   289 E 149th Street
3. Capri Bakery (Amazing Latin American pastries and desserts)
   306 E 149th Street
4. Bate (West African and one of the best in The Bronx)
   860 Melrose Avenue
5. Hungry Bird (one of the best Indian restaurants in the borough)
   980 Morris Avenue
6. La Morada (Oaxacan Mexican restaurant)
   308 Willis Avenue
7. Port Morris Distillery (wicked pitorro aka Puerto Rican Moonshine)
   780 E 133rd Street
8. Gun Hill Tavern (A beautiful marriage between Gun Hill Brewery and Port Morris Distillery; great place to eat and catch some great brew)
   780 E 133rd Street
9. La Parrilla Latina (Dominican restaurant offering the finest Dominican and Puerto Rican cuisine)
   614 Melrose Avenue
10. Isla Restaurant Cuchifritos (best spot for Puerto Rican cuchifritos aka fritters aka fried fatty stuff that’s so good but bad for you)
    276 E 149th Street
11. Porto Salvo (We had to add this one to the list even though they opened in the summer. They have become not only one of my favorite eateries and watering hole but they have won the hearts of many local Bronxites with their amazing authentic Italian cuisine. You just gotta check them out.
    424 E 161st Street

Clearly there’s so much to do but we wouldn’t stick to just the South Bronx…check out 100 things to do in The Bronx in 2017.

You can also visit over 17 community gardens in Melrose—the most concentrated in one area in NYC.

Oh and don’t forget the Bronx River, New York City’s only freshwater river!

One of the most aggressive platform policies from Senator Bernie Sanders’ primary campaign for the Democratic ticket in the 2016 presidential election cycle was free college tuition. 

Yesterday, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, alongside Senator Sanders, announced the nation’s most ambitious free college tuition plan. 

Under his plan, which would begin this coming Fall if approved by state legislature, students from households making under $100,000 a year would qualify for free tuition at SUNY or CUNY colleges. 

Within three years, households under $125,000 yearly income would qualify. 

It isn’t even a question if we should do this, it’s morally imperative that we do this. 

Now before you go on a rant that why should we pay for others to get free things, let’s remember one thing in case we have forgotten: Once upon a time, CUNY schools were free and it was how many of our parents and older generations made the American dream possible without being saddled by crippling debt. 

Education isn’t a privilege or a luxury, it is a human right. 

The Bronx is a borough of colleges and universities yet most of our residents won’t see the inside of these institutions not necessarily because they may not be prepared (that’s an entirely different conversation) but because they simply cannot afford the tuition or to take out loans to do so. 

The disparity between students from higher income families and low income families is startling. 

In 2015, The Wall Street Journal wrote:

“College completion rates for wealthy students have soared in 40 years but barely budged for low-income students, leading to a yawning gap in educational attainment between rich and poor that could have long-lasting implications for the socioeconomic divide.

In 2013, 77% of adults from families in the top income quartile earned at least bachelor’s degrees by the time they turned 24, up from 40% in 1970, according to a new report from the University of Pennsylvania’s Alliance for Higher Education and Democracy and the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education. But 9% of people from the lowest income bracket did the same in 2013, up from 6% in 1970.”

As the poorest borough in New York City, home to the poorest congressional district in the nation, providing free college tuition can be transformative for uplifting our residents from poverty, many of which have systemically had the cards stacked against their favor. 

We are at our best when we all succeed. 

It’s time we end the educational divide once and for all. 

Developers and prospective new residents to the South Bronx beware: Murder is on the rise in the 4-0 and it doesn’t care whether you want to call the area SoBro, the Piano District, or The South Bronx.

The 40th Precinct, which covers Port Morris, Mott Haven, and most of Melrose, has the distinction of being the only precinct out of 77 in New York City where murder is increasing.

Problems in solving these murders is compounded by several issues: fewest detectives per violent crime in the city, community mistrust in the NYPD, and the oath of silence of witnesses (snitches get stitches) mentality that permeates the area.

These problems of high crime aren’t going to go away simply because more and more luxury residences and towers are being planned or already going up.

And the area is still stuck with many issues including being the poorest congressional district in the nation.

The New York Times reports:

“And across the Bronx, investigative resources are squeezed. It has the highest violent-crime rate of the city’s five boroughs but the thinnest detective staffing. Nine of the 14 lowest-staffed precinct detective squads for violent crime in the city are there. The borough’s robbery squad is smaller than Manhattan’s, even though the Bronx has had 1,300 more cases this year. And its homicide squad has one detective for every four murders, compared with one detective for roughly every two murders in Upper Manhattan and more than one detective per murder in Lower Manhattan.

In housing-project lobbies and three-generation family apartments, outside methadone clinics and art studios, people take note of the inequity. They hear police commanders explain that they lack the resources to place a floodlight on a dangerous block or to post officers at a bullet-ridden corner. They watch witnesses cower behind triple-locked doors, more fearful of a gunman’s crew than confident in the Police Department’s ability to protect them. So though people see a lot, they rarely testify.

And in the South Bronx, as in so many predominantly black and Hispanic neighborhoods like it in the United States, the contract between the police and the community is in tatters. Some people have stories of crime reports that were ignored, or 911 calls that went unanswered for hours. Others tell of a 911 call for help ending in the caller’s arrest, or of a minor charge leading to 12 hours in a fetid holding cell.

This is the paradox of policing in the 40th Precinct. Its neighborhoods have historically been prime targets for aggressive tactics, like stop-and-frisk, that are designed to ward off disorder. But precinct detectives there have less time than anywhere else in the city to answer for the blood spilled in violent crimes.”

—Rift Between Officers and Residents as Killings Persist in South Bronx

So while developers are busy snatching up properties for millions in speculative prices, putting up market rate condos, luxury apartment buildings, or trying to rebrand the area, the fact remains that for thousands who already live here, murder isn’t going away and persistently destroys families and communities.

While developers plop down cafes, restaurants, and boutique stores, area residents continue to suffer.

Developers will be more concerned that they may not be able to rent out or sell their luxury units once prospective renters (read: gentrifiers) find out that all that glitters isn’t indeed gold.

Nicole Perrino aka BronxMama always has the best lists of things to do in The Bronx and her latest is just as awesome. 

You may complain that there’s nothing to do here but we know that to be a lie! 

Here are just a few ideas that BronxMama put together for her 100 things to do in The Bronx. Make sure you check out the ENTIRE list at BronxMama (we just really love saying BronxMama). 

1. Zipline over the Bronx Zoo
2. Create Victorian Valentine’s Day cards at Bartow Pell Mansion Museum
3. Cross off each of these cheap but delish eats (five bucks and under!) that Bronx food blogger Tameika Lawrence shared on Thrillist
4. Get a group together for the Bronx River Flotilla
5. Attend the Bronx Opera
6. Take a plunge with the Bronx Polar Bears as they dip against homelessness in February
7. Take a Manga/Comic class at Arist & Craftsman Supply, held the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month
8. Indulge in some mac & cheese from Landin Mac & Cheese
9. Play a round of indoor tennis at the Cary Leeds Center in Crotona Park
10. Have Morris Perk coffee delivered right to your door
11. Stop in for a slice at Lloyd’s Carrot Cake
12. Take a Loving the Bronx tour with Nilka Martell
13. Take part in Tour de Bronx, or just cheer from the sidelines
14. Get your groove on during Bronx Salsa Fest
15. Go sledding and drink hot chocolate in a local park for an NYC Parks Snow Day

100 Things To Do in The Bronx in 2017

A local Bronx McDonald’s has upgraded not only its facilities but has also modernized its ordering systems with kiosks where you place and customize your orders and pay without any human interaction—all without having to downsize staff. 

Located at The Hub on Third Avenue and 149th Street in Melrose, the busy McDonald’s was closed for the better part of a month while renovations went on in the two-story space and getting ready for order automation. 

But contrary to fears that the fight for an increase to $15 minimum wage was the impetus behind McDonald’s automating their systems, it seems that the opposite has happened at this particular location. 

Typically one would see maybe 7 or 8 people working from cashiers to the kitchen but instead of less workers, there were over 20 behind the counter over the weekend when we dropped by to see the space. 

According to a manager who provided comments but not authorized to speak on the issue, they went from roughly 50 employees across all shifts to over 80 since they re-opened. 

“We can get orders out so much faster now with more people working,” he said. 

Employees also appeared more excited and happier now that many have seen an increase of almost $2 as of this past New Year’s Eve. 

Currently, the kiosks are only for those paying with credit or debit cards so if you prefer the old fashioned way, you can still walk up to a cashier and place your order. 

For now, it seems that fears of  being replaced by technology won’t be happening anytime soon. 

Straphangers Campaign has issued their annual report on the state of New York City’s subway system based on six indicators: scheduled service, service regularity, breakdown rate, crowding, cleanliness, and announcements.

So guess where the Bronx lines fall in the spectrum of the MTA’s 20 subway lines?

Let’s start with the obvious worst of the bunch. (which is pretty much all except one)

The 5 line won the title of WORST subway line of the year (tied with the A train actually for rather crappy overall experience) and according to the Straphangers Campaign, a trip on the 5 line is only worth $1.50 rather than the full fare of $2.75.

Anyone who takes the 4 knows just what a horrible experience that is with severe overcrowding which often translates into delays and headaches for commuters. Due to the messiness of the entire situation that is the 4 line, it placed 18th out of 20 with an overall value of $1.55 out of the full fare of $2.75.

Topping off the worst list are the 2, B, and D lines which all tied for 14th out of 20 with a metro card fare rating of $1.65 per ride

A little better and pretty much in the middle was the JLo’s 6 train with a metro card rating of $1.75 at 11th place.

So that leaves the 1 train and here’s the good news: It’s the best line for 2016 (tied with the L and 7 lines) but even at landing as the best line, as per Straphangers Campaign criteria, it is only worth $2.05 per ride.

Surprised? Not Surprised?

Check out the rest of the report especially if you transfer to other non-Bronx lines.

Now if only we could get a subway system designed to benefit The BRONX!

Each year, StreetEasy—the real estate website—puts out a list of top ten neighborhoods they think will be the next “hot” area and without fail, the media follows and reports it as something that’s based on factual evidence. 

The fact of the matter is that these lists issued by StreetEasy only takes into account its own data and not the entire big picture. 

Although Kingsbridge is attractive to many Bronxites for the reasons listed in their post such as shopping and affordability, that’s pretty much it for other folks searching for something with an easy commute. 

The greatest interest will always be in neighborhoods closest to midtown and downtown Manhattan and that’s something Kingsbridge isn’t by any stretch of the imagination. 

Just like last year they predicted Jamaica, Queens and Pelham Parkway in The Bronx to be the next “it” neighborhoods, this prediction too will fall flat on its face. 

Investors and developers are literally spending over a billion in development in The South Bronx, a figure that represents almost half the Bronx’s total in Community Board 1 covering Melrose, Mott Haven, and Port Morris. 

Kingsbridge hasn’t seen even a fraction of this interest. 

This isn’t to say not to be vigilant as we’ve seen greedy landlords trying to push out long term commercial tenants as they tried once plans for the Armory were  announced—we always have to worry—but gentrification ain’t happening any time soon up there so y’all can breathe a little bit more easily. 

Real Estate websites need to stop this sensationalism and pushing speculators into neighborhoods. 

Yesterday, the first 15 tenants moved into the 15 story Morris Avenue Apartments affordable housing development in Melrose—all homeless veterans with a new lease in life and just in time for the holidays.

Of the 176 units in the building, an impressive 20%, or 35 units, were set aside for homeless individuals and families of which 18 of those units went to homeless veterans. The remainder of the units went to low and middle income individuals and families with a preference for those who live within the area’s Community Board 1, and NYPD, MTA, and other city employees.

We all know that there is a homelessness crisis in NYC and especially The Bronx where many are just 1 paycheck away from becoming homeless.

The apartments are decent in size and all come with separate climate control units for “central” heating and cooling for each bedroom and main living area providing warmth in the winter and cool AC in during the hot summers.

Oh and each apartment comes with a dishwasher and bamboo hardwood flooring.

The lucky 176 individuals and families are paying rents ranging from $788 for studios to $1,638 for 3 bedrooms with qualifying incomes from $28,555 for 1 low income individual to $105,100 for a middle income family of 6.

Sadly, this means that the majority of residents living within the neighborhood do not qualify for such developments as many are far below the required income for these affordable units which always leaves the question in many’s mind, “Affordable for who?”

At any rate, hundreds of families will now have an affordable place to call home as well as 35 who are homeless no more.

Community room on the second floor available to residents of 655 Morris Avenue

Pretty great views of Melrose and the rest of the South Bronx too

Kitchens are open layout into the living rooms and are all equipped with a dishwasher.

Corner apartments benefit from double exposure.

Great views of Manhattan’s skyline as seen from 655 Morris Avenue directly adjacent to 2980 Park

The building’s entrance is off of 153rd Street and is set back considerably.

Morris Avenue Apartments

The greenest borough of NYC is going to get even greener. 

When community leaders, residents, architects and the city were planning the revitalization of Melrose over two decades ago, one of the things people could agree on was the need for green space if thousands of units were to be built in the neighborhood. 

Years and promises passed by and the lot on Melrose between 159th and 160th streets remained vacant as new buildings and townhouses surrounding it rose from the ashes of rubble-strewn lots. 

Now the lot is being prepared for construction for Melrose Commons Park with a scheduled completion date in Autumn 2019.

Once complete, the neighborhood and The Bronx will have a new park and modest in size at 1.07 acres. 

According to NYC Parks, total funding for Melrose Commons Park construction is $5,584,000 provided by the Mayor’s office, Councilman Rafael Salamanca, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. 

Now if only they’d build a much needed dog run which is something many residents have been asking for. 

The greenest borough of NYC is going to get even greener. 

When community leaders, residents, architects and the city were planning the revitalization of Melrose over two decades ago, one of the things people could agree on was the need for green space if thousands of units were to be built in the neighborhood. 

Years and promises passed by and the lot on Melrose between 159th and 160th streets remained vacant as new buildings and townhouses surrounding it rose from the ashes of rubble-strewn lots. 

Now the lot is being prepared for construction for Melrose Commons Park with a scheduled completion date in Autumn 2019.

Once complete, the neighborhood and The Bronx will have a new park and modest in size at 1.07 acres. 

According to NYC Parks, total funding for Melrose Commons Park construction is $5,584,000 provided by the Mayor’s office, Councilman Rafael Salamanca, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. 

Now if only they’d build a much needed dog run which is something many residents have been asking for.