Bronx News Roundup, Nov. 19

CNN profiled Discovery High School students and teacher Steve Ritz for their community gardening program (photos and videos at the link). The group has been growing hundred of pounds of vegetables in their classroom over the past few years, hosting luncheons and a farmers market on campus yesterday.

Plans for the first Bronx Children's Museum are finally underway, with a 2013 opening predicted for the new space in a building at Mill Pond Park, near the Bronx Terminal Market. The new director is holding a forum tomorrow to get input from parents and community members for what they'd like to see at the museum. It will be held at BronxWorks' Community Room, 1130 Grand Concourse, from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.

David Johnson, a former aide to Governor Paterson, appeared in a Bronx court yesterday. He faces assault charges for allegedly attacking his girlfriend in her apartment on Halloween in 2009.

Two talented runners at Bronx High School of Science helped the school's cross country team win the PSAL Bronx Championship this season. 

Police are keeping an extra close eye on Jose Rodriguez, the 27-year-old Bronx man who escaped custody in New Jersey earlier this week by taking off in an unmarked NYPD car--while still in cuffs. He was finally caught early Thursday morning in Connecticut; he faces charges related to a Nov. 1 shooting in the Bronx.

A 19-year-old Bronx man was beaten on a New Jersey road Wednesday night during a road rage incident. Police are still looking for four occupants of the other car involved in the alleged assault.

The MTA is installing cameras along certain express bus routes in the city--including Fordham Road--to catch motorists who drive or stop in bus lines. 

South Bronx documentary film "80 Blocks from Tiffany's" is being rereleased on DVD next week. 

Estrellita Poblano III, on Arthur Avenue, has been named one of the city's top 10 mexican restaurants by the village voice. 

Reactions to Steinbrenner's Passing

There's been an outpouring of obituaries and statements from public figures this morning following the death of legendary Bronx Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, who passed away from a heart attack today at his home in Tampa, Florida. He was 80 years old.

"This is a sad day not only for Yankee fans, but for our entire City, as few people have had a bigger impact on New York over the past four decades than George Steinbrenner," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a statement. 

"He committed himself and all of the Yankees' resources to one thing and one thing only: winning. And he won quite often," Governor David Paterson said in a press release. "Opposing players and fans may have bristled at his outspoken leadership over the years, but it was only because they wished they had a Steinbrenner of their own."

A number of Bronx politicians, including Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., released their own statements (we included Diaz' words in our news roundup earlier today). Click the jump for more.

Bronx News Roundup, June 23

The Obama image on a toolbox that landed a Tremont firehouse in hot water earlier this week has been removed, FDNY officials have said.

A farm in upstate Schoharie County is a new source of fresh produce for the South Bronx.

Two Bronx sites were granted landmark status yesterday. The Haffen Building, on Third Avenue in Melrose, and the Noonan Plaza, on West 168th Street in Highbridge, are now both preserved as city landmarks--meaning they can't be altered without the approval of the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Speaking of landmarks: the city is considering making the Grand Concourse, between 153rd Street to 167th Streets, into a historic district. 

Mayor Bloomberg's tactic of breaking up large, failing schools into smaller ones seems to be working, according to one study. This AP article sites John F. Kennedy High School, which was broken into six smaller schools, as one success story.

A number of medical sites, including Montefiore, are giving free prostate cancer screening tests this week as part of an annual campaign sponsored by the Daily News. A full list of sites offering the tests can be found here.

Former Yankee player Johnny Damon says he misses the team's old stadium. 

State Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr., who represents many neighborhoods in the South Bronx, says fellow Senator Kevin Parker, of Brooklyn, threatened him on the Senate floor yesterday after Diaz voted against a bill.

Police are searching for a teenage mother and her infant son, who were last seen Monday on Boston Road.

Defense lawyer Murray Richman compared his client--City Councilman Larry Seabrook--to the Kennedy brothers in court yesterday, according to the New York Post. Seabrook is accused of funneling city money to groups that employed his relatives, which Richman compared to the nepotism of the Kennedys, who all worked in government.

On Tuesday afternoon, a 38-year-old man was killed in a propane explosion while he attempted to retrieve a broken barbeque grill from a shed in the Bronx on 2401 White Plains Road.

David Johnson, the former aide to Governor Paterson accused of assaulting a former girlfriend at her Bronx apartment, is refusing to answer questions from investigators by invoking his fifth amendment right.

Bronx News Roundup, May 11

In an editorial yesterday, El Diario La Prensa said "some of the points [State Senator Pedro Espada] has been raising in the face of accusations from Attorney General Andrew Cuomo merit discussion."

Cash-strapped Westchester Square Hospital seems to be hanging on and has filed a five-year plan. Officials now believe that the hospital is capable of surviving on its own.

Happy 70th Birthday Parkchester! This Saturday, the Parkchester community will be celebrating the housing development's 70th anniversary by the Metropolitan Oval.

The latest on the peace talks between Assemblyman Carl Heastie (the Bronx Democratic party boss) and Assemblyman Peter Rivera.

Governor Paterson's emergency budget bill has been approved by legislature. This will allow Paterson to furlough about 100,000 state employees without pay for one day.

The State Education Department and New York teachers unions has come to an agreement that could revamp teachers evaluations and connect them to students' test scores. At the moment, teachers are simply rated satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

Veteran Democratic consultants Patrick Jenkins and MarySol Rodriguez have founded a Bronx-based political consulting firm. State Sen. Eric Schneiderman, who's running for attorney general candidate, is already a client.

Senators Diane Savino and Jeff Klein are sponsoring a bill that would ban convicted sex offenders from living in public housing.

A lab-tech in the NYPD's forensics department has been suspended for allegedly falsifying drug-test results.

Halting Bridge Renovation Would 'Stunt' Bronx's Economic Growth, Says Diaz

Gov. David Paterson's decision to suspend state funding for construction projects could have major implications for the Alexander Hamilton Bridge, which is undergoing a $407 million renovation.

The owner of the construction company in charge of the repairs told the NY Post he'd "make preparations to shut the project down" if he doesn't receive confirmation he'll be paid.

Paterson says he's suspending funding until the 2010-11 budget is approved, or emergency funding can be arranged.

Citywide, 12 construction projects could be affected. Of these, the Alexander Hamilton Bridge one is by far the most expensive. (Work started last summer with goal of improving safety and relieving congestion.)

In a statement released this morning, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. said:

This is a bad decision, and it has the potential to cost the Bronx and the entire region even more jobs. The Alexander Hamilton Bridge is a crucial link between the Bronx and the rest of the region, and this bridge reconstruction not only provides jobs but will greatly improve the flow of commerce in and out of our borough while making this crossing much safer for drivers. To suspend construction now would not only perpetuate a traffic nightmare, it would stunt the economic growth of the entire Bronx. This long overdue project was first proposed in 1992, and it is about time we see it to completion. Governor Paterson must reconsider this decision.

The bridge, part of Interstate 95, spans the Harlem River and connects the Cross-Bronx Expressway with the Trans-Manhattan Expressway in Washington Heights.

Bronx News Roundup, March 19

Here's the Times' coverage of Megan Charlop's life and death. The much-loved director of community health for Montefiore Medical Center's School Health Program was killed on Wednesday while riding her bike. Her funeral was this morning.

More on the opening of Kips Bay Boys & Girl Club's new community center on University Avenue. Adolfo Carrion, the former Bronx borough president who now works in DC, was in attendance and hinted at a possible return to New York in the coming years to pursue citywide office.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz believes Gov. Paterson's soda tax doesn't go far enough. Instead, he would like to see a tax on all products that contain sugar, to raise revenue and combat obesity.

A Bronx man is suing the city after cops accused him of attempting to solicit sex from a prostitute. While the charges were later dropped, he spent 24 hours in custody and was forced to miss his father's funeral.

The Bronx DA is expanding its "bait car" program, in an effort to catch more car thieves.

Last Saturday in Morris Heights, a man threatened a taxi driver with a handgun and attempted rob him. In the struggle that followed, the robber bit the driver on the neck, arm, and back before fleeing.

Updates on Foreclosures

As mentioned previously on the Bronx News Network, the Governor signed into law a new foreclosure bill on Tuesday in the Bronx, sponsored by State Senator Jeffrey Klein. Nonprofit community groups throughout the City and State worked hard on this bill and really feel like it is a good piece of legislation.

I was unable to attend the signing because of a meeting with other groups doing foreclosure research at the NY Federal Reserve that morning. Here are a few highlights of this research and data, some of which is available online:

The number of foreclosure filings (lis pendens) continues to rise in NYC, though the number of auctions remains mostly flat. Some of the causes may include banks waiting for the market to recover, backlog at the courts, actual workouts/modifications taking place, and homeowners selling their properties before the foreclosure is completed.

Governor Paterson Spreads Message Hope and Frugality in the Bronx

Last night, Governor Paterson came alive on the stage of a Lehman College auditorium during a "Community Conversation," promising a better future for the Bronx while rattling off statistics of how he has improved the borough and the state since he has been in office.

“No one would know the despair of unemployment like the people in the Bronx would,” said Paterson, who said that the Bronx unemployment statistics indicate a state of emergency. However, at the same time, the governor openly admitted that New York is going to have a negative cash balance for the first time in the state’s history. “What we will have to do is tighten our belts,” said Paterson.

Before Paterson took the stage with his double-sided message, Councilman Oliver Koppell (who represents the district that includes Lehman College), Bronx BP Ruben Diaz, Jr., Assemblyman Carl E. Heastie and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz each took a moment to express their support for the governor. Not surprisingly, Diaz came to the stage booming, "Is the Bronx in the house tonight?!" and got the crowd of Bronx residents cheering on their feet.

After Diaz left the stage, the crowd quickly turned more serious. When Paterson arrived, the crowd was clearly happy to see and communicate with such a powerful elected official, but they also wanted answers about how the Bronx is going to survive and earn money in this recession.

The audience was most concerned with the proposed MTA cutbacks. In the most recent proposed cutbacks, the MTA would no longer offer MetroCards to public school students. This has caused a universal outrage throughout the Bronx, where many parents are unable to afford a daily MetroCard for their kids. Single parents, teachers and students all asked the governor about how he plans on dealing with this financial and educational crisis.

“No one should not go to school because they cannot afford to get there,” said Paterson among a wave of applause. “Between now and September I will find a way to make sure the young people will not pay for these MetroCards.”

Bronx residents also hounded Paterson for more money for school programs, small businesses and better insurance policies.

While the governor could not make any definite promises or plans for the future since the state is currently posting a deficit, he did remind the crowd that during his years in office he has fought for and improved minority business ratings and school programs. Still, he will have to cut back a number of programs to get the state out of debt.

"I am not going to let New York State run out of money on my watch," said Paterson.

Governor Paterson Comes to Lehaman College

Governor David Paterson is making the rounds in New York City, stopping tonight at Lehman College for a "Community Conversation" hosted by Bronx BP Ruben Diaz, Jr. and Assemblyman Carl E. Heastie.

The event will be held at the Lovinger Theatre at Lehman College (250 Bedford Park Boulevard) from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Governor Paterson has recently been in the news for withholding $750 million from schools and local governments due to the state deficit and for proposing to cut the MTA budget.

Bronx News Roundup, Dec. 14

Last night, members of the Glory Christ Church in Parkchester held a vigil to mourn the loss of their church, which was burned down by a satanic arsonist last Wednesday.

A father who once planned on building a center to promote leukemia research in Morris Park in honor of his son who died from the disease now owns an empty lot with little hope of building his dream center.

Today, Governor Paterson stated that he plans to cut $750 million from New York state public schools and local governments.

A report from a task force created by Governor Paterson found that juvenile justice system in New York is ineffective and harmful to youth. In one juvenile institution, a Bronx boy was killed and no criminal charges were filed.

The NYPD and Toys for Tots gave away toys to preschoolers on Friday at the New York Institute for Special Education in Bronxdale.

A judge dismissed the innocent William McCaffery from all charges in a case where he was accused of raping a woman in the Bronx. Recently, the alleged rape victim admitted that she had lied about the rape.

Bronx News Roundup, July 6

New York Magazine recently published an extensive profile of the Bronx State Senator Pedro Espada Jr.'s rise to power and role in the Albany leadership coup. From his humble beginnings in Puerto Rico to his seemingly ruthless quest for domination in the Senate, Espada makes for a fascinating story. This article provides some clarity for the web of chaos in Albany.

Highly disturbing, though, is Espada's confession, "Plotting [the coup] was fun.” Also discussed in the article is Espada's mysterious financial situation. Espada has circumvented the campaign finance disclosure rules by simply not filing reports of where his money comes from. Instead, Espada frequently chooses to pay a fine and not disclose his monetary sources. Still, the article holds that even though Espada appears to be relishing in the fact that he is a villain in the Senate, he is not entirely at fault for the corruption in Albany. New York Magazine also places some of the blame on the Bronx political system's corruption and lack of diversity.

Right now, New York State Republicans are dangerously close to securing Espada in his much sought-after throne as Senate president. Governor Paterson’s decision to continue with the Senate’s voting on bills despite the coup could lead to an alliance between the Republicans and Democratic Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz Sr. When the same-sex marriage bill is put on the table at the Senate, many suspect that Diaz, who is anti same-sex marriage, will side with the Republicans. This could be the force needed to ensure Espada’s presidency.

In other news, Republican and fellow Bronx native C0lin Powell defends Sotomayor, despite the Supreme Court's ruling reversing her decision against white firefighters denied a promotion due to their race.

In a drug bust in the Bronx on Saturday, police found millions of dollars worth of heroin hidden in Build-A-Bear stuffed animals. 12 suspects were arrested and charges are still pending.

Former police cadet, Tommy Rodriguez, shot in the Bronx early this morning is now in stable condition after surgery.

On Saturday, July 4, a police officer in the Bronx shot an armed man, Jesus Roldan. Roldan did not drop his weapon despite multiple orders. He is now in critical condition.

Fondation Cartier in Paris will display the works of South Bronx-born graffiti artist and rapper, Koor in an upcoming exhibition. Koor is now based in Brussels.

The historical Bronx church, Saint Augustine's Roman Catholic Church, held its last mass yesterday. The church, which opened in 1849, is set to close due to a decline in attendance and structural problems.

The Bronx Zoo will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Congo Gorilla Forest this month. Activities will include guided tours, African arts and crafts and African dances.

Bronx News Roundup, June 23

The MTA is cracking down on fare-beaters on the Bx12 Select Bus Service.

Increasingly, teachers working at charter schools in New York and elsewhere are looking to unionize. In the Bronx, the Green Dot New York Charter School in Mott Haven could be next.

Two brothers - Rodrigo and Gonzalo Venegas (aka Rodstarz and G1 of the Bronx hip-hop group Rebel Diaz) - have been found not guilty of resisting arrest and obstruction of justice, after coming to the aid last summer of a street vendor they say cops were harassing. More here. And here's a video clip of the incident.

Twelve high school students, including at least three from the Bronx, recently traveled to South Africa to meet Nelson Mandela, after winning a competition. More here.

Governor Paterson will hold a special session in the State Senate at 3 p.m. today, in the hopes of resolving the leadership stalemate. The Republicans, meanwhile, are planning a session for 2 p.m. - meaning they will control the chamber when the Democrats arrive. More here and here.

Bob Kappstatter is wondering if the Republicans will cut Pedro Espada loose.

Espapda and fellow (or ex-) dissident Hiram Monserrate are nothing if not quotable. We linked to this yesterday, but here's Espapda claiming in the Daily News that he really does live in his Bedford Park co-op and that a young boy in the building saw him the other day and said, "Mommy, mommy, look - he does live here." And here's Monserrate likening himself to Jesus.

Bronx BP Ruben Diaz, Jr. is calling on the city to test for toxic chemicals in aging public schools.

Judy Reyes, the Bronx-born Scrubs actress and one of the inductees into this year's Bronx Walk of Fame, is expecting her first child.

Secretary Carrion? What Do You Think?

Add Mr. Secretary to the titles that could be affixed to Bronx BP Adolfo Carrion come the New Year. This report in the Times today says Obama transition officials are considering Carrion for the secretary of the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, better known as HUD.
This comes on the heels of reports that Carrion is on the list of of officials Gov. Paterson is considering for appointment to the United States Senate to take Hillary Clinton's place as she packs for the State Department.
We want to know want you think of either of these prospects. Comment away ....