BxNN Story of the Day: Mural Project Brightens Hunts Point

Bright, colorful  murals are lighting the way from some of Hunts Point's most industrial blocks to other parts of the community. The Point CDC is overseeing the project, called a "Village of Murals" to "brighten the route from residential Hunts Point to the South Bronx Greenway and Barretto Point Park."  (Photo by Alejandra Delfin)

Read more here in the Hunts Point Express.

Bronx News Roundup, May 27

The conviction of former Bronx state Senator Efrain Gonzalez--who was sentenced to seven years in prison yesterday for siphoning money from a nonprofit--is just the latest in a string of corrupt politicians across the city, the Daily News says.

It's not just hot dogs or cracker jacks at the ballgame anymore--here's a review of the new Yankee stadium's steakhouse.

Police are asking for help to find 13-year-old Stephanie Vasquez, who has been missing since Tuesday. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 577 TIPS (8477).

Two Bronx residents were convicted of murder yesterday in relation to a 2007 shooting at a poker parlor in Manhattan.

More than two dozen alleged gang members were arrested yesterday in the 43rd Precinct, according to the Bronx District Attorney's office. The arrested of the reputed members of the Bloods and the Crips stemmed from a nine-month drug ring investigation.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine was awarded a $10 million grant for diabetes research from the NIH (the Bronx has some of the highest diabetes rates in the city).

A Kingsbridge church sent off supplies to Haiti this week after months of collecting donations.

Construction of the long-awaited South Bronx Greenway--the network of bike paths and walkways intended to connect several waterfront parks--will begin this summer.

Greenways on Film

>Here's a terrific short film about the Bronx River Greenway and South Bronx Greenway by Street Films.



And here's more info and links via Street Films:

The Bronx River Greenway and South Bronx Greenway plans apply community-driven design strategies to help undo years of top down, auto-centric planning and development in the Bronx. The greenways, when completed, will create a network of safe bicycle and pedestrian paths and routes, parks, and waterfront access points throughout the borough. See the Bronx River Alliance's 2009 calendar for a list of events and activities planned on or around the Bronx River. Also be sure to check out Sustainable South Bronx and The Point Community Development Corporation for more information about the projects and for ways to get involved.

Pool with a View

The Floating Pool Lady is drawing lots of attention to Barretto Point Park this summer: more than 900 visitors each day according to NYC Parks Department staff. This should come to no surprise considering the quality of the locker rooms, ample pool deck, ice cold water, and gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline. This pool is the perfect spot to escape the hazy, hot, and humid days of summer.

Not lost in the excitement of the pool is the beauty and high maintenance of Barretto Point Park. Brought into being by the efforts of community residents and non profits like Sustainable South Bronx and the Point CDC, Barretto is the first step in a larger effort to create a South Bronx Greenway. The South Bronx Greenway would create bike and pedestrian paths around the Hunts Point and Port Morris waterfront.