Mayor Celebrates HS Grad Rates; Bronx Rates Drop

These are the four-year graduation for schools in the northwest Bronx over the past seven years. The rate of students who graduated by August 2011 (four years, plus a summer) are also included. (Source: NYC Department of Education)

This June, the Department of Education and the mayor proudly announced that New York City’s high school graduation rates have broken records and increased for the tenth year in a row to 65.5 percent. The Bronx separately trails behind each of the other four boroughs with a rate of 57.5 percent.

Summer Salvation!

Bronx Notes: Youth Fitness Day Camp

The B’N’ Fit Urban Fitters Day Camp for teens shows them how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and offers activities that include swimming, basketball, football, dancing, and daily trips. Campers can choose from a full summer session or one of two, three-week sessions. The first session runs from July 9 to 27, and the second session runs from July 30 to Aug. 17. For more information, call Camp Director Michelle at (718) 920-5818.

Report: Rangel’s Lead Grows After Day of Vote Counting (Updated)

The Daily News and New York Times are both reporting that incumbent Charlie Rangel’s 802 vote lead going into the day has grown to 945 votes over Adriano Espaillat, who is challenging the validity of the entire election and vote counting process. More counting coming tomorrow and, as we mentioned earlier today, the vote won’t be certified until at least next Wednesday, July 11.

Bronx Judge: BOE Must Preserve Ballots, Get Certification From Court For NY-13 Result

A Bronx Supreme Court judge met with lawyers from the Board of Elections and the Rangel and Espaillat campaigns this morning as officials began counting absentee and affadavit ballots in downtown Manhattan, more than a week after primary elections in the 13th Congressional District.

NY-13 Vote Count Update: 2,000 Absentee Ballots Still to Go as Espaillat Goes to Court

Lots going on today in the 13th Congressional District primary that is now heading into its ninth day without a clear result. Here’s where we are now: After completing its vote count of all the precincts (several precincts, mostly in the Bronx and upper Manhattan, were initially recorded as casting zero votes), the Board of Elections says State Senator Adriano Espaillat trails incumbent Congressman Charlie Rangel by 802 votes (or about 2%). There are still about 2,000 absentee and affidavit ballots that need to be counted. The tallying for those votes began this morning in downtown Manhattan with observers from both camps looking on.

Kingsbridge Armory Bidders Selling Separate Visions

The future of the Kingsbridge Armory has turned into a duel between two bidders, each offering a separate vision to re-shape and re-invigorate the famously long-vacant building. Both groups recently sweetened their deals in hopes of swaying the community and the city into their corner.

Judge: Bronx Household of Faith, Other Churches, Allowed to Use Public School Space

Following a judge’s ruling on Friday, Bronx Household of Faith, a small evangelical Christian church based in University Heights, as well as dozens of other religious groups, will be allowed to continue using public schools to hold worship services during off-hours.

Oval Park Rec Center Remains Closed as Summer Starts

Although the Parks Department claims renovations are nearly complete, the Williamsbridge Oval Park rec center wil remain closd through the fourth consecutive summer. (Photo by Sarah Ramirez)

Yet another deadline for completion of the Williamsbridge Oval Park Recreation Center has come and gone and it’s now unclear when it will be open to park goers. The Norwood park’s rec center has been closed for renovations since April 2010.