Blog

Mott Haven: Historical Landmark Honored With Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award

By SÍLE MOLONEY
    A Bronx landmark has been honored with the Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award, New York Landmarks Conservancy’s highest honors for excellence in preservation. The Church of St. Anselm & St. Roch, located at 685 Tinton Avenue in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, was the only Bronx landmark to win an award during a virtual ceremony which took place via Zoom on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m., the 30th anniversary of the awards.   Peg Breen, president of The New York Landmarks Conservancy, said the Church of St. Anselm & St. Roch was modeled on the


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Cohen Acts to Bolster Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law, as Restaurant Industry Holds Rally

By SÍLE MOLONEY
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law a package of bills on Monday, Sept. 28, that will expand protections for workers, consumers, and commercial tenants. The first bill, which was sponsored by local Councilman Andrew Cohen, extends and expands the City’s paid safe and sick leave law to reach more workers. The other two bills reinforce and extend protections for commercial tenants, and protect the jobs of hotel workers.   “Today is about justice for hard working New Yorkers,” said the mayor. “From expanding paid sick leave, to protecting our commercial tenants and hotel workers, these bills


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Botanical Garden: Enid A. Haupt Conservatory Palm Dome Completed

By SÍLE MOLONEY
On Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. attended the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Enid A. Haupt Conservatory palm dome which was recently completed.   The iconic venue reopened in accordance with “New York Forward” safety guidelines, with very limited capacity. The magnificent glasshouse, which includes galleries, features aquatic plants and vines, lush tropical rain forests, cactus-filled deserts, and its palm dome, an architectural gem, newly replanted with majestic soaring species from around the world.   Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. also helped the NYBG kick off their annual


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Allerton: Fernandez Responds to Concerns over Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Location

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez has issued a statement regarding residents’ concerns in the Allerton community about the possibility of a substance abuse treatment center being opened in the neighborhood.   Department of Buildings work permit signs at 2500 Williamsbridge Road had prompted concern among the community that a treatment center was going ahead. The assemblywoman said that she contacted the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports who confirmed that there was no such application pending at the site. Proud to stand with my community to demand answers on the use of 2500 Williamsbridge Road. Together we will make


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Blood Drives Dropped by Two-Thirds Due to Pandemic

By SÍLE MOLONEY
New York Blood Center is calling on the community to make appointments to visit donor centers as COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the process of donating blood. Before COVID-19, mobile blood drives hosted by high schools, colleges, businesses and other organizations made up about 75 percent of the region’s incoming blood supply, but the number of blood drives has dropped by two-thirds this year due to the pandemic.   The upcoming school year presents new and unprecedented challenges. Blood donations are typically lower during the summer and the return to school usually helps make up the difference and stabilize the blood


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The New York Latino Film Festival (NYLFF) Hosts New York City’s First Latino Drive-In Movie Night

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  On Monday, Sept. 17, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. attended the The New York International Latino Film Festival (NYLFF) which, this year, hosted New York City’s first Latino drive-in experience in the Bronx.   The film festival, which ran from Sept. 14 to 20 featured drive-in / in-person movie experiences and was held across the street from the Bronx Terminal Market. The venue was ADA compliant and screenings included the New York City premieres of Angel Manuel Soto’s “Charm City Kings” and John Leguizamo’s “Critical Thinking,” as well as other virtual programming.   https://twitter.com/NYLFF/status/1309265429714665474?s=20 “I could not think


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Kenny Agosto Announces Run for 15th City Council District, Holds Rally Sunday, Sept. 27

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  Kenny Agosto, district director to New York State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, announced that he is running for the 15th city council district seat in the Bronx. Though not yet formally listed as a candidate on the City’s campaign finance board website, Agosto announced that he is joining the race in which there are already six candidates who have officially filed to run.   They are Ischia Bravo, Elisa Crespo, Oswald Feliz, Latchmi D. Gopal, John E. Sanchez, and Julian S. Sepulveda. One of the candidates will replace the incumbent, Councilman Ritchie Torres, who it is assumed will win


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Highbridge: Missing 15-Year-old Girl

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Shani Antoine, 15 within the confines of the 44th Precinct. A photograph of Shani is attached.   It was reported to police that she was last seen on Friday September 25, 2020, at her home at 165 West 169th Street in the Highbridge section of the Bronx, at approximately 5.30 p.m. She is described as a female, Black, 5 foot 5 inches tall, weighs 125 pounds, has brown eyes and black hair. She was last seen wearing a blue shirt, red pants, and red and blue sneakers.   Anyone with information


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Obama Endorses Ritchie Torres in 15th Congressional District Race

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Former President Barack Obama endorsed Ritche Torres on Friday, Sept. 25, for New York’s 15th Congressional District, which covers the South Bronx. President Obama’s endorsement comes after Torres won the June 2020 primary.   In a tweet in which he announcing a number of endorsements, Obama wrote, “I’m proud to endorse these outstanding Democratic candidates who will work to get the virus under control, rebuild the economy and the middle class, and protect Americans’ health care and preexisting conditions protections from Republican assault.”   He added, “They’re dedicated to shoring up and strengthening our democracy, a project that’s going to take


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