Business

Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act Advances in U.S. House of Reps

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, pending legislation introduced by Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and others passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a 365-42 vote, according to Torres spokesperson, Ben Stanislawski, on April 28. Cosponsors of the legislation were Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), and Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23).

UPDATE Kingsbridge Armory ULURP Process & Public Hearings Advance Amid Lawsuit

By SÍLE MOLONEY
News shared May 19 that the required Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) and public hearings for the latest Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment plan are about to kick off appear to signal that it’s full steam ahead for the beleaguered site. This is despite a pending lawsuit filed at the end of March against the City, 8th Regiment Partners, the winning bidder, and NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) by losing bidder, Agallas Equities.

Unity Democrats Announce Endorsements in Upcoming Democratic Primary

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The Unity Democratic Club announced their official endorsements for multiple political races in the upcoming 2025 primary elections in late February. These included City Council Member Justin Brannan (C.D. 43) who represents parts of Brooklyn for the role of NYC comptroller, a role currently held by Brad Lander, City Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. (C.D. 17) for Bronx borough president, a role currently held by Vanessa L. Gibson, Danielle Herbert Guggenheim, a Unity Democrat member and former vice-president, for City Council District 11, a role currently held by Eric Dinowitz, and finally incumbent City Council Member Pierina Sanchez for District 14.

Gary Axelbank is The “People’s Choice” for Bronx Week 2025

By ARIEL PACHECO & SÍLE MOLONEY
The Bronx Tourism Council, along with The Office of the Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, kicked off Bronx Week 2025 during an opening ceremony at the Bronx Museum of the Arts on May 6, with the announcement of this year’s Bronx “Walk of Fame” inductees. This year, the People’s Choice Award went to journalist, DJ, and longtime BronxNet TV host, Gary Axelbank.

Applications Now Open for Submissions to Develop Multiple Bronx Solar Sites

By SÍLE MOLONEY
NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced on Tuesday, May 13, it is now accepting Requests for Proposals (RFP) from developers to design, finance, install, own, operate, repair, maintain, and ultimately decommission roof-mounted and/or carport-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on three EDC-leased sites in The Bronx.

UPDATE Agallas Equities Responds to Mayor’s Remarks on Possible Microchip Production at Kingsbridge Armory

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Agallas Equities, a Manhattan-based real estate firm, has blasted recent comments made by New York City Mayor Eric Adams on possible plans to start microchip production at the Kingsbridge Armory. As reported, Agallas filed a lawsuit on March 28 against NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Andrew Kimball as CEO of EDC, 8th Regiment Partners LLC, a joint venture of Maddd Equities and Joy Construction, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and now former Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Peguero over what it alleges was “the controversial selection” of the rival, chosen developer (8th Regiment Partners LLC) for the Armory redevelopment project announced in January.

Bronx Man Working as Former Manhattan NYCHA Super Gets 18 Months for Bribery & Extortion

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Hector Colon, a 47-year-old Bronx man and former superintendent for the New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for soliciting and accepting approximately $30,000 in bribes from contractors in exchange for awarding repair contracts or approving repair work worth at least $400,000, federal prosecutors said on Tuesday, May 6.