NYC DOT Launches 2023 Open Streets Program with More Locations but Few in Northwest Bronx

By SÍLE MOLONEY

NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the launch of the 2023 Open Streets program on Saturday, April 22, coinciding the program’s 2023 launch with DOT’s Car-Free Earth Day. As previously reported, the program, according to DOT officials, transforms streets into public spaces open to all, allowing for a range of activities that promote economic development, supporting schools, and providing new ways for New Yorkers to enjoy cultural programming and build community. However, a review of the City’s list of designated open street locations finds very few in the northwest Bronx. DOT officials said this year the

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The following is an extended version of the story published in our latest print edition. Following concerns by some Kingsbridge residents over plans by the International Leadership Charter High School (ILCHS) to open a new, 7-story, middle school at 306 West 232nd Street in Kingsbridge, one block away from its existing school site at 3060 Riverdale Avenue, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81), District 11 City Councilman Eric Dinowitz, and State Sen. Robert Jackson (S.D. 31) joined a group of local residents and members of the Construction and General Building Laborers union on Saturday, April 15, for a rally to oppose

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Editor’s Note: Check back for more updates as we add more events. Friendly Voices Program for Seniors If you are an older New Yorker feeling lonely or isolated, NYC Ageing can connect you with a friendly volunteer to talk with over the phone or video chat. Call (212)-Ageing-NYC (212) 244 -6469 and ask about the Friendly Voices Program. Assembly District Redistricting The State Assembly districts will be redrawn ahead of the 2024 primaries. Drafts of the redrawn assembly districts were released on Dec. 1, 2022 by the NY Redistricting Commission. The latest plan released April 20 can be reviewed

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Frustrated at the limited space available for passing foot traffic at the bus stop located on Webster Avenue by East 204th Street in Norwood, local resident, Sirio Guerino, recently highlighted the accessibility issue with City representatives and local elected officials to see what could be done to address it. Due to a combination of factors, several City agencies are impacted. “There is absolutely no room for a wheelchair-bound person, walker, or baby carriage to use this location’s sidewalk due to the blockage of the recently built outdoor extension of the restaurant, extra large tree pits, NYC Link info tower,

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Percy Barber of Back Office Management Group is tabling outside the Bainbridge Avenue entrance to the 205th Street subway station in Norwood (at East 206th Street) on Wednesday, April 12, offering free phones and tablets to eligible persons. “This is a government program where we give life lines like free phones and tablets to those on government assistance, whether it’s food stamps, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, public housing… anybody that’s basically in need of an extra push and that’s what we do,” he said. Barber said he works with Insurance Wireless but he, himself, works for Back Office Management

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Kingsbridge Armory Survey The working group behind the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory, Together for Kingsbridge, is requesting the public to provide their input on what they would like to see in place in the armory by completing a survey which can be found here, and which is available in both English and Spanish. See also our latest story on the armory. Tours of the army are ongoing also, as below. Yankee Youth Leadership Award The New York Yankees and Bronx Community Board 7 (CB7) are looking for youth leaders who reside within the boundaries of Bronx Community District

By SÍLE MOLONEY

ANHD/Morgan Stanley Community Development Graduate Fellowship applications are open NOW, through May 15. ANHD (Association for Neighborhood Housing Development) and Morgan Stanley seek graduate students and ANHD Member organizations to apply to what it describes as its highly successful community development leadership program’s 12th cohort year, running September 2023 – June 2024. The ANHD/Morgan Stanley Community Development Graduate Fellowship program builds the capacity of community development organizations in NYC by cultivating and empowering emerging community development leaders. Nine (9) graduate students will be selected and paired with a neighborhood-based ANHD-member community development organization. Working on a unique, affordable

Major Construction Along East Mosholu Parkway North Hurting Local Businesses

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Commissioner Thomas Foley of NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced that the application period for firms and small businesses interested in participating in the second cohort of the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) Mentoring Program was open. The original deadline of May 15 has since been extended to June 30. City officials said the DDC M/WBE Mentoring Program is the first of its type for a New York City mayoral agency. Qualifying firms must be in the construction industry, have been in business for at least one year, and are certified by the NYC Department of Small

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit, NYC Health + Hospital’s NYC Care program, BronxNet, and La Central YMCA hosted a health care fair for Bronx families at La Central YMCA in the South Bronx on Saturday, April 1. There was free access to YMCA gym facilities and classes, and educational workshops on topics including nutrition, Diabetes prevention and smoking cessation. There was also health care enrollment and support, blood donation, COVID-19 testing and vaccination, health screenings (Hepatitis B & C, blood pressure, Diabetes, HIV, and more), and information on community and government resources. Additionally, PEU public health educators provided information

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NYC DOT Launches 2023 Open Streets Program with More Locations but Few in Northwest Bronx

Electeds Join Community Members for Rally Opposing New Kingsbridge Charter School

UPDATE Neighborhood Notes: Lost Dog, Earth Day, Gun Buyback, Safe Disposal of Electronics & More!

UPDATE Norwood: Several Factors Causing Congestion for Pedestrians at Webster Ave and East 204th Street

Norwood: Free Tablets & Phones for People on Government Assistance

UPDATE Neighborhood Notes: Kingsbridge Armory Survey, Elections 2023, Summer Youth Employment Extended & More!

ANHD Morgan Stanley Community Development Graduate Fellowship Deadline is May 15

UPDATE Applications Open for 2nd Cohort of M/WBE Mentoring Program, Deadline Extended to June 30

Health Care Fair for Bronx Families Held at La Central YMCA in South Bronx