Elections 2022: Senate District 34 Candidates Debate Climate, Crime, Budgeting & More

By EMILY SAWAKED & SÍLE MOLONEY

Your poll site may have changed. Check your voting card before you go to vote. Voters still undecided about who to back in the 34th senatorial district Democratic primary were given the opportunity to gain more insight into the three candidates’ policies, when they took on issues ranging from climate to crime, and from budgeting to job development during a recent debate hosted by Schneps media. On Tuesday, July 26, Christian Amato, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez (A.D. 80), and John Perez answered questions posed both by the two moderators, Jane Hanson and Stephen Witt, and by each other in preparation for

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Laurie Cumbo announced on Wednesday, Aug. 3, a total of $5.5 million in new capital funding for the Universal Hip Hop Museum to fit out its future 52,000-square-foot home at the Bronx Point development at Mill Pond Park in the South Bronx. As previously reported, the transformation of the South Bronx is ongoing and on May 20, 2021, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new museum, part of the $349 million Bronx Point development, took place. The museum will memorialize the history of hip-hop

Editor’s Pick District 14 Bronx Council Member Pierina Sanchez and anti-gun violence interrupters, Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (B.R.A.G.), a program of the Good Shepherd Services nonprofit, Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (B.R.A.G.) are hosting a single-round basketball tournament on Saturday, Aug 6 at noon at P.S. 279, 2100 Walton Avenue, in Fordham Heights to celebrate unity and non-violence with food, games, and music, in response to two shootings that occurred in front of council member’s constituency office. Amidst increased rates of gun violence, this basketball tournament will offer a much-needed alternative for youth in The Bronx to convene in a

By SÍLE MOLONEY

District 14 City Council Member Pierina Sanchez will host a community block party on Morris Avenue, between 181st Street and Burnside Avenue, on the border of Fordham Heights and University Heights on Saturday, July 30, from noon to 4 p.m., during which she is expected to announce a number of investments in the district. With a large variety of activities, food, and more, according to the councilwoman’s office, District 14 residents are welcome to attend. The event is being hosted in partnership with the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families (CHCF), Fidelis Care, and the Union Community Health Center

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Friday, July 25, NYC Parks held a celebration to mark the $5.2 million reconstruction of Wakefield Playground in The Bronx. NYC Parks first deputy commissioner, Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, joined Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81), District 11 City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, representatives from Bronx Community Board 12, Friends of Wakefield Playground, teachers and students from P.S. 16, children and teachers from Demores Childcare, and members of the community for the occasion. “Wakefield Playground is a true neighborhood playground, and I’m thrilled that we have been able to completely rebuild it for the community,” said

By SÍLE MOLONEY

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the New York Public Library’s Belmont Library will be hosting the second ever Anti-Prom in The Bronx for kids ages 12 to 18 on Friday, August 5. NYPL officials said “It will be a very fun event that offers an inclusive, safe space for attendees to embrace their sexuality, gender identity, culture, and style of dress. Anti-Prom will take place between 6:30 pm-9 pm eastern at 610 East 186th Street.” Officials said this year’s theme is Bronx Rising, a celebration of the resilience and perseverance of Bronx teens both past and present,

Editor’s Pick Ailey Moves NYC! is a 10-day, free series of outdoor activities for all ages across the five boroughs which is taking place from July 23 to August 1. New Yorkers will be able to enjoy performances by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II, dance in classes and workshops led by Ailey’s Arts In Education and Ailey Extension teachers and musicians, and watch the stirring documentary ”AILEY,” out in the open air. Ailey Moves NYC! heads to Gil Scott-Heron Amphitheater at St. Mary’s Park, The Bronx for a Latin-Style Dance Workshop on Sunday, July 24, at 3 p.m., with

By SÍLE MOLONEY

El Carnival de la Cultura Latina [The Carnival of Latin Culture] took place under the sunshine in Kingsbridge Heights on Sunday, July 10. Held at West 195th Street and Reservoir Avenue, a large stage was set up on one end of the booth-lined street with musical entertainment and dance performances for the many families and members of the Latin and local community, young and old alike, who showed up to join in the festivities. There were bouncy houses, games, fun photo booths, food stands, and despite the heat, plenty of smiles seen all around. Speaking in Spanish, festival participant,

By DAVID GREENE

This week, given the overcrowding at Van Cortlandt Pool amid the ongoing lifeguard shortage citywide, we asked readers where, in their opinion, a new public swimming pool should be built in Norwood or Bedford Park. “I think the neighborhood needs a swimming pool. It would be a good investment, a good addition to the neighborhood, and all the kids could come play and all that. Probably [Williamsbridge] Oval Park would be the best because that’s where we usually go. I kind of remember that the Oval had a pool way back then, but I was too little to

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Elections 2022: Senate District 34 Candidates Debate Climate, Crime, Budgeting & More

$5.5 Million for Universal Hip Hop Museum & New Capital Funds for Other Bronx Cultural Institutions

UPDATE Out & About: B.R.A.G. Basketball Tournament, Zumba for Seniors, Woodwind Quintet on Van Cortlandt Museum Lawn & More!

Pierina Sanchez to Announce Community Investments at Block Party on Saturday, July 30

$5.2 Million Wakefield Playground Renovation Sees Two Basketball Courts, Soccer Field & Spray Showers

Belmont: Anti-Prom Event Returns after 2-Year Hiatus on Friday, August 5

UPDATE Out & About: Ailey Moves NYC, Disability Pride Month, Anti-Prom & More!

Kingsbridge Heights: Fun Under the Sun at “El Carnival de la Cultura Latina”

Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on Ideal Venue for a New Swimming Pool in Norwood/Bedford Park