Environment

UPDATE Relief Drive Launched in Bronx for Victims of Hurricane Melissa as Jamaican Consul General to NY Dies

By SÍLE MOLONEY
State Sen. Jamaal Bailey (S.D. 36), chair of the Bronx Democratic Party, was among the New York elected officials who recently issued statements on the devastation caused to the island of Jamaica after it was recently hit by Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane later made its way to other Caribbean islands, and according to various media reports as of Oct. 29, 30 people had died across Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic as a result of the category 3 hurricane.

Op-Ed: Creative Arts Therapy, A Lifeline for New Yorkers in Crisis

By MARIA PATUHAS
As a social worker working on an acute psychiatric unit in The Bronx, I see every day how creative arts therapists make a profound difference in the lives of some of our city’s most vulnerable residents. It’s time for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to make creative arts therapy accessible outside of the hospital, too, by signing S1001/A3391 into law [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1001].

UPDATE City Council Votes “Yes” on Latest Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment “The Kingsbridge Center”

By SÍLE MOLONEY
In the most hopeful sign yet for residents of Kingsbridge Heights, who have long awaited real momentum behind the redevelopment of the long-vacant, City-owned Kingsbridge Armory, the New York City Council voted “yes” on the latest redevelopment project, “The Kingsbridge Center (El Centro Kingsbridge),” on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The happy news follows dozens of envisioning meetings, surveys, outreach, workshops,, various hearings, set-backs, drama and more drama along the way.

NWS: Severe Weather Expected Wednesday Oct. 29 Through Friday Oct. 31

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The National Weather Service has forecast that the New York City area may experience severe weather including heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour, starting Wednesday, Oct. 29, and continuing through Friday, Oct. 31. Accordingly, NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment.

Stakeholders Seek Assurances During Kingsbridge Armory Hearing

By SÍLE MOLONEY
During the City Council hearing held Sept. 30 by the Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions subcommittee, which covered the latest Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment project, elected representatives, City officials, advocates, and various stakeholders voiced their support for the latest “Kingsbridge Center” project, while seeking assurances of City investments, anti-displacement measures, and more affordable housing units for larger families.