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Bronx News Roundup, June 6
Coming to you live from the Bronx County Criminal Courthouse on East 161st Street where your humble author is giving back to his borough by serving jury duty, I’m pleased to present today’s Bronx News Roundup. Here are the stories we’re following today. Weather: Afternoon sunshine could give way to scattered showers and maybe a thunderstorm later tonight.
Op-Ed: The Bronx Needs Better Banking Options
Gone are the days when banks turned their backs on the Bronx and refused to make loans here, a practice known as redlining that played a huge role in our borough’s economic decline a generation ago. Yet the legacies of these discriminatory practices continue. Not only does the Bronx have the highest level of residents who are “unbanked” or “underbanked” in the City (they often use high cost “fringe” financial services, like check cashing shops, instead), but we also have the lowest number of bank branches per household of any county in the state, and perhaps in the nation.
Bronx Notes: VC Park Farmers Market Now Hiring Youth
Friends of Van Cortlandt Park are working in partnership with Inwood Go Green, and will be holding a Youth Operated Farmers Market Stand this summer. Every Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m., from July 10 to Aug. 28 in Van Cortlandt Park, located at 242nd Street and Broadway, stands will be selling fresh, locally-grown produce. They are looking to hire 14-20 year-olds to work the Farmers Market on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All interested must be available the last week of June for training. Working papers will be required for 14-17 year olds. All applications are available at www.vancortlandt.org and are due by June 11.
Bronx News Roundup, June 5
Survey: 90 Percent Against P.O. Closures in Norwood, Bedford Park
With the United States Postal Service experiencing deep budget problems, the Bronx could lose up to 17 post offices. State Senator Gustavo Rivera conducted a survey of post office usage and how residents would deal with the potential closures. The survey resulted in over 90 percent of people opposing the closing of the two locations in the 33rd Senate District, one in Norwood and another in Bedford Park.
Filter Project Fails To Deliver Bronx Job Promises
Bronx Notes: Info Sessions for Free English Classes
The New York Public Library will host free daytime, evening, and weekend English classes. Speaking and listening classes for speakers of other languages and reading and writing for people who speak English will be held. Attend a mandatory information session on June 5 at 2 and 6 p.m. at Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. (718) 579-4244, or on June 12 at 6 p.m. at Parkchester Library, 1985 Westchester Ave. (718) 829-7830. For more information on participating libraries, visit www.nypl.org/events/classes.