The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has done it again. In 2008 we were told that the excavation project on Goulden Avenue would use a mechanical method known as "hoe ramming." But the DEP lied to us! They never intended to use this quieter and safer method. Our community activists learned that in spring 2009, DEP will begin "surface blasting," a process that presents potential danger to all who live near the Jerome Park Reservoir.
Yet another developer in New York City is asking for millions of dollars in tax exemptions. On March 5, the Related Companies will ask the New York City Industrial Development Agency (IDA) for a huge tax break to redevelop the Kingsbridge Armory. The company is actively refusing to negotiate with the Bronx community and guarantee basic outcomes, such as good, living wage jobs for local residents, vital community space and quality retail shopping opportunities.
The graffiti situation on the Bainbridge Avenue/East 204th Street merchant corridor has gotten out of control. In the 1990s, community residents were able to raise money to pay for weekly cleaning of the strip. But for years after funding ran out, taggers stayed away because they knew Bainbridge/204th as a place their tags wouldn’t last. But now we’re back to where we were. We hope local merchants, elected officials and community organizations will come together to find a new solution to the problem. In the meantime, we hope landlords, homeowners and merchants will paint over or steam clean their own gates and façades. It’s in their self-interest and the community’s collective interest.
Richard Diovisalvo (bottom right) won the in-house power-lifting championship, known as the James McCree Power Lifting Championship, at Mosholu Montefiore Community Center last week. McCree, a retired Montefiore nurse, has trained adults at MMCC in the art of the bench press and squat for the past seven years. McCree (top right) is training local lifters for the Big Apple Championship to be held on May 23 in Manhattan.
Dressed in professional attire, two teams, the juniors versus the seniors, assembled on stage. One by one, students walked to the podium with three minutes on the clock to deliver provocative and emotional speeches delving into controversial issues of social inequality, racial identity, and ethnic pride.