Blake, Congressional Candidate, Backs One Fair Wage At Edge of District

By DAVID CRUZ

Assemblyman Michael Blake is backing a state bill that would mandate the restaurant industry establish a living wage for restaurant workers that predominantly rely on customer tips to make ends meet. The bill has stalled in the Albany Legislature despite a pledge from Governor Andrew Cuomo to see look into it. A portion of Blake’s announcement saw him work as a waiter for an hour at Bronx Draft House on May 28, a move intended to underscore the difficulties of the serving trade. “There will be some impact to your bottom line,” said Blake should the bill pass. While the

Skateboard Project Hits Another Snag, Delayed for Several More Months

By DAVID CRUZ

Just as crews were at the tail end of the long-anticipated skateboard park inside Williamsbridge Oval Park, the project hit a snag, delaying the project for several more months. News of the delay “We thought the skate park in the Oval was completed, however we found out that the surface, whatever they put down, cracked, and it all has to be ripped up again and redone,” said Barbara Stronczer, chair of Community Board 7’s Parks Committee, shared the news to a surprised audience at the latest Community Board 7 general board meeting. The delay, which was updated on the New

Officials Usher the Kingsbridge Heights Residence, a Model of Integrated Housing

By SHA-NIA ALSTON

City and state officials joined in celebrating the grand opening of Kingsbridge Apartments, a $70 million supportive/affordable housing residence financed by both city and state agencies. “This is a game changer because so many supportive housing developments have typically focused on homeless, singles, individuals, and those are very important homes to provide, but we also need to be providing housing for these children,” Deputy Mayor Vicki Been, who manages the city’s housing policies, said in her remarks on May 22. The modernized residence–which includes a 24-hour attended lobby, a children’s library, fitness room, laundry room, a children’s playground and 17

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By PROF. ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

Editor’s Note: While this article is geared toward finance, it is also geared toward the love of wrestling fans. I should also disclose that I occasionally contribute (wrestling articles) to wrestling magazine 1wrestling since 1996. In 1964, 55 years ago, there was, a fourth wrestling organization created, The World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). Vince McMahon Sr., jumping in the split pot, created by the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in 1956 (which spurred three other organizations prior) became the fourth, by having former NWA two-time (and the first WWWF) champion Buddy Rogers, lose to challenger, Bruno Sammartino and as the story

A Tennis Court Gets a Major Facelift at St. James Park. Will it Be Used?

By DAVID CRUZ

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony ushering the completion of a rehabbed tennis court in St. James Park, Councilman Fernando Cabrera, who allocated funds for the court, posed a question to his special little guests: third grade students from PS 246. “How many of you like tennis?” asked Cabrera. Several perfunctorily answered with hands raised. But just outside the fence facing the court, a heckler randomly shouted that he’s barely seen anyone use the court in his 35 years as a resident. The court, prior to its substantial upgrade, was severely cracked, barely suitable for a set. It was enough for Cabrera

Attempted Robbery Foiled at Jerome Avenue Chase Bank

By DAVID GREENE

A Brooklyn man is facing attempted bank robbery charges after cops grabbed him before he could catch a 4 subway train. Police say officers from the 52nd Precinct were alerted to the attempted robbery at 3408 Jerome Ave., a Chase Bank, at just before 5 p.m. on May 24. NYPD spokesman, Sgt. Brendan Ryan stated, “[A]n individual walked into the bank and attempted to rob it, passing a note to the teller. It appears he left with no funds.” Ryan continued, “However, a description was given out and he was apprehended,” by patrol officers from the 52nd Precinct, with assistance

Inquiring Photographer: Police-Community Relations

By DAVID GREENE

Five years after the death of Eric Garner at the hands of an NYPD officer, we asked readers their thoughts on current police-community relations. I think it’s a little better. The community is getting a little closer to the police as they are around a little bit more now. I think the time that passed has helped the healing, definitely. Things are much better now, of course. Crime is down and the police are doing their job. Gilbert Rodriguez Norwood When it comes to the 52nd Precinct, I see they are definitely trying to make a difference. They are coming

Educational Resource Fair Community Board 7’s Education Committee hosts an Educational Resource Fair on June 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. Events include health, education, and school readiness information, local community resources, along with free entertainment. For more information, call CB 7’s office at (718) 933-5650 or email ibravo@cb.nyc.gov. Beach Season Begins Beach season officially begins on May 25, with operating hours for Orchard Beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Sept. 8. For more information, call 311. UFT Bronx Fair United Federation of Teachers and NYC Department of

Editor’s Pick Memorial Day Concert The public is invited to bring a picnic and come to a free Memorial Day holiday concert presented by the Bronx Arts Ensemble, featuring all-American music, May 26 at 2 p.m. at Van Cortlandt Park. For more information, call (718) 601-7399. Onstage Lehman College’s Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd., W., presents Invincible, a tribute to Michael Jackson, featuring singers and dancers, May 25 (tickets: $25 to $45; $75/VIP; $10/ages to 12); and Los Van Van, 50th anniversary celebration, June 1 (tickets: $50 to $75; $100/VIP); both at 8 p.m. VIP tickets