Thursday, October 23, 2014
Croton FMC Meeting on October 28 Agenda
Croton Facility Monitoring Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 28, 2014 – 7:00 PM
DEP Office – 3660 Jerome Avenue, Bronx NY 10467 -
(718) 231-8470
Agenda
I Welcome and Call to Order Father Richard Gorman, Chair
II Consider, Adopt October CFMC Agenda CFMC Representatives
III Consider, Adopt 6/24/14 Meeting Minutes CFMC Representatives
IV Brief Remarks from the DEP Commissioner’s Eric Landau, DEP
Office – including Comments about Public Access to Jerome Park Reservoir
V Update on Department of Design & Rebecca Clough, DDC
Construction Landscaping & Schedule
VI Croton Costs Report & Construction Schedule Bernard Daly, DEP
VII Discussion - Old Business CFMC Representatives, Agencies & Public
Update on Jogging Path Project Andrew Penzi, DPR
Update- JPR Tree Removal & Replanting DPR and DEP
Update - Robert Solomon Correspondence Shane Ojar, DEP
VIII Discussion - New Business
IX CFMC Discussion &.Confirm November 25, CFMC Representatives
2014 for next CFMC Meeting
X Adjourn
Wave Hill Events Nov 07–Nov 14
SAT, NOVEMBER 8 FAMILY ART PROJECT: BUILDINGS AND LAND
Consider structures that incorporate nature—including Wave Hill’s Ecology Building with its green roof. Explore homes that have many uses, then use clay, cardboard and recycled materials to create your own nature-dependent dwelling. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM
SAT, NOVEMBER 8 TAI CHI CHUAN
Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class, Irving Yee, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its benefits. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Fridaybefore; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM
SAT, NOVEMBER 8 WOODWORKING: BIRD FEEDER WORKSHOP
Using basic woodworking tools, assemble a one-of-kind sculptural bird feeder for your garden’s avian friends, with master carpenter and Wave Hill Director of Facilities Frank Perrone. The finished project can be mounted on a pole or hung from a wire, just in time for winter bird-watching! No carpentry experience required. Ages 12 and older welcome with an adult. Space is limited. $75/$60 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549.3200 x251 for more information.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM−4PM
SAT, NOVEMBER 8 GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Recapturing the Scenic Wilds is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, a former resident of Wave Hill who had a lifelong passion for discovering and collecting specimens for the public to appreciate. Exhibiting contemporary artists investigate the natural history display and what it says about our relationship to nature. In the Sunroom Project Space, Hilary Lorenz creates an immersive environment by experimenting with the arrangement of large shaped paper constructions printed with plant and animal imagery that appears to dance around the room, Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM
SUN, NOVEMBER 9 FALL BIRDING
Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these captivating walks through the gardens and woodlands. Wave Hill’s garden setting overlooking the Hudson River flyway provides the perfect habitat for native and migrating birds. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549.3200 x251 for more information..
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM
SUN, NOVEMBER 9 FAMILY ART PROJECT: BUILDINGS AND LAND
Consider structures that incorporate nature—including Wave Hill’s Ecology Building with its green roof. Explore homes that have many uses, then use clay, cardboard and recycled materials to create your own nature-dependent dwelling. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM
SUN, NOVEMBER 9 HATHA YOGA
Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM
SUN, NOVEMBER 9 MEDITATION
This fall, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:45AM‒12:45PM
SUN, NOVEMBER 9 FALL BIRDING FAMILY WALK
After joining the Family Art Project, continue exploring the theme—or take your artwork in new directions—with a naturalist on a family-friendly walk through the gardens and woodlands. Slow down and look up into the skies to find a medley of birds on this kid-friendly walk. Naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow leads you through the gardens and woodlands of Wave Hill. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM
SUN, NOVEMBER 9 GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM
MON, NOVEMBER 10
Closed to the public
TUE, NOVEMBER 11 GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free untilnoon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM
TUE, NOVEMBER 11 GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Recapturing the Scenic Wilds is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, a former resident of Wave Hill who had a lifelong passion for discovering and collecting specimens for the public to appreciate. Exhibiting contemporary artists investigate the natural history display and what it says about our relationship to nature. In the Sunroom Project Space, Hilary Lorenz creates an immersive environment by experimenting with the arrangement of large shaped paper constructions printed with plant and animal imagery that appears to dance around the room, Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM
A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.
HOURS Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15–October 31.
ADMISSION $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesdaymornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.
PROGRAM FEES Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.
Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/
DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.
Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Bronx District Attorney Johnson Investigating Election Fraud in 86th A.D. primary
That is the headline of a New York Post story. While I reported that DA Johnson should investigate the entire election in the 86th Assembly District the Post says that he has subpoenaed Board of Election records relating to people who submitted absentee ballots. The Post also says that investigators also visited the homes of some voters, some of whom are Dominican immigrants.
This political columnist who asked Bronx DA Johnson about the 86th A.D. election does not believe that the Bronx District Attorney's office has any jurisdiction over absentee ballots since they are mailed to voters. This would be Mail Fraud, which comes under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Attorney's office. The Bronx DA may not even have jurisdiction over the Board of Elections since it is a citywide agency. I also believe that Assemblyman Victor Pichardo is not under investigation, but it is his opponent Hector Ramirez who had some absentee ballots challenged.
MARRIOTT TO OPEN ITS FIRST HOTEL IN THE BRONX, KLEIN HOSTS FIRST JOB FAIR FOR WELL-KNOWN CHAIN
Well-known international hotel chain invests in Bronx County, expected to provide hundreds of good jobs for Bronxites in the process
State Senator Jeff Klein joined by Bronx Chamber of Commerce members and Residence Inn by Marriott hotel representatives hosted the first job fair for the new Residence Inn by Marriott Bronx at Metro Center Atrium, expected to open in early 2015. The new hotel will be located at the Hutchinson Metro Center Atrium, 1776 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461. The job fair was held in conjunction with Bronx H.I.R.E. - an innovative and targeted jobs program developed by the Office of Senator Klein and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.
“With this investment from Residence Inn by Marriott we see clearly that the Bronx is open for business. With their international reputation for high-quality hospitality and stellar service, we are delighted to welcome Residence Inn by Marriott to the Bronx and know they will be not only be the first choice for travelers and guests in the area but a strong economic partner for years to come,” said State Senator Jeff Klein.
“All the Bronx residents and business people that I have met express great enthusiasm over the upcoming opening of The Residence Inn by Marriott Bronx at Metro Center Atrium. The community has clearly voiced the need for the services of a new first class hotel in the borough. We are excited to interview candidates from our local neighborhoods and build a team of friendly hospitality professionals who share our pride in The Bronx,” said Clement Carey, General Manager, Residence Inn by Marriott Bronx at Metro Center Atrium.
“The Bronx Chamber of Commerce plays an active role in the economic development of the Bronx and creating jobs. With the Throggs Neck Shopping Center, Marriott Hotel, the Outlet Mall, a new Macys, and Trump Golf Course moving in to the Bronx, we will work with these companies to promote Bronx job fairs for placement in these new businesses,” said Lenny Caro, President & CEO, Bronx Chamber of Commerce
“We are thankful for Senator Jeff Klein’s funding, which invests in the Bronx workforce. Through Bronx H.I.R.E., we can properly match Bronx job seekers with quality positions at new developments, such as Residence Inn by Marriott. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce encourages job seekers to contact our office for more employment opportunities, support for certifications, help with resumes, interviews, applications, and further assistance,” said Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro, H.I.R.E. Administrator and Bronx Chamber of Commerce Chief-of-Staff.
“The hotel is an example of the economic growth that we are witnessing across the borough. New businesses and developments are choosing to invest in our great borough, which produces more jobs and benefits the Bronx economy.” said Joseph Kelleher, President and COO Hutchinson Metro Center and Chairman of Bronx Chamber of Commerce.
Bronx H.I.R.E (Help Identify Real Employment) is a unique jobs program aimed at connecting Bronx workers with real jobs through a comprehensive, direct approach developed by Senator Klein’s office and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. The Bronx H.I.R.E. program, announced in July, is made possible through a $200,000 grant secured by Senator Klein in this year's state budget.
The program consist of two parts - one that will make sure that the new and existing Bronx businesses and institutions are employing Bronx residents and the other that will establish a hands- on worker development program. The second part of this program, known as the “Opening Doors Initiative” will give Bronx workers an opportunity to receive support for additional certifications, help with resumes, interviews, applications and assistance with follow-up for positions to which H.I.R.E. participants have applied. The program will be facilitated by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.
For more information and to enroll in the Bronx H.I.R.E program visit: http://www.bronxchamber.org or contact the Bronx Chamber of Commerce at (718) 828-3900.
Broadway/West 231st Street Mall Ribbon Cutting
With three stores still vacant and work going on in the old gas station next to it, the ribbon was cut for the Broadway/West 231st Street mall. On hand were Congressman Eliot Engel, Councilman Andrew Cohen, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Community Board 8 Chair Dan Padernacht, and BOEDC head Marlene Cintron to join Kyle Kimball of the NYCEDC and Michael Brookfield of Equity One.
Each elected official was cordial in their remarks, thanking the NYCEDC and Equity One for the new mall. Currently Sports Authority, T.J.Maxx, and Party City fully occupy the top floor, with Aldi Markets the only tenant on the main floor. There is also one floor for parking. Construction is going on for a Starbuck's Coffee shop and fitness center in the old gas station next to the mall which was said to be separate from the mall.
Left - Congressman Engel says a few words about the new mall.
Right - Councilman Andrew Cohen speaks.
Right - Community Board 8 Chair Dan Padernacht.
The ribbon cutting.
Monday, October 20, 2014
REPO MAN? Comes to Riverdale
In a police looking undercover Chevy Impala complete with flashing lights, it appears that the REPO MAN visited Riverdale this afternoon. That is a car hauler that is used to transport cars from one place to another. This car hauler was spotted on West 235th Street unable to make a turn onto the service road of the Henry Hudson Parkway. Of the two cars on the transporter the one on the back is a Lexus SUV that you would see on the streets of Riverdale, that is unless it was repossessed. I asked the man and woman who were with the driver of the transporter if they were police officers and the answer was no. I later went to the 50th Police Precinct to see if the car was a NYPD vehicle, and the pair were officers. The answer I got was that the car was that the car was not a NYPD vehicle, and the pair in the photos I showed are not police officers. The conclusion was that the pair were part of either the City Marshal, Sheriffs Department, or indeed a repo operation.
Left - One of the two people direct cars to turn right off West 235th Street.
Right - The transport is backed down West 235th Street, even through the light is red.
Left - Two people cross without warning as the truck is backing up.
Right - Again the light is red, but the truck keeps backing up.
Left - The truck was backed down from the Parkway 4 blocks to Oxford Avenue not allowing traffic to go through on West 235th Street for almost an hour.
Right - The truck is able to turn onto Johnson Avenue then onto West 236th Street to get to Riverdale Avenue.
Watch out if you did not pay your car bill this month, it looks like the REPO MAN is in town.
Left - Two people cross without warning as the truck is backing up.
Right - Again the light is red, but the truck keeps backing up.
Left - The truck was backed down from the Parkway 4 blocks to Oxford Avenue not allowing traffic to go through on West 235th Street for almost an hour.
Right - The truck is able to turn onto Johnson Avenue then onto West 236th Street to get to Riverdale Avenue.
Watch out if you did not pay your car bill this month, it looks like the REPO MAN is in town.