This week's Riverdale Review and Bronx Press

Here are the stories in this week's issue (November 22 - November 28) of the Riverdale Review:

Andrew Cohen kicks off his election campaign 

* Cohen throws hat in ring for Council run > It's official: Community Board 8 member Andrew Cohen has entered the race for Councilman G. Oliver Koppell's seat in the 2013 citywide elections. Cohen, a Riverdale resident, ended weeks of speculation and declared his intention to jump into the electoral race during a press event on the steps of City Hall in Manhattan on Tuesday. The announcement means Cohen will now be pitted against Cliff Stanton, the only other candidate in the hotly anticipated City Council District 11 race.
* Bidding war erupts as Delafield Estates goes under the hammer > A Long Island-based developer has snapped up the remaining lots in the troubled Delafield Estates development for a whopping $6.375 million. The 22 parcels were sold off as a single lot during a frenzied public auction at the Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale on November 19.
* Community Board approves street renaming > Efforts to rename a local street in honor of James V. Downey has moved a step closer to reality after it got the Community Board 8 nod. Members of CB8 voted 32 to 0 in favor of renaming the stretch of Mosholu Avenue between West 254th Street and West 256th Streets to 'James V. Downey Way.'
* City officials break ice on new Van Cortlandt Park skating rink > The brand-new Van Cortlandt Park ice-skating rink in officially open for business. The Bronx's first public skating rink in nearly 30 years was unveiled by a slew of city officials during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday.
* Hebrew Home takes in displaced Sandy victims > The Hebrew Home at Riverdale has announced that it will temporarily house 130 adult home residents displaced by superstorn Sandy at its recently acquired Passionist Retreat House, a dormitory formerly used by the Passionist Fathers of Riverdale. The Hebrew Home will host the displaced residents until their permanent homes, damaged by the storm, are fully repaired.
* NYPD Bronx Task Force in Riverdale following Gaza crisis > The NYPD is taking steps to keep Riverdale synagogues safe while demonstrators gather in Manhattan to express their anger at Israel's retaliation for ongoing rocket attacks from Gaza. Officials said eight to 12 police officers from the Bronx Task Force are in the area to supplement precinct staff.
* Diaz to seek reelection as Bronx BP > Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has abandoned plans to run for office of public advocate and will instead seek to keep his current job during the 2013 citywide elections. In a lengthy email to supporters on Tuesday, Diaz said he would not pursue the city's second-highest post because he still had several loose ends to tie up in The Bronx.
* Local restaurants take advantage of Thanksgiving trend > Restaurants in Riverdale are accommodating guests who don't have time or energy to cook an elaborate Thanksgiving feast by opening their doors on the holiday.
* Local artists exhibits tiny whimsical portraits at library > More than 200 portraits by Riverdale artist Nina Seigenfeld-Velazquez are on display in an exhibition called 'What's Mine is Yours' at the Riverdale branch of the New York Public Library through the end of May.
* Area merchants host food drive > Local politicians and members of the North Riverdale Merchants Association came together to do a little good for the community on November 16. The NRMA spearheaded a new food drive to collect nonperishable items for those in need.
* Bronx residents object to MTA fare hikes during public hearing > The Metropolitan Transportation Authority  held a public hearing on November 13 for Bronx residents to voice their opinions on the proposed fare hikes.

Also, in the Bronx Press:
* Three wounded at funeral home shooting > Three people were wounded when a gunman opened fire on a crowd in the doorway of a Parkchester funeral home. Cops were called to the R.G. Ortiz Funeral Home, located at 2121 Westchester Avenue, at 7:15 p.m. on Sunday, November 18. Police said the three victims were shot in the parking lot of the funeral home, around the vicinity of the parlor's entrance.
* Bronx father sought in bizarre kidnapping > Police continue to hunt for the father wanted in connection with a one-man crime spree that included firing a handgun, setting an apartment on fire, kidnapping his own kids, carjacking a man and fleeing the scene.

Diaz hopes to see Grand Concourse become a historic district

During the mid-20th century, if you lived on the Grand Concourse, that meant you 'made it.' Today, you're still rewarded with classic architecture, a vibrant commercial district and loads of history, and that's why Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is asking the City Council to designate the Concourse a historic district.

Here is Diaz's testimony to the Council subcommittee on landmarks and maritime uses from today:

Last year, I applauded the designation of a Grand Concourse Historic District by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Center, and now I urge its approval by the New York City Council.

Designation as a New York City Historic District will complement the Grand Concourse’s already established listing on the National Register of Historic Places. In the future, I hope to see this historic district extended to match the more extensive national register boundaries.

This Grand Concourse Historic District is significantly intact, and contains many notable examples of art deco and other classic apartment houses. As I mentioned in my testimony to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the threats to buildings on the Grand Concourse are in the details. Poorly done renovations and building management with short vision are carving away at the inherent value of this illustrious built environment. As an historic district, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission can guard against ill conceived and undesirable solutions that threaten proper maintenance of these buildings.

The area of the new district has been richly added to with the new Yankee Stadium and Gateway Center. The City itself has invested greatly in the area with infrastructure improvements, including improvements to both the concourse roadway and park system. The lower Grand Concourse has also been re-zoned to create a vibrant, mixed-use, mixed-income community with new housing, waterfront open space, and an array of retail services. 

Its status as an historic district is the finishing touch to the revival of the entire area, and I urge its support. Thank you for your consideration.

Rivera raked in $83K over last six months

Rivera has had a successful fundraising period.

Bronx State Sen. Gustavo Rivera, elected to office in 2010 after defeating the embattled Pedro Espada Jr. in the 33rd District, has raised a solid $83,121.60 in the last six months, according to the most recent campaign filings with the New York State Board of Elections.

Looking at this handy spreadsheet, put together by Bill Mahoney of the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), Rivera is only outpaced in the Bronx by fundraising heavyweight state Sen. Jeff Klein and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who is toying with the idea of running for a citywide office. Diaz raised $90,880.13 and Klein raked in over $300,000.

We took a minute to chat with Rivera, who said the successful fundraising has been another reminder that he works for the people.

"I think that’s definitely very humbling," he said. Rivera added that this success is reminiscent of the election, when a larger-than-expected amount of people came out to support him.

"This is a very big show of support that im very appreciative of. It reminds me of all the people I'm working for--the folks in my district."

Rivera did spend just over $39,000 this period, giving him a total balance of $64,964.24 when including funds he already had.

He said he hasn't heard any rumblings of a challenger for the Democratic primary, but did say that "I want to make sure I have the strongest filing possible so I can continue to represent the Bronx."

As for the primary itself: "We don’t even know when the primary will be. We have to figure that out up here [in Albany]."

We put the spreadsheet below the jump. It was slowing down the whole blog.

After consideration, Diaz Jr. jumps on board with Ferry Point Park golf course

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. didn't come right out praising or damning the Donald Trump deal to bring a Jack Nicklaus golf course to the South Bronx. He sat back, considered the options, and finally chose to praise the deal.

“After extensive discussions and meetings between myself, my office and the Trump Organization over the past week; in addition to hearing from local elected officials, business and community leaders in the area, I have decided to support their concession for a golf course at Ferry Point Park," he said in a statement released Wednesday, Jan. 18.

“The Trump Organization has answered my concerns on this project, and has vowed to be a good neighbor to the people of the Bronx. This includes commitments on local hiring, outreach to our business community, both in the surrounding neighborhood and across the borough; and vital community access to the golf course for both young people and Bronx residents alike, among other points."

The reason this will be a good project for the Bronx, Diaz says, is because Trump is committing a significant amount of money to the Bronx, and having a PGA Tour quality course will enhance the borough's reputation nationally and internationally (No one exactly equates golf with crime and poverty).

City Councilman James Vacca came out praising the project yesterday, after the city's Franchise and Concession Review Committee approved the project.

“A patient and appreciative Throggs Neck community has reason to celebrate today!" Vacca exclaimed. "Although it was initially proposed 32 years ago, a vote by the Franchise and Concession Review Committee means that Ferry Point Golf Course is finally full steam ahead. This project has gone from one misstep to another, and had many observers truly wondering whether this course would ever be finished."

In 1979, as Chairman of Bronx Community Board 10, Vacca was involved in creating this project. "Today, as the District 13 Councilman, I am seeing the reality. It’s been a long fight and a long wait, but let me be clear, there is no reason for any further delay and my community will accept none."

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'Dream' speech

Here is the famous 'I have a dream' speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., given Aug. 28, 1963. Below are some statements from various officials and a video of mayoral candidate Bill Thompson.



Also, here is Thompson speaking at the Trinity Baptist Church today. Introduction by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Living Wage deal struck

Koppell speaks on the living wage as Diaz (right) and Quinn (left) look on.

After multiple compromises, a living wage deal has apparently been struck in the City Council.

Council Speaker Christine Quinn, the second-to-last major barricade in passing the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act, announced her support of a new living wage bill. The last barricade is Mayor Bloomberg, who still does not support the bill, renewed his vow to veto the bill.

However, with Quinn's support, the City Council should be able to garner the 34 votes needed to override the Mayor's veto.

"There is nothing more important for government right now than the work of creating and retaining the best jobs we can," Quinn said in prepared remarks delivered today (full remarks below the jump).

"As Speaker, one of my jobs is to do all that I can to keep and create jobs in New York and to make sure those jobs provide people with the resources they need to support their families."

As everyone already knew, "I could not support the original living wage bill as it was introduced," she said. "The requirement that tenants in subsidized projects pay more when the city has no financial connection with them is a provision that I believe would have cost us future retail jobs. Placing this requirement on businesses that don’t receive a direct benefit is simply unfair."

That being said, Quinn said it was necessary to have the businesses that directly take money to pass the benefit along to their employees.

"I believe it is fair and appropriate for government to place requirements on a business that has voluntarily entered into an economic development agreement with the City. At the end of the day, they have a choice as to whether or not they want both the money offered to them and the wage requirements."

A living wage would require certain developers of direct, significant city subsidies to pay their employees at least $10 an hour with benefits or $11.50 without.

Local leaders around the city have applauded the compromise, the second Bronx-related compromise with the city this week. The first, which elevated the living wage debate into the spotlight, was the issuing of the request for proposals for the Kingsbridge Armory.

“I am extremely happy that we have reached an agreement on the ‘Fair Wages for New Yorkers’ Act, and that this important bill will finally see a vote in the City Council," Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said. "The deal we have reached today creates the strongest ‘living wage’ legislation in the nation, one that will demand that direct recipients of significant taxpayer subsidies do better by their employees."

Diaz had City Council members G. Oliver Koppell and Annabel Palma introduce the bill on his behalf.

“This bill will ensure that taxpayer subsidies are used to improve the quality of life of New Yorkers. Today’s announcement is a victory for the people of this City, and I look forward to this legislation becoming law,” Diaz said.

Palma not only applauded the compromise, but also noted that there is now a fight going on for a minimum wage increase at the state level and that it should elevate to the federal level.

“This hard-wrought agreement will help a number of New Yorkers secure jobs that pay a living wage and I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and all of those who have been vocal advocates of this bill," Palma said.

"Additionally, it is encouraging that Speaker [Sheldon] Silver is carrying the fight against income inequality in Albany," she said. "I commend him for highlighting the need for a State-wide minimum wage increase tied to the cost of living. I am further encouraged that this idea is picking up steam on both sides of the aisle, with Mayor Bloomberg’s strong endorsement in yesterday’s State of the City address.

"I also urge our Federal representatives to engage in the conversation on economic inequality that is occurring across the country. People throughout our nation are struggling to survive by working low wage jobs, yet it has been over a decade since Washington increased the federal minimum wage. It’s time for our leaders in Washington to get serious about the challenges ahead and the reforms that will be necessary to fix an economy that too often fails our working people.” 

City Comptroller John Liu also released a statement, saying, “This living wage agreement will ensure

better use of public subsidies for private business and help reverse the widening wealth gap in our City. The City Council and the Living Wage Coalition are to be commended for their tenacious effort in getting this accomplished.”

City accepting proposals to develop Kingsbridge Armory

Thought to be the largest armory in the world.

We're going to have a full story on the Kingsbridge Armory in next week's paper, but here's the basic information you should know (because, as I assume, you all love to talk about Bronx economic development at the local watering holes just like I do).

• In 2009, the City Council killed The Related Cos. attempt to put a shopping mall in the armory because they would not commit to having their tenants pay a living wage
• Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. was, and still is, one of the biggest supporters of a living wage, which would require developers who take significant subsidies from the city to pay at least $10 an hour with benefits, or $11.50 without
• Diaz also did not support the shopping mall project because it would compete with local merchants in the area, a fact often overlooked when discussing the project
• Since then, Diaz created the Kingsbridge Armory Task Force with local elected officials to search for better alternatives
• Most notably, NYU's Wagner School of Public Service helped the task force by drawing up a comprehensive report
• NYU and the task force found interested bidders that would use the armory for anything from a sports arena (focusing on hockey) to a mega-church
• This week: Crain's first reports that the city is issuing a new Request for Proposal for the armory. The RFP does not require a living wage be instituted, but preference will be given to those projects that do.
• Diaz said on NY1 that he is OK with this and that the living wage bill will continue to be fought in the City Council, where advocates are still fighting to gain support

So there are the highlights. As Crain's reported:

The new request for proposals is similar to one the city issued in September 2006, with two exceptions. First, the winning developer will have the option to lease the building from the city, instead of buy it. And while the previous request spelled out a preference for a mix of commercial, retail, entertainment, recreation and community uses, the new solicitation allows respondents to propose a broader range of uses, although not housing. Two public schools that were part of the previous plan are no longer in the works.

Bronx State of the Borough invitation

Here is the invitation for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.'s State of the Borough address, open to everyone.

If you feel like watching last year's State of the Borough, you can watch it here.

Diaz Jr calls for Living Wage vote

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. first had the Fair Wages for New Yorkers bill introduced to the City Council in 2010, and in 2012 is now calling for the Council to vote on the bill.



A December Quinnipiac poll on the living wage--$10/hr. with benefits or $11.50/hr. without--found that New Yorkers overwhelmingly support a living wage. However, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn has so far sided with Mayor Michael Bloomberg strong opposition and not allowed it to come to a vote in the Council. Rumors among the city-wide media say the bill once had enough supporters to override a Bloomberg veto, but more recently the bill appears to be losing steam, even as City Council Members G. Oliver Koppell and Annabel Palma, the two main sponsors, scaled the bill back to appease opponents. 

In the video, Diaz says, "This is simply a matter of fairness, and to the mayor and the City Council: it is time for you to be fair to the people of New York City. We can no longer wait. The time to vote is now."

Koppell met with Quinn recently, trying to convince her to support for the bill. He said the meeting didn't convince her to take a stand, and didn't want to speak for her.

"She hasn’t made up her mind yet." Koppell said in a phone interview. "I’m hoping she makes up her mind."

A comment from Quinn's office is forthcoming.

Bronx Zoo hosts toy drive for children of veterans

Santa and Mrs. Clause came on a horse and carriage to the Bronx Zoo,
where they delivered hundreds of toys to the children of veterans.

Last month, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. joined the Bronx Zoo and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce in a toy drive for the families of veterans.

Included among the veterans was Jeans Cruz, the Bronxite who found Saddam Hussein.

Children received sports balls, action figures, dolls, and much, much more. The National Guard also showed up half way through to give kids some of their swag, including backpacks and winter hats.

We caught up with Cruz for a minute to ask him about the event and the news that the last soldiers were leaving Iraq. He said he was very appreciative for the donations, adding that it's difficult for him to buy multiple gifts for each of his four children. Also, he said, two of his children have birthdays a week before Christmas.

Cruz said it is difficult to buy multiple presents for his four children in this economy.

He wasn't overly joyful about the Iraq news, because "you can't say that it's definite," he said. He has friends that are already on their way back to the area for cleanup.

The National Guard showed up to give kids their swag.

Bronx leaders react to NYSOS (Update)

The New York State of the State was held Wednesday, Jan. 6. Here are some reactions from local leaders:

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.:

“I applaud Governor Cuomo for putting forward a strong vision for the future of New York State in today’s speech, and I look forward to working with him and his administration on the critical issues of job creation, education, infrastructure, tourism, public safety and other themes that have been high priorities for my administration.

“What is good for the Bronx is, of course, good for the state. Moreover, the agenda he has outlined reflects the action plan we have set forth for the Bronx, whether it is our recent education summit, our East 153rd Street hotel development proposal, and the expansion of Metro North service to the East Bronx. My office will continue to work with the Cuomo administration on these and other major projects we have planned for the Bronx in 2012, including the redevelopment of the Hunts Point Produce Market—an area where Governor Cuomo has already shown his commitment to our borough through his allocation of almost $30 million in funding through his Regional Economic Development Council." 

Instead of one day of presents, they have eight crazy nights

Borough President Diaz (center), Rabbi Israel Greenberg (left),
and New York Yankees broadcaster Suzyn Waldman (right),
lit the menorah to commemorate the Jewish holiday.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., together with New York Yankees broadcaster Suzyn Waldman and the Bronx's Jewish leaders, hosted the borough’s annual Chanukah celebration at Borough Hall yesterday, the third day in the Festival of Lights.

"The celebration of Chanukah reminds us that we can triumph over oppression of all kinds, no matter what the odds," Waldman said. "It is a triumph of a little light over total darkness."

Diaz echoed that statement, saying one of the reasons for this celebration is "to understand the history of the Festival of Lights."

He also spoke about his past visit to Israel, saying "there is no better way to see the beauty of Israel than with your own eyes.

Traditional Chanukah foods, such as latkes and jelly donuts, were served. The event also featured a musical performance from world-renowned recording artist Dafka Israel-Potok and the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale Community Choir.

Jump below for a few more pictures of the event.

Diaz Jr.'s Winter Wonderland

Here's another holiday video from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. This one's of the Winter Wonderland celebration at Yankee Stadium.

Bronx pols rejoice after new livery bill is signed

The illegal, yet mostly ignored, practice of hailing livery cabs on the street has finally been legalized, after Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that will increase outer borough service and also bring more handicapped-accessible taxis to the city.

It also calls for the city to sell 2,000 yellow cab medallions, which is expected to generate more $1 billion in new revenue, the New York Daily News reports:

The deal requires that the first 20% of 6,000 new street-hail livery licenses be made available in the first year to drivers with wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Another 6,000 licenses will be made available in each of the next two years, with determinations to be made about the percentages that will be assigned to drivers with wheelchair-accessible rides.

In addition, all 2,000 new yellow cab medallions must be for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Cuomo has ready to veto the bill if he did not get promises from the state Legislature that they would amend it to increase service to the physically disabled.

The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) will be authorized to issue up to 18,000 of these new licenses (livery street hails) and will be required to provide grants of up to $15,000 to retrofit vehicles to accommodate the disabled or to purchase accessible vehicles.

"By working together and finding common ground, I am pleased that we have been able to reach a deal that will extend taxi and livery service to the outer boroughs and upper Manhattan, while ensuring full access for the disabled," Cuomo said. "The bill as originally passed failed to address the needs of individuals with disabilities and did not provide any incentive for the livery industry to ensure disabled New Yorkers had full access to the taxicab system."

For Bronx leaders, this bill was long overdue.

“I am pleased that after months of negotiations over the details of this legislation, an agreement has been reached that will improve the quality of life of my constituents in the Northwest Bronx and will provide livery cab drivers, so many of whom live in the 33rd Senate District, with the much-needed ability to pick up legal street hails,” said state Senator Gustavo Rivera. “This plan is a victory for Bronxites and for all New Yorkers in the outer boroughs and upper Manhattan. I would like to congratulate the livery cab drivers for their relentless advocacy that played a critical role in ensuring that this legislation was passed and that it will be signed into law as well as Governor Cuomo for negotiating an agreement that all New Yorkers should consider a victory.”

“I am pleased that, following months of negotiation, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the State Legislature have reached an agreement on a plan that will increase outer borough livery service in our City while also bringing more handicapped-accessible taxis to our City’s streets," Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said.

“This plan will raise much-needed new revenue for our City through the sale of new yellow taxi medallions while also bringing livery cab drivers out of the shadows, offering them considerable legal protection," Diaz added. "At the same time, Bronxites and residents in all of the outer boroughs will have the ability to hail a legal livery cab, while our disabled community will see their travel options increase significantly.

“This plan is a victory for commuters, and I congratulate both Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature for making it a reality. I also thank Mayor Bloomberg and his administration for their efforts on this important issue."

Holiday greetings from Diaz Jr.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. with a holiday message for everyone:



If you notice, it looks like he's brought back his Che Guevara 'stache.

A short photo essay of my night yesterday

For those of who have noticed a slight decline in posts the past week or so, it's been because our other reporter, Miawling, has been on vacation in her homeland of Australia (It's summertime there, by the way). Anyways, it's caused me to pick up the other half of the newspaper, leaving me less time to blog.

Here's some of what I was up to yesterday afternoon.

5 p.m.: Driving down Riverdale Ave, I ran into these two cars near W. 238th St.,
which ran into each other. No one was injured.

6:45 p.m.: On my way to the 50th Precinct for a Community Board 8
public safety committee meeting, I hit two of the most decorated houses
in the Riverdale Kingsbridge area, right behind the Riverdale Diner.
If you've decked your house out, email us a photo!

To cap off the night, I dropped by the Ben Franklin Reform Democratic Club's
holiday party. Among the guests were Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.,
Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz,
and state Sens. Gustavo Rivera and Jeff Klein.

Bronx comes out on top in State awards

Here's another story that didn't make this week's Bronx Press.

By Brendan McHugh 

For once, the Bronx came out ahead of the other boroughs in something positive. 

In Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council (REDC), 13 Bronx and borough-related projects were tapped as top development priorities and therefore will receive funds nearing $37 million. 

Throughout the entire city, $66.2 million has awarded. This includes $29.5 million that will be used for the redevelopment of the Hunts Point Produce Market, as well as smaller grants for other borough projects. 

“I am extremely gratified that both Governor Cuomo and our State’s economic development leadership understand the importance of the Hunts Point Produce Market not only as a transformative economic engine for the Bronx, but for the entire region,” Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said in a statement. “Investing in the market and building a new 21st century facility will both preserve and create jobs here in the Bronx while also expanding opportunities for upstate farmers.” 

The New York City Economic Development Corp., which worked with Diaz and other Bronx officials to help keep Hunts Point from moving to New Jersey, said they will continue to fight for the redevelopment of the produce market to take place in the borough.

Jump below for the full story.

Throughout the Bronx, residents have different views of life

A story that didn't make the paper this week (though a Riverdale-centric article does appear in the Riverdale Review).

By Brendan McHugh 

Bronxites appear split on a number of issues, according to a recent study, highlighting the range of diverse neighborhoods in the borough. 

Last week, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. released the results of his office’s first-ever “Well Being Survey.” The survey, which was conducted between late August and the end of October, was designed to measure the opinions of Bronx residents and those who work in the Bronx on a variety of issues that impact their communities. 

Approximately 1,900 individuals took part in the survey, which was available both online and in print at a wide variety of locations across the borough. Of that number 92.6 percent, or more than 1,750 individuals, live in the Bronx. 

“I am happy that so many people who are connected to the Bronx, either because they live here or work here, took a few minutes out of their busy schedule to make their voices heard on the important issues that face our borough,” Diaz said, adding that he will use the information to help guide policy for years to come.

Jump below for the full post.

Diaz celebrates new living wage poll

City residents are overwhelmingly in favor of a living wage bill, a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday found. This comes as good news for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., one of the leading supporters of a living wage.

“The people of New York City have made it clear, again and again, not only that they support a ‘living wage’ law, but that they reject the arguments put forward by our opponents that this bill will hurt business. The ‘Fair Wages for New Yorkers’ Act makes sense for our City, and it is time for this bill to be made law,” Diaz said in a statement.

Bronx City Council members G. Oliver Koppell and Annabel Palma introduced the living wage bill on the behest of Diaz last year. Since then, Council Speaker Christine Quinn has been hesitant to lend her support to the bill, refusing to let the bill be voted on.

From the Quinnipiac report:

The "Living Wage" proposal currently before the New York City Council is a "good idea," voters say 74 - 19 percent. Support is 56 - 39 percent among Republicans, 83 - 11 percent among Democrats and 67 - 25 percent among independent voters.

Voters say 81 - 17 percent, including 60 - 39 percent among Republicans, that it is the government's responsibility to make sure workers are paid a decent wage.

New York City voters reject 56 - 36 percent the argument that a "Living Wage" bill would drive jobs out of the city. Women reject the argument 62 - 30 percent while men reject it by a narrower 49 - 44 percent.

A living wage bill would force certain companies that receive taxpayer money pay their employees at least $10.00/hr with benefits or $11.50 without.

This is the second time that a poll has shown major support for both the “Fair Wages for New Yorkers” Act and the concept of a “living wage.” In May, a poll by Baruch College Survey Research was released, showing that New Yorkers overwhelmingly support such “living wage” laws. That survey showed that 78 percent of New Yorkers agreeing with the idea, while just 15 percent did not. This includes 83 percent of all Democrats, 74 percent of independents and 56 percent of Republicans.

Diaz lights Bronx Christmas tree

On Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. lit the Bronx’s official Christmas tree for 2011 in front of the Bronx County Building on the Grand Concourse. The annual tree lighting ceremony featured Christmas carols by Cardinal Spellman High School’s ‘Gospel Sensations’ and the M.S. 390 chorus. 

Diaz celebrated the tree lighting along with Santa and Mrs. Claus.