Gizmo will direct you to empty parking spots

Here's a story from this week's Bronx Press.

By Brendan McHugh 

DOT hopes the senors can withstand the
New York weather and traffic conditions.

Need a parking spot? There may soon be an app for that. 

If the technology proves durable, drivers in the Bronx will be the first to find parking spots by checking their smartphones. 

Hockey puck sized sensors were drilled into the streets near Arthur Avenue last week in 177 parking spaces on both sides of 187th Street in Belmont. If they can survive the harsh weather conditions of New York for the next three months, motorists will be able to download a free application on their phones to find vacant parking spots. 

"We are making it easier for drivers to park. We are actually piloting new technology that will bring parking information into the palm of your hand," said Janette Sadik-Khan, the NYC DOT Commissioner. 

“There are benefits, not only to drivers but to the surrounding community,” she said. “You’re relieving the congestion and pollution associated with those people who are cruising around looking for parking.” 

The app will tell drivers if there are a high number of open spaces, if it is beginning to fill up, or if there are virtually no spots available. 

Sadik-Khan said they haven’t figured out how drivers will use the app while driving; using a mobile device not physically connected to the car is illegal in New York. 

“Right now we’re just testing the equipment,” she said. “The parking app has worked in other cities that have done it.” 

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."

Firefighters honored for capturing chain snatcher

A story from this week's Bronx Press.

By David Greene

New York's bravest took a page from New York's finest last week when three firefighters chased down and detained a suspected criminal. City Councilman James Vacca (grey suit) honored (L-R) Ronny Fuentes, John Hessler and Chris Magnotta last week for their heroic efforts. They are all from Engine Co. 90, Ladder 41 in the Bronx.

Members of fire companies Engine 90 and Ladder 41 were recognized once again for their heroic efforts, but not for running into a fire or performing a rescue, instead the honor came for capturing a chain snatcher in the Allerton neighborhood of the Bronx.

Oddly enough, the two units were returning from a call at about 8:25 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, when the units requested police to the scene for a, "robbery in progress." Five minutes later they would report that they had the suspect in custody.

At a press conference outside of the White Plains Road firehouse, City Councilman James Vacca presented firefighters Ronnie Fuentes, John Hessler and Chris Magnotta with special citations for their heroic actions, not knowing if the suspect was armed with a weapon or not.

Deputy Inspector Kevin Nicholson of the 49th Precinct said the three firefighters helped stop a repeat offender. 

"The (same) perpetrator... robbed a female white, 62. Four hours later he's out robbing an 18-year-old girl and these guys caught him."

Jump below for the full story.

'Slow Zones' latest DOT measure to curb speeders

Here's the story from this week's Bronx Press that explains the new 'slow zone' that will be coming to more neighborhoods throughout the city. A Riverdale elected official has already said that he wants to bring the zone to part of his district, which you can read about here.

By Brendan McHugh 

Those with a lead foot are about to find it much more difficult to drive through the city. 

Slow zones create 20 mph
speed limits throughout a neighborhood.

The Department of Transportation began the city’s first-ever Neighborhood Slow Zone on Monday, reducing the local speed limit in Claremont from 30 mph to 20 mph and adding certain traffic calming measures.

Chosen because of the neighborhoods high accident and fatality rate, Claremont is getting nine new speed bumps in addition to the five already present, and other traffic calming measures such as signage and street markings are being added to the roads. 

Signs posting the 20 mph speed limit are at 14 entranceways to the quarter-square mile zone. Also, 14 more speed limit signs are post throughout the neighborhood and stencil speed limits on the street itself are in 45 different places.

Jump below for the full story.

Is it time to move power lines underground?

One last story from this week's Riverdale Review.

Power lines are the only thing holding up this fallen tree.
Residents, however, were left without power because of it.

By Brendan McHugh 

Storm after storm has ravaged Riverdale residents, killing tree after tree, which inevitably land on a power line or two. Or more. 

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is fed up with the situation. 

“This problem has continued for far too long and must be fixed,” he wrote in a letter to Consolidated Edison. “I strongly urge you to move the electrical wires in these areas underground, thereby eliminating the risk of interference by felled trees.” 

As of Monday, over 1,000 Bronxites were still without power, and Con Edison said they hoped to have solved the rest of the outages by Wednesday evening. Dinowitz says that if the electric and gas company would start putting wires in the ground, they could avoid the problem completely. 

“I surmise these power outages are related to the abundance of trees in these areas, and hence the increased likelihood of trees falling down and knocking down electrical wires,” he wrote. “We are in the 21st century, and there is no reason we should continue to rely on an unreliable and antiquated system of delivering power to the affected areas.”

Jump below for the full story.

Snow storm knocks out power for thousands

The snowstorm that blew through the city this weekend knocked out electricity for over 9,500 people, Con Edison said. As of earlier today, a little over 1,000 were still without power. They hope to restore most of what's left by midnight tonight. Judging by the drive I took around Riverdale today, they're going to have a hard time fulfilling that promise.

Driving through leafy Fieldston proved impossible this morning, as Con Ed had crews throughout the neighborhood blocking roads as they cleared up massive amounts of debris. On the other side of the Henry Hudson Parkway, many of the narrow roads were made even narrower by branches that had fallow to the wayside. One tree was hanging over the street, daring drivers to travel underneath it (see photo below).

We haven't received any statements blasting the Mayor or the City for poor performances on storm management (though we haven't received any congratulating them, either), but we did see this on City Councilman James Vacca's Facebook page during the storm:

I've got to say something tonight and say it very clearly. Can you imagine how many people would not be losing power tonight if NYC pruned its trees on a regular basis? Our city's tree maintenance program or the lack of one that meets the needs of its residents comes home to roost when we have storms like this.

He did later thank City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Con Ed and DSNY for reaching out to him to coordinate help for the east Bronx, which took a good portion of the beating from the storm.

Firemen move a power line on Riverdale Avenue during the storm.

A house along Palisade Avenue in Riverdale.

A car is forced to go onto the other side of Palisade Avenue on Monday.

W. 249th Street on Monday. No work appears to have been done by the City to stabilize the tree.
That didn't stop me from driving (quickly) under it.

Owen Dolen groundbreaking

Here's another story from this week's Bronx Press. Last week, community leaders rejoiced during a groundbreaking ceremony in Westchester Square's Owen Dolen Park. 

By Brendan McHugh 

Improving a triangular park is a step towards revitalizing Westchester Square. 

Local pols and community members were thrilled last week to break ground on a $5 million reconstruction of Owen Dolen Park, a necessary process in erasing memories of a once derelict area.

“We want the square to comeback,” Vacca said. He allocated $4.5 million and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. allocated the additional half-million.

The reconstruction of Owen Dolen Park is a major
step in the revitalization of Westchester Square.

“We always had things to do in Westchester Square,” Vacca said, reminiscing about all the things he used to do as a child, including going to the library, the local shops and restaurants and more to the point, just enjoying the area.

“We can bring that back if we do it right,” he added, noting plans to bring a library to the area. “We can very truly say that Westchester Square has good days ahead.”

The funding will expand the public plaza and repave many of the paths and sidewalks. New fencing, benches and landscaping will also be added along with better drainage, water lines and hydrants. A drinking fountain will be added. In addition, new lighting and electrical service for outdoor events will be built.

Jump below for the rest of the story.

Baby faced Bronxites buying booze from bodegas without ID

Here is a story that didn't make this week's paper. Enjoy.

By Amanda Macaluso

The Bronx’s underage drinkers are having no problem buying booze in the borough.

The New York State Liquor Authority released a report last week that shows 38 of 48 bodegas visited by 18- to 20-year-old decoys in the Boogiedown sold alcohol to minors without asking for identification.

From Aug. 15 through Aug. 17, the SLA sent voluntary, underage decoys into 212 groceries throughout New York City to have them try and buy alcohol. In 123 out of the 212 stores (58 percent), the decoys were successfully able to purchase alcohol without being asked for I.D. 

Out of the five boroughs, the Bronx by far had the highest percentage of minors who were successfully able to purchase alcohol, at 79 percent. In Brooklyn, 59 percent of the bodegas approached failed to I.D. minors. Staten Island bodegas sold to 40 percent and Queens bodegas sold to 28 percent. Groceries who were cited for selling to these minors can face penalties of up to $10,000 per violation with fines starting at $2,500 to $3,000 for first time offenders.

Jump below to read the SLA's statement, and also how the Bronx Press did its own independent study and found that some bodegas are still selling alcohol without checking I.D.!

MTA Chairman Jay Walder resigns [UPDATE]

Jay H. Walder today informed Governor Cuomo of his intention to resign his position as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority effective as of the close of business on October 21st, 2011. Walder will be joining the MTR Corporation in Hong Kong as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors. The MTR is a publicly-traded company that operates rail services in Asia and Europe, and is involved in a wide range of business activities, including consulting and property development.

“I want to thank Governors Cuomo and former Governor Paterson for the honor of serving the people of New York State,” Walder said.  “The MTA’s transportation system is the foundation of the metropolitan region and we are fortunate to have thousands of dedicated men and women who work so hard to provide these critically important transportation services to millions of people each and every day.  I believe that we have accomplished quite a lot in a short period, with the support of two Governors, the Mayor, a hard-working Board and many others.”

Here's the reaction from City Councilman James Vacca, the chairman of the transportation committee:

“This resignation comes at a crucial time. A year after the worst service cuts in the MTA’s history and yet another fare and toll increase, the most serious challenges for straphangers may still lie ahead. While Chairman Walder deserves credit for taking on many structural issues that previous MTA leaders had delayed for a tomorrow that never came, the MTA continues to face a $250 million operating gap and a capital budget that runs out January 1. It’s getting harder and harder to do more with less, and the MTA needs someone at the helm not only who understands the role mass transit plays in the lives of everyday New Yorkers but who is prepared to get to work on day one.”

And a statement from Kate Slevin, Tri-State Transportation Campaign Executive Director:

"MTA Chairman and CEO Jay Walder has been an effective, innovative leader. He helped restore the agency's credibility and changed the way it does business, finding billions of dollars in savings during his tenure. But his departure comes at an inopportune time. New York's regional transit system faces a capital funding gap that could be as large as $9 billion, and which needs to be addressed in the coming months. Straphangers are at risk. Governor Cuomo must quickly fill this vacancy with an effective leader who has a deep understanding of the transit system."

We'll post more reactions as they come in. [UPDATE] Check below for posts from Gov. Cuomo, Mayor Bloomberg and more.

Shhh!!!! It's the Bronx County Dinner!

The only thing said more than "Is the Bronx in the house?" last night was "Shhhhhh!" For $500 a plate, you would think the county leaders would let the people not listen to the same speech by ten different politicians.

Nevertheless, the annual Bronx County Dinner seemed to be a success, with big names from outside the borough such as former governor David Paterson, state Comptroller Tom Dinapoli, Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy, Manhattan BP Scott Stringer, New York State Democratic Party executive director Charlie King, Public Advocate Bill De Blasio, former city comptroller and mayor hopeful Bill Thompson and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn all attending.

After former governor David Paterson gave his speech, I had the chance to talk to him for a minute and asked him what he thinks of the book his wife is writing (the one where he supposedly said he might kill himself when he found out he was governor). Here's our quick back and forth:

BM: Do you think you'll get back into the political landscape?
DP: Being front and center, there's only a certain amount of time you can do it...A camera always trained on the front door of my apartment...after a while you just don't want to do that anymore.
BM: Well your wife's writing a book, does that make you nervous at all?
DP: No, she's gonna let it all hang out, it's gonna be pretty good.

I would have loved to dig deeper, but with the throngs of people waiting to introduce themselves to him as we stood in front of the bar (which they shut down only two hours into the night!), it was too tough to keep speaking with him.

Below are a pair of photos from last night's dinner. Bear with me as I try to figure out how to upload videos from my phone. It's not going well.

Rep. Eliot Engel with former governor David Paterson.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn with Councilman James Vacca.

For a full recap of the night, check out next week's issue of the Riverdale Review or Bronx Press.

UPDATE: Jump below for some videos from the dinner.

Unofficial Democratic County Vote Goes For Diaz, Others Show Support At Campaign Meetup

A few notes...

--This morning, an unofficial meeting of the Bronx Democratic district leaders and other elected officials was held at the party's new HQ on Eastchester Road. According to the reports of several attendees, Assemblyman Ruben Diaz received the support of every district leader in attendance save one, who abstained. While several district leaders did not attend the vote (note--all were invited), I am assured that a majority of district leaders were in the room when the vote was taken.

Several elected officials voiced their support for Diaz's campaign at the meeting. Council Member Maria del Carmen Arroyo, also attended the meeting, but did not voice support for any candidate. Arroyo is considered to be a supporter of Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera. I am also told no one at the meeting spoke up for Rivera.

--At the Diaz Campaign meeting later in the day, sources connected to that campaign tell me over 100 attended the event from all corners of the Borough. "This is a grassroots effort, and we have the troops to prove it," said one Diaz supporter.

Elected officials at the meeting included City Council Members Helen Diane Foster and Jimmy Vacca, both of whom had been considered potential candidates for the post. Diaz spoke, and thanked them for their support, specifically mentioning that he knew they had also thought of running.

Other elected officials at the meeting included County Chairman and Assemblyman Carl Heastie, City Councilwoman Annabel Palma, Assembly Members Jeff Dinowitz, Aurelia Greene, Mike Benjamin and Michael Benedetto; and State Senators Rev. Ruben Diaz (surprise!) and Ruth Hassell-Thompson.

UPDATE: I have been informed that the Diaz meeting was for "captains," meaning that these volunteers will lead the efforts for Diaz (polling, petitions, recruitment) in their respective communities. As it was explained to me, the Diaz campaign expects many, many more people to jump aboard the effort through the work of these individuals.

SECOND UPDATE: There is some confusion on the street as to whether or not the endorsement meeting was "unofficial," as several observers have stated to me today the the Bronx Democratic County Organization has actually endorsed Diaz. I'll wait for the press release.

THIRD UPDATE: It's official.

FOURTH UPDATE: A previous version of this post indicated that Councilman G. Oliver Koppell had spoken up in favor of Diaz during the meeting of the county organization. In fact, Koppell offered high praise of Heastie, but I have conflicting reports regarding what he said about Diaz, though he certainly did not speak out in opposition to him.

--John DeSio