For Those On the Hunt

...or just for the real estate voyeurs out there, here are some interesting open houses this weekend:

Van Cortlandt Village
3484 Fort Independence Street - 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, garage - $435K
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday May 29th - 12pm-3pm

Soundview
1871 Randall Avenue - 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, single family with curb appeal - $415K
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday May 29th - 1pm-2pm

Morris Park
1830 Haight Avenue - two family home, yard with pool - $529K [link fixed]
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday May 29th - 12pm-3pm

Parkchester
1563 Metropolitan Avenue - no interior pics, but less than $100K for a 1 bedroom condo in a reasonably stable hood - $99K
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday May 29th -12pm-2pm

~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories which we've rounded up for you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

Construction of landscaped medians, expanded sidewalks and new bike lanes is set to begin this summer along Lafayette and Hunts Point Avenues as part of the new South Bronx Greenway [Streetsblog]

Pedro Espada Jr. held a public town hall meeting last week, but then had his staffers denying entrance to constituents they deemed as "protesters" [BxNN]

More coverage of the newly introduced Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act [Epoch Times]

A review of NYY Steak at Yankee Stadium [silive.com]

The author of a new book about the South Bronx in the 70s sees some eerie similarities between that time period and NYC's current financial crisis which may result in the shuttering of much-needed firehouses [Wall Street Journal]

Students at Fordham University in 1983 were lucky enough to live in Alan Alda's former Martyrs' Court digs (the building has since been reconfigured and renovated)...They threw a big party the night of the finale episode of M.A.S.H. [New York Times]

A round up of all the events happening around the BoogieDown this Memorial Day weekend [BxNN]

~ErLu

Free Concert in Van Cortlandt Park This Sunday

From the inbox...

Join the Bronx Arts Ensemble on Sunday, May 30 at 2 pm in Van Cortlandt Park for a FREE Memorial Day Holiday Concert celebrating the music of Bernstein, Sousa, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Mozart, Papo Vázquez and more! The concert features the Bronx Arts Ensemble Orchestra, conductor David Gilbert, soprano Halley Gilbert, trombonist Papo Vázquez, vocalist Rafael De Jesus and pianist Orlay Alonso. The free BAE Memorial Day outdoor tent concert is scheduled rain or shine. Seating will be provided. Pedestrians can enter the park at Broadway and 246th Street. Limited free parking is also available at the Van Cortlandt Golf House.

Click here for more details.

~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories which we've rounded up for you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

Dozens of state Senate and Assembly members (including many from the Bronx) are caught in an awkward position...Although many of them pushed for ethics laws requiring that pols reveal all outside income, 63 out of 90 members have refused to do so. [Daily News]

Living wage proponents rallied outside of City Hall yesterday prior to the living wage bill being formally introduced to the City Council [New York Times, New York Observer, WNYC]

Former State Senator Efrain Gonzalez was sentenced to seven years in prison yesterday [New York Times, NY1]

The public will get a chance to weigh in on the potential rezoning of sections of the Tremont and Bathgate areas of the Bronx at a public hearing which will take place June 9th at 6:30pm in the auditorium of Community School 211 (1919 Prospect Avenue) [Daily News]

A Bronx woman delivered a baby in the back of her family's car because they couldn't make it to the hospital quickly enough...The proud papa was greeted with a parking ticket affixed to his car because he forgot to feed the meter once they got to the hospital. [Daily News]

The Parks Department has released a form for residents to fill out with their recommendations regarding what they'd like to see happen with the High Bridge renovation [BxNN]

~ErLu

Eats on 204th/Bainbridge Avenue

BD Reader Lis recently snapped the above photo of a new eatery coming to the long vacant space at Bainbridge Avenue and Van Cortlandt Avenue E./Reservoir Oval E. This is a pretty big space which someone could do a lot with if they put the effort in...The signs say this place will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Not sure when it will be open, but we'll keep you posted!

Lis has also been eating at the Mexicana Deli Grocery (339 E. 204th Street) lately and snapped the below pic of the seating area in the back of the store. We first got the tip about this place from BD Reader Dana W. back in March, and we've been enjoying their tacos ever since. If you still haven't been, you should really check it out!~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories which we've rounded up for you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

The Silver Fox has all the political gossip floating around the Bronx this week [Daily News]

A round up of cultural events (mostly free) taking place throughout the BoogieDown this summer [Daily News]

A round up of the various sports options the BoogieDown has to offer [Daily News]

A round up of all the great things there are to do with kids in the BoogieDown [Daily News]

A round up of all the best outdoor spots to hit this summer in the BoogieDown [Daily News]

A round up of all the best foods the BoogieDown has to offer this summer [Daily News]

Since launching this past March, 36 people have graduated from the Osborne Association's Green Career Center's green job training program...Their goal is to train 400 people with criminal backgrounds over the span of 18 months. [The Nation via Daily Kos]

The Bronx Zoo will celebrate Memorial Day weekend with a "4-D" Dora and Diego event which is sure to thrill the toddler set...There will be a 3-D Dora and Diego film with special effects and Dora and Diego costumed characters will also be on hand. [westchester.com]

Bronx activists protested outside of Bank of America on Fordham Road and Valentine Avenue last week in order to call attention to the possibly unfair foreclosure of a Bronx woman's home [BxNN]

~ErLu

Photo of the Day

Baron Ambrosia, host of BronxNet's popular
culinary show Bronx Flavor, strikes a pose at
yesterday's Bronx Week Parade along Mosholu Parkway.

Photo by ErLu

Cheap Building Materials at ReBuilders Source

ReBuilders Source, a discount retailer cooperative of surplus and used building materials based right here in the Bronx, has recently announced some very sad news...They will unfortunately be going out of business at the end of the month. While they are in the process of closing up shop, they are inviting customers to stop by to get unbelievable prices on what's left of their inventory. Here's what they had to say in an email they recently sent out:

Over the past two years we’ve made renovations affordable for homeowners and small businesses in our community and we’ve kept perfectly good building materials out of landfills and incinerators, doing our part for the planet. And through it all we’ve made new friends, grown as a team, and stretched the boundaries of what we thought was possible in our own lives.

From now until the end of this month we will be liquidating our entire inventory. That means lumber, toilets, doors, carpeting, paint, furniture and so much more. It also means that our rockbottom prices are now even lower than ever.

So pay us a visit now and leave with the best deal you can imagine.
Store Hours are Monday-Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturdays 10am to 4pm.

Click here to check out ReBuilders Source's website for additional info.

~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories which we've rounded up for you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

A bill demanding that a 'living wage' be guaranteed for jobs created by a development project that has received more than $100,000 in city subsidies will be introduced to the City Council on Tuesday by Bronx Council Members Oliver Koppell and Annabel Palma [New York Times and Crain's NY Biz]

Several DOT safety projects are slated to improve conditions for bikers and pedestrians in the Hunts Point and Longwood neighborhoods [Streetsblog]

Streetfilms attended Friday's 'Bike to Work Day' on the Grand Concourse and asked Bronxites, "Why do you bike to work?" [Streetsblog]

Apparently there is fierce competition each weekend at a remote control car race track in Bronx River Park...men who race their cars there spend $500 to $700 and up on their "hopped-up" toy vehicles [NY1]

Residents of the Bronxdale Houses have successfully lobbied to have the public housing project renamed after it's most famous past resident, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor [New York Times and NY1]

The Bronx family of a baby with a rare blood disease are desperately searching for a bone marrow donor who is an ideal match [Daily News]

The lion cubs at the Bronx Zoo have officially been named following a Daily News contest...The results are Nala, Adamma, and Shani [Daily News]

More coverage of CB 7 District Manager Fernando Tirado's decision to jump into the 33rd district Senate race [Norwood News]

The newly created Bronx Smoke-Free Partnership will aim to reduce tobacco marketing towards Bronx children, create more smoke-free outdoor spaces, and work towards creating 100% smoke-free residences [Daily News]

~ErLu

For Those On the Hunt...

...or just for the real estate voyeurs out there, here are some interesting open houses this weekend:

Bedford Park
3201 Grand Concourse #2F - 1 bedroom sponsor unit co-op, balcony and garden view - $159K
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday May 22nd - 1pm-3pm

Belmont
2396 Lorillard Place - legal 2 family, built in 1901, $349K
OPEN HOUSE: Sunday May 23nd - 1pm-3pm

Van Cortlandt Village
3878 Cannon Place - huge 2,500 square feet, 4 bedroom, 3 bath house, deck, 2 fireplaces - $799K
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday May 22nd - 1pm-3pm

Grand Concourse/Yankee Stadium
800 Grand Concourse #5En - 2 bedrooms, 24 doorman, price chopped - $220K
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday May 22nd - 2pm-3:30pm + May 23rd -12pm-2pm

~ErLu

It's My Park! Day a Success in the Mosholu Gully

Lots of different organizations came out to lend a hand to beautify the Mosholu "gully," which is located on E. Mosholu Parkway South and Webster Avenue. Bedford Mosholu Community Association was lucky enough to have the help of youngsters from Christodora and the Explorers from the 52nd Precinct. The Mosholu Preservation Corporation was also working on a variety of projects in the gully with their army of volunteers. The projects for the day included scraping and painting the pillars along the Parkway, planting flowers, sweeping the sidewalks, and clearing weeds in the gully for future planting sites. Below are some photos from the day...~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories which we've rounded up for you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

Looking at a possible reduction in city financing of about 42%, New York Botanical Garden President Gregory Long says they'd be forced to eliminate jobs and cut hours of service if the Mayor's budget goes through as is [New York Times]

The intersection of Briggs Avenue and E. Mosholu Parkway S. will be getting a crossing guard to ensure the safety of kids walking to PS 8 [NY1]

BD Note: This is great news. That intersection is horrible because drivers continually make a very dangerous illegal left turn, which actually puts them going the wrong way on the one-way Mosholu service road. Glad to hear there will be some protection for the kids there.

Kingsbridge Heights residents are protesting a proposed methadone clinic which would operate out of Terrace Health Care Center on Kingsbridge Terrace by Heath Avenue [Riverdale Press]

North Riverdale's W. 259th Street retail strip is starting to look like a ghost town [Riverdale Press]

A reproduction of a 19th century schooner will be docked in the Hudson for tours and sailing outings for this year's Riverfest in Riverdale [Riverdale Press]

A look at how Kingsbridge has changed over the years [Riverdale Press]

The civil rights exhibit currently on display at the Bronx Museum of the Arts is one example of how popular culture playing a huge role in creating a movement [New York Times]

~ErLu

More Fresh Direct Outreach...

Norwood resident Lis has been kind enough to take on the task of managing the 'Bring FreshDirect to the NorthWest Bronx!' Facebook page, and she's urging everyone to not only call/email FD, but to also send along some good, old-fashioned snail mail. For your convenience she's created the following template you can copy/paste into a Word doc and simply insert your name/address, print, and sign:

May 14, 2010

FreshDirect Management
23-30 Borden Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to request that delivery services be extended to the NorthWest Bronx. Because I live in an area that is considered a “grocery-store desert” that disallows its residents access to fresh, high-quality food, I would appreciate the opportunity to purchase FreshDirect’s groceries.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXX

By the way, if anyone's interested in starting a campaign for their neck of the woods, please be sure to let us know so we can help you publicize it.

Click here to join the 'Bring FreshDirect to the Northwest Bronx' Facebook page.

~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories which we've rounded up for you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

The City's Deputy Mayor for Economic Development will be stepping down in June...Robert Lieber has overseen many successful development projects around the city (Governor's Island, rezoning of Willets Point, etc.), but was not able to bring to fruition the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory [New York Times, Crain's NY Biz and Daily News]

Possible Pedro Espada opponent Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter has announced the support of "20 community leaders from the 33rd Senate District." [friendsofdesireehunter.com]

A judge has issued a warrant for the arrest of Sam Suzuki, a slumlord who owns the decrepit 1585 E. 172nd Street apartment building [New York Times]

The Bridge, a Bronx mental health, housing and rehabilitation center, has installed a 'cool roof' which will keep the building 1- to 20 degrees cooler during the summer months [Daily News]

Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. feels the City should not renew a contract for the NYC Teaching Fellows program due to the fact that future teacher layoffs are a very real possibility [BxNN]

~ErLu

Photo of the Day

Groundbreaking at Part of the Solution (POTS)

This past Monday, 5/17, the folks over at POTS broke ground on an
expanded facility that will serve over 10,000 people annually.
The new facility will also allow the social service organization
to provide a greater array of community services, including medical
and dental clinics, after school tutoring,
a "supermarket" style food pantry, and nutritional education.From left to right:
Donn Dolce, Chair of POTS Board; Kim Latimer-Nelligan, COO, LIFF;
Congressman Serrano; Sister Mary Alice Hannan, OP, Executive Director, POTS;
Councilman Joel Rivera; Priscilla Almodovar, COO for Community Development Banking Business J.P. Morgan Chase; Deputy Mayor Linda Gibbs

Photo by Bud Glick, http://budglickphoto.com

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories which we've rounded up for you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

The Bandits, a once unstoppable Bronx softball team which dominated diamonds in the Bronx, NJ, CT, and Brooklyn in the 1980s, has reunited for their second season of this century...They play every Saturday in the Bronx Stars league at Pelham Bay Park. [huffingtonpost.com]

An investigative look at decrepit buildings in Brooklyn and the Bronx which are all owned by Moshe Piller, a slumlord to whom the HPD refers the formerly homeless [Bronx Ink]

Students from two Bronx schools have created artwork inspired by their communities on the tops of lunch tables that will be on display in City parks through August [Daily News]

Two letters to the editor in support of the City's plans to refurbish the High Bridge [New York Times]

~ErLu

Bike to Work With BP Diaz

Bikers of all skill levels welcome.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. invites Bronxites to join him for BIKE TO WORK day this Friday, 5/21, at 7am at Poe Park (Grand Concourse and East Kingsbridge Road). There will be a free power breakfast offered to bikers after the ride at Lou Gehrig Plaza. Please call (718) 590-8310 to confirm attendance.

~ErLu

Tirado Supporters (and Some Espada Spies) Gather on Mosholu Parkway for Announcement

Tell Pedro the folks at Bainbridge House say hi!

Yesterday at around 5:30pm, many supporters of Fernando P. Tirado gathered at the World War I Monument on Mosholu Parkway at Hull/Marion Avenues to hear Mr. Tirado's official announcement of his candidacy for NYS Senate in the 33rd District.

A few residents from Bainbridge House came out to hear Mr. Tirado's announcement, but one notable absence at the gathering was Pedro Espada Jr. Our 'neighbor' must have been busy with a previous engagement, but he was kind enough to send two spies (one of whom is pictured above) who lurked across the street watching the event. The two suited men, who many identified as Espada staffers, never came over to the group but chose to watch the announcement from afar. Shady!

Please find below some photos from the event, along with a video of Mr. Tirado's speech in which he promised to run his campaign on a platform of "community, integrity, and dedication." Around the 2:20 mark a Q&A begins in which Mr. Tirado shares his thoughts regarding the increasingly crowded primary race, as well as the issue of Espada's abundance of campaign funds.

Fernando P. Tirado Announces His Candidacy for NYS Senate from Erin Cicalese on Vimeo.

~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories which we've rounded up for you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

This week's 'Living In' column gives high marks to Wakefield, praising its 'suburban character' and abundance of affordable single-family houses with 'homey touches' [New York Times]

In case you haven't heard, Fernando Tirado, who currently serves as district manager for Community Board 7, has entered the 33rd district Senate race to oust Pedro Espada Jr. [New York Times, BxNN, BoogieDowner]

Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter, who is also a candidate in the 33rd district Senate race, talks about the problems affecting the MTA and the problems that Select Bus Service has caused on the Fordham Road shopping strip [Streetsblog.com]

The Silver Fox has all this week's juicy Bronx gossip, including a tidbit that says Pedro Espada Jr.'s nerves about the upcoming primary may be getting the best of him - he's been out and about glad-handing with constituents more than usual lately [Daily News]

The folks at Da Bakery, a custom clothing store on Southern Blvd. at 174th Street, can create any item of clothing in a variety of colors and finishes to match any pair of sneakers [New York Times]

Local social service agency Part of the Solution (POTS) held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday to celebrate their upcoming expansion into a much larger space which is right next door to the Webster Avenue building they have operated out of for the past 28 years [New York Times]

Music producer Swizz Beatz has pledged to adopt Bronx Charter School for the Arts in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx [globalgrind.com and mtv.com]

Thanks to a $35,000 donation from a deceased teacher's son, MS 390 in University Heights has a new computer lab complete with 30 flatscreen Dell computers, four printers, and a SmartBoard [Daily News]

About 1,000 residents of Co-Op City have had their balconies deemed off-limits by the City due to safety concerns [Daily News]

~ErLu

Another Espada Challenger Set to Declare Candidacy This Evening

Fernando P. Tirado volunteering at Saturday's It's My Park! Day
at Mosholu Parkway in Bedford Park
(BoogieDowner file photo)

The ole BD has learned that Fernando P. Tirado, the current District Manager of Bronx Community Board 7, will be formally announcing his candidacy for New York State Senate in the 33rd District this evening (5/17) at 5:30pm at the World War I Monument on Mosholu Parkway at Hull/Marion Avenues.

Mr. Tirado, a proud Bedford Park resident, has 15 years of work experience in the public sector behind him and looks forward to a vibrant campaign based on the idea of moving forward from the current political culture of inaction in Albany.

Mr. Tirado invites all Bronx residents who are eager to see a change for the better regarding how they and their communities are represented in Albany to come on out to see his official announcement this evening.

Worth noting: The WWI monument where Mr. Tirado will be announcing his candidacy for NYS Senate in the 33rd district is within spitting distance of Bainbridge House, the supposed primary residence of the scandal-ridden, embattled Senator Pedro Espada Jr. If only Pedro were home on 201st Street more often...this would be the perfect opportunity for him to take a stroll over to the Mosh to check out his possible primary competition!

~ErLu

For Those On the Hunt

...or just for the real estate voyeurs out there, here are some interesting open houses this weekend: [sorry it's a little late!]

Van Cortlandt Village South
3103 Heath Avenue #3 - 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo, 1,300 square feet - $399K
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday May 15th - 12pm -3 pm

Country Club
3179 Parsifal Place - 3 Bedroom, 1.5 bath, detached single family - $550K
OPEN HOUSE: Sunday May 16th - 11am - 3pm

Bronxdale/Pelham Parkway South
762 Brady Avenue #322 - 3 bedroom, 1 bathrooms, 1,200 square feet co-op - $238K
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday May 15th - 11am - 1pm

Westchester Village
1540 Silver Street - 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 2 family house - $469K
OPEN HOUSE: Sunday May 16th - 1pm - 3pm

~ErLu

Outdoor Arts and Music Fair at Westchester Square Tomorrow

The 2nd Annual Fair @ the Square will be taking place this Saturday, 5/15, at Westchester Square from 12pm to 4pm. Here are all the details:

Music – At Owen Dolen Park Plaza, free outdoor concert featuring the Bronx Indie Musicians of The Bronx Underground. Including Drew Torres at 1 pm (www.myspace.com/drewtorres), and A Moment's Worth (www.myspace.com/amw) at 3 pm.

Art – Art exhibits, “bronxArtworks” artisans’ sale, ArtWalk Guided Tours, Bronx Culture Trolley rides from Westchester Square to West Farms; including stops at the Bronx River Arts Center for a “Gallery Open House” and "Ask the Artist: Vidal Centeno" and at Drew Gardens.

For the kids – Scavenger hunts, kids’ arts & crafts, storytelling, crafts workshop, doll craft exhibit, face painting, and games. Saturday, May 15th 12-4 pm Free! @ Westchester Square, Bronx NY. Public Transportation: Subway: #6 train to Westchester Square; Bronx Bus: 40, 42, 31, 21, & 4 to Westchester Square. 9 Westchester Square, Bronx NY

~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories which we've rounded up for you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

Eight electric minicars caught used by the Parks Department caught on fire while charging at Orchard Beach yesterday [New York Times]

Prosecutors would like to see disgraced ex-Senator Efrain Gonzalez's jail sentence of seven to nine years extended to 11 to 14 years after he attempted to withdraw his guilty plea recently [Daily News]

A huge Bronx drug ring that was busted in Morris Heights yesterday allegedly provided valet parking for their best customers [New York Times]

A quick overview of the first Bronx Food Summit which was held May 1st [BxNN]

After 11 years of planning and $16 million in funding, Lehman College's state-of-the-art new media center is up and running [Norwood News]

~ErLu

Call for Artists!

From the inbox...

The Friends of Woodlawn and Lehman College Art Gallery are seeking photographs taken in Woodlawn Cemetery for the exhibition "Photographing Woodlawn." The exhibition will be presented at the Lehman College Art Gallery from September 21 through December 15, 2010.

Submission deadline: June 24, 2010

GUIDELINES:
Subject: all photographs must be current and taken in (or of) the Woodlawn cemetery. No funerals or memorial services please. Any image with a person requires a written release.
Number of entries: You may submit a total of five (5) entries. There is no entry fee. Please send a CD with jpgs, a printout of each image, a SASE, and a resume to:
Lehman College Art Gallery
250 Bedford Park Blvd West
Bronx, NY 10468.

No email submission will be accepted.

Gate hours: Both gates to the Woodlawn Cemetery are open from 8:30am to 4:45pm. The grounds are open 365 days a year. To access Woodlawn outside daily open hours, please contact Brian Sahd at 718-920-1469 or bsahd@thewoodlawncemetery.org.

All photos taken at the cemetery cannot be used for any purpose without the written consent of the Woodlawn Cemetery. Woodlawn or the Friends of Woodlawn will have full permission to use and publish all photographs for educational and promotional purposes in such manner as Woodlawn or the Friends seem proper.

All entrants will be required to acknowledge their agreement to these rules and regulations by signing a copy of this document, which will be made available at the Security Booths at the entrances to the Woodlawn Cemetery or in the Jerome Avenue Gate House (located just inside the Jerome Avenue entrance).

Artists will be notified by mid-July.

~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories which we've rounded up for you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

An editorial suggests that maybe some famous Bronx natives, such as Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Lauren, or Alex Rodriguez, should get involved to lend some star power to the movement to renovate and reopen the High Bridge [New York Times]

Members of the Fort Independence Park Neighborhood Association are making a push for landmark status for their neighborhood [Riverdale Press]

A coalition of community organizations believes the city should take over vacant luxury housing developments and use them to house the homeless...A report released by the coalition found 41 buildings in the South Bronx that are either completely or mostly vacant. [Citylimits.org]

A bit of an explanation as to why some Riverdalians insist upon listing their mailing address as "Riverdale" as opposed to "Bronx" [Riverdale Press]

Gustavo Rivera, who most recently served as an outreach director for Senator Kristen Gillibrand, has officially announced his candidacy for 33rd State Senate district [BxNN]

If you've got an eye-sore in your community that's been bothering you, feel free to snap a pic and send it into BxNN to be featured as their "Mess of the Moment" [BxNN]

~ErLu

The Dog Days of May...

Not only can dog lovers show their support for creation of the first-ever dog run in St. Mary's Park by attending this Sunday's fundraiser at Bruckner Bar & Grill, but they can also bring Fido out for a Pooch Picnic on Saturday at the Pelham Bay Park Dog Run. The event is free and will take place from 12 to 3pm. There will be a pet psychic, low cost micro-chipping and free vet advice. See the flyer below for more details!
Pooch Picnic Flyer 2010 Copy

~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories which we've rounded up for you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

Another look at how, thanks to a community which has rallied together, Melrose eatery Coqui Mexicano has been granted an additional six months to come up with $11,000 in back rent [New York Times]

Maureen "The Real Million Dollar Baby" Shea will return to the ring at the Paradise Theater this Friday, 5/14, for a bout against Norma Faris as part of the "Punchin at the Paradise 10" fight series [boxingnews24.com]

Nurses at Montefiore Medical Center rallied yesterday in support of a fair contract after higher ups have reportedly threatened cutbacks which would affect benefits [Daily News]

After being shut for three years, the High Bridge Public Library is now open for business after scheduled renovations went way over budget [Daily News]

BP Ruben Diaz Jr. will be announcing the induction of magazine founder Edward Lewis, singer Jerry Vale, former Congressman Herman Badillo, and Celtic flutist Joanie Madden this Wednesday [Daily News]

~ErLu

Lehman Art Exhibition Opening This Thursday

Daniel Galas, a young emerging artist that has been involved in the Bronx art scene since 2005, invites Bronxites to attend the opening of "We See Differently," an art exhibition he has curated over at Lehman College. The exhibit opens this Thursday, 5/13, at 5pm in Lehman's basement gallery.

Mr. Galas' exhibit is inspired by the idea that a group of artists looking at the same subject can create a surprisingly wide variety of artistic interpretations. Mr. Galas organized a free life drawing that took place over two days with the same model striking the same pose. He invited artists to submit their sketches, some of which were selected to appear as part of "We See Differently."

Please click here to read the blog of one of the artist's (Fred Hatt) whose works are on display in the exhibit for more info. To learn more about Mr. Galas, please click here to visit his website. He was recently profiled in The Riverdale Press, which you can access by clicking here.
We See Differently Exhibit at Lehman

~ErLu

Help Plan the City's Waterfront

The Department of City Planning is currently preparing Vision 2020: The NYC Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, and all NYC residents are invited to help. This plan will establish the city’s long range vision for a 21st Century waterfront, identifying opportunities for improvement and the strategies needed to realize this new vision.

Visit DCP's website here for plan updates, workshop announcements and to share your ideas and comments with them.

The Bronx workshop will be held this Wednesday!
May 12, 2010 6-8:30 pm
Hostos Community College
Savoy Building
120 East 149th Street, Bronx

~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories which we've rounded up for you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

One blogger's perception of life here in the BoogieDown (or "the urban equivalent of Appalachia," as she refers to the Bronx and the other outer boroughs) [blogcritics.org]

BD Note: As devout cheerleaders of the Bronx, the ole BD had quite a strong reaction to this piece about the Bronx. The author of the piece is a transplanted Manhattanite and the title of the first section of her blog post is "From Mecca to Slum." After pretty much bitching and moaning about the poverty, crime, and overall shittiness that apparently surrounds her "hidden oasis" coop building (complete with 24-hour security guards!), the blogger goes onto to say she enjoys "slumming it in the Bronx" because her money goes a lot farther here. Here's how she ends the piece:
So in short, we get a kick out of bargain hunting, anywhere from the local Rite Aid to the grocery stores, clothing stores, shoe outlets, 99 cent stores, and so on. It really is a rush to save money especially in these tough times, and a limited budget which has to stretch as much as possible. Living below one's means with some money in the bank for a rainy day is a good practice for anyone, from low to high income. So let the naysayers warn about the dangers of the area. I say, "Viva la Bronx!"
I'm baffled. How could someone complain so much about the state of the Bronx only to close their piece saying they don't want it to change? My head hurts.

The Silver Fox has all this week's juicy Bronx political gossip [Daily News]

A profile of New York Botanical Garden's new Emily Dickinson exhibit entitled "The Poetry of Flowers." [abcnews.go.com]

Westchester Square Hospital, a small medical facility near Jacobi Medical Center and the Weiler Division of Montefiore Medical Center, has filed a 5-year plan to reorganize and hopefully remain open [Daily News]

Parkchester will have a party around the Metropolitan Oval on Saturday to celebrate its 70th birthday [Daily News]

Children and teens involved in New Settlement Apartments' youth programs have raised $12,500 for Haiti [BxNN]

An online guide to all the upcoming Bronx Week events [Norwood News]

Monroe College Online will host a Bronx Week event to show adult students how they can attain a college degree while working and taking care of their families [caribbeanlifenews.com]

~ErLu

It's My Park! Day Saturday

This Saturday (5/15) is It's My Park! Day throughout NYC. Click here to see an overview of the day and figure out exactly where your local park's event is taking place.

For anyone living in the Bedford Park area, the Bedford Mosholu Community Association will be meeting at 10am at the Mosholu Comfort Station at Webster Avenue and Mosholu Pkwy. South.

The forecast shows just a few clouds and 72 degrees - perfect weather to get out and help clean up your local park!

~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories which we've rounded up for you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

Free haircuts are among the varied social services that Part of the Solution (P.O.T.S.) on Webster Avenue offers to the poor and destitute...those in need also visit P.O.T.S. for food, free legal assistance, and the opportunity to take showers. [New York Times with audio slideshow here]

An interview with Nicholas A. Lettire, the President and CEO of the Lettire Constuction Corporation...One of his company's current projects is the Via Verde affordable housing development in Melrose [New York Times]

Dozens of people showed up to an anti-gun march in St. Mary's Park on Saturday [abclocal.go.com]

El Jardine de Selene is the latest green mixed-income affordable housing development to be completed...the project's LEED-Gold certification is currently pending [Welcome to Melrose]

A profile of the NYPD's new Bronx Borough Commander, Assistant Chief Carlos Gomez [NY1]

~ErLu

For Those On the Hunt

...or just for the real estate voyeurs out there, here are some interesting open houses this weekend:

Allerton
2727 Morgan Avenue - 3 bedroom, 1 bath, single family, just north of Allerton Avenue - $405K
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday May 8th- 1pm-3pm

Throggs Neck
618 Vincent Avenue - legal two family near the water, 6 bedrooms, 2 baths, double lot and above ground pool - $549,977
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday May 8th- 1pm-3pm

Morris Heights
1774 Undercliff Avenue - 3 Bedroom, 1 bath, row house - $345K
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday May 8th - 12pm - 1:30pm

North Riverdale
5644 Netherland Avenue, #2E -1 bedroom co-op, decent size at 750 square feet - $160K
OPEN HOUSE: Sunday May 9th - 12pm -3pm

~ErLu

First Fridays! Event This Evening at Bronx Museum

It's the first Friday of the month, and the Bronx Museum is offering the below event for free this evening:

And The Beat Goes On!
Jazz Night with Valerie Capers

FRIDAY MAY 7, 6:00pm to 10:00pm
South Building—Lower Gallery
Admission: Free

This First Fridays! program will feature noted Bronx-born jazz pianist Dr. Valerie Capers, who also performed with a roster of outstanding artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis, Ray Brown, Mongo Santamaria, Tito Puente, Slide Hampton, Max Roach, James Moody and Paquito D'Rivera, among others.

Click here for more info.

~ErLu

Webster Avenue Rezoning Resource

With the possibility of the rezoning of Webster Avenue and Bedford Park Norwood being studied, the Department of City Planning has recently unveiled a website that folks can use as a resource to learn about the project.

The website provides information on the proposal including a project overview, description of existing and proposed zoning, and information on the public review process. Environmental review and ULURP information will be added to the website as it is made available.

Click here to check the site out.

Please note that there will be a public hearing regarding this issue on May 19th at the Bedford Park Senior Center (243 E. 204th Street) from 4pm to 9pm.

~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories which we've rounded up for you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

Blaming Albany, Bloomie unveils a "bleak" budget for NYC [New York Times]

A food systems and agriculture writer attends the Bronx Food Summit and wonders why it's so darn difficult to get good, fresh food into urban areas...She suggests a paradigm shift must be made to the way food comes into these dense areas [Huffington Post]

A study was recently released by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council which details the possibilities for extending the Greenway through the Bronx to provide residents access to the Hudson River [Riverdale Press]

Bronx Zoo animal keeper Ralph Aversa talking about the arrival of the lion cubs and how their personalities differ [Daily News]

A community farm has been established in Hunts Point and students from Discovery High School in Kingsbridge will help maintain it [Daily News]

The public is invited to weigh in on the rehabilitation of the High Bridge on Thursday night at PS 11 (1257 Ogden Avenue) at 6pm [Daily News]

A look at what divides and what unites the communities of Riverdale, Kingsbridge, Kingsbridge Heights, and Van Cortlandt Village [Riverdale Press]

BD Note: The most telling (and insulting?) line of the piece comes from a Riverdale resident who refers to residents "down the hill" (meaning Kingsbridge residents) by saying, “The people down there are more suspicious-appearing to me.”

~ErLu

A Walk in Woodlawn

About a month ago we stopped into the Rambling House for lunch (which was delish) and then took a walk around Woodlawn. It was a gorgeous day, and all the shops, pubs, and restaurants were bustling. I took some pics and have been meaning to post them for a while now. Enjoy!
Question...Has anyone ever eaten at that place Boulevard? It seems a bit out of place on the somewhat sleepy Katonah Avenue.

~ErLu

Round'em Up

Here are some Bronx-related stories which we've rounded up for you, our lovely readers, while trolling the interweb with our horse and lasso this fine morning:

It appears that another candidate, Gustavo Rivera, is considering jumping into the primary race to challenge Pedro Espada Jr....Rivera currently serves as an aide to Sen. Kristen Gillibrand [Capital Tonight]

'Fred the Godson,' a rapper from the South Bronx, is being hailed as 'The Next Great One' in the hip-hop community [musicremedy.com]

Mary McAleese, the President of Ireland, will be addressing the graduates at Fordham University's commencement ceremony this year [The Ram]

Find a safe place to hide your Viagra...a Bronx robber who has stolen the looooove drug, cash, and cigarettes is on the loose [1010WINS.com]

~ErLu