Councilman Vacca Introduces Reusable Muni-Meter Receipt Legislation

HOLY COW!!! If you thought a snow balls chance in hell had a better probability then the city passing legislation that would save people from onerous parking tickets, you might be proven wrong. Councilman James Vacca is behind the simple but ground breaking legislation where fairness trumps the cities insatiable need for parking ticket revenue.

Gregory
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Continuing his fight for parking fairness, Councilman James Vacca, Chair of the Council’s Transportation Committee, will be introducing legislation at the City Council Stated Meeting on Wednesday, February 1st. The bill would allow drivers who purchase muni-meter time at one location, to use the remaining time at a different muni-meter location.

New York City Department of Transportation officials have already stated that drivers who have time left on a muni-meter receipt can use that time elsewhere. However, judges and traffic enforcement agents have disagreed with this policy, forcing drivers to pay tickets when they have attempted to use purchased muni-meter time in a different part of the city outside where the muni meter time was initially purchased.

“New York City now raises over $600 million a year from drivers through parking tickets and fines. Many view the installation of muni-meters as another way for the city to increase revenue even though the city has consistently told us this was not the case. My legislation makes it clear that we will not be nickel and quartering drivers and they will be allowed to take excess time with them to their next location,” Vacca said.

Councilman Vacca encourages his colleagues to co-sponsor this bill.

COUNCILMAN JAMES VACCA RESPONDS TO FINAL FERRY POINT GOLF COURSE APPROVAL VOTE

From the press release just sent by Councilman Vacca and recent news about Donald Trump bidding for the concession, I would assume Trump got the contract. If anyone knows more please do share. The press release does not mention much besides Vacca's strong support for whatever deal was struck and acknowledgement that prior dealings were a huge fiasco.

Gregory

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BRONX ― The following is a statement from New York City Councilman James Vacca, in regards the to the New York City Franchise and Concession Review Committee’s approval of the Ferry Point Golf Course.

“A patient and appreciative Throggs Neck community has reason to celebrate today! 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, I was involved in creating this vision. 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"

"I know many people refuse to accept that it is indeed the Bronx that is getting a world class golf course, but they need to get over it! It speaks to a vibrant Throggs Neck community and a borough determined to reach even greater heights."

P.S. 83 Secures New Playground

Here is positive news on a new playground secured at P.S. 83.

Gregory
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Vacca, Out2Play to Cut Ribbon on New Playground at P.S. 83

Upgraded facilities made possible through $200,000 grant

Tomorrow Morning, Council Member James Vacca will join P.S. 83 students and faculty to unveil a new playground at the Morris Park school funded in part with a $200,000 grant Vacca secured through the City Council.

The much-needed upgrade ― which includes a new play structure, benches, a kickball diamond, a two lane running track, and a basketball hoop, as well as line games such as hopscotch, skellsy, a jump zone for jump rope and an alphabet and number grid ― was designed and built by the organization Out2Play.

Who: Council Member Vacca, Out2Play executive director Andrea Wenner, P.S. 83 Principal Claudia Macek, students, and staff

What: Ribbon-cutting for new playground

When: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 @ 9:30 AM

Where: P.S. 83, 950 Rhinelander Ave, the Bronx

Transportation Chair James Vacca Responds to DOT Bike-Share Announcement

There is a new plan to increase bike use in NYC. Bronx Councilman James Vacca who Chairs the Transportation committee issued the following statement in relation to the proposed bike-share program. If thought out and implemented properly it should be a constructive program for NYC. Other major cities have already had success with similar programs. In addition to the obvious environmental benefits, I also read that the funds for the program will be secured by corporate sponsors.

Gregory
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Transportation Chair James Vacca Responds to DOT Bike-Share Announcement

BRONX ― New York City Council Transportation Chair James Vacca of the Bronx today released the following statement upon news that the NYC DOT announced an RFP winner for the city’s Bike-Share program:

“With 600 stations and 10,000 bikes, Bike-Share may open up an innovative new transit option for New Yorkers. However, the rubber will only hit the road if DOT is totally committed to working with local neighborhoods and Council Members in the siting and implementation of Bike-Share, because these stations are going to take up valuable real estate on our public streets and sidewalks. Communities will now be looking for specifics on this plan, and I have been assured the process will be transparent and responsive. I intend to work with the city and my colleagues on the rollout of Bike-Share.”

Vacca Announces $250,000 to Modernize 45th Precinct: Open-ended rehab to usher stationhouse into the 21st Century

Kudos to Councilman Vacca for securing funds to modernize the 45th Precinct. More on the modernization can be found below.

Gregory
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Vacca Announces $250,000 to Modernize 45th Precinct
Open-ended rehab to usher stationhouse into the 21st Century


Caption: (l-r) 45th Precinct Community Council vice president Joe Boiko, president Bob Bieder, Councilman Vacca, and Capt. Green at the funding announcement

BRONX, N.Y. ― Council Member James Vacca has secured $250,000 in New York City Council funds to renovate the 45th Precinct stationhouse at 2877 Barkley Avenue. Vacca announced the allocation at the 45th Precinct Community Council meeting on September 8, where he was joined by Capt. Russell Green, commanding officer of the 45th Precinct, and Bob Bieder, president of the Community Council.

“No one works harder to keep our streets safe and livable than the men and women of the 45th Precinct, and they deserve to have a home base that is equipped with modern technology, modern conveniences, and a modern design,” Vacca said. “When Captain Green approached me and asked if I could set aside funds for a modernization, I immediately went to work seeking the funding. I am eager to see work begin in the near future.”

With funding officially earmarked for the precinct renovation, the project now enters the design phase, during which Capt. Green and Vacca’s Office will work with the New York Police Department to determine the specific scope of the improvements. Priorities include structural repairs and a computer system upgrade.

Speaker Quinn and Councilman James Vacca to Visit P.S. 105 Faculty to Demonstrate SMART Board technology

Here is a press release related to technology in Bronx public schools.

Gregory
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Speaker Quinn, CM Vacca to Visit P.S. 105 Faculty to demonstrate importance of SMART Board technology in the classroom Tomorrow morning at 11:30 A.M.

Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Council Member James Vacca will join Principal Christopher Eustace and several teachers at P.S. 105 in Pelham Parkway South for a pre-school year visit and tour. Vacca and Quinn will meet with school leaders and tour the building, followed by a teacher demonstration of how SMART Board technology is used in the classroom. P.S. 105 is slated to have a SMART Board installed in every classroom by January 2012 as a result of capital funding allocated by the City Council and the School Construction Authority.

WHO: Council Speaker Christine Quinn; Council Member James Vacca; Mr. Christopher Eustace, Principal of P.S. 105
WHAT: Pre-school year tour and SMART Board technology demonstration
WHEN: Tuesday, September 7, 2011 @ 11:30 A.M.
WHERE: P.S. 105, 725 Brady Avenue, Bronx

Vacca to Unveil Renovated Kitchen at City Island Firehouse Tomorrow afternoon at Noon

Here is a third consecutive posting about City Island. Congratulations to our bravest on their new kitchen and Councilman Vacca for again making sure the Bronx gets its fair share from City Hall.

Gregory
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Vacca to Unveil Renovated Kitchen at City Island Firehouse

Tomorrow afternoon at Noon, Council Member James Vacca will join former Council Member Madeline Provenzano, members of the FDNY, and City Island community leaders at Engine 70/Ladder 53 on City Island to cut the ribbon on the firehouse’s newly renovated kitchen. The aging kitchen was originally slated for a much-needed rehabilitation by Provenzano, and Vacca saw the project to completion by ensuring that the necessary capital funds remained in the budget.

WHO: Councilman Vacca; former Councilwoman Provenzano; FDNY officers and firefighters; City Island community leaders

WHAT: Ribbon-cutting of newly renovated kitchen

WHEN: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 @ 12:00 Noon

WHERE: Engine 70/Ladder 53 Firehouse, 169 Schofield Street, City Island, Bronx

Per Scholas Opens a Retail Location Bringing Low-Cost Technology to Local Area

Here is positive news about a non-profit with locations and programs in the Bronx dedicated to helping youth gain access to technology. The organization is opening a retail store at 804 E. 138th Street. I often hear good things about the organization and am happy they are able to expand, especially in today’s difficult economy. It’s important to make sure Bronx youth are not left behind due to a lack of funds to purchase technology. Technology has and will always be a major contributing factor to success on multiple levels.

If you are an individual, small business owner or corporate executive looking to contribute outdated computers or someone who knows a child that can benefit from the organization, please do forward this post. A few of the corporations who presently contribute outdated computers to the organization include, Con Edison, Fox Cable News, MasterCard Worldwide, Metro-North and Estee Lauder. Much kudos to all of them and everyone not mentioned. I wish Per-Scholas much success in their expansion.

Gregory
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Per Scholas Opens a Retail Location Bringing Low-Cost Technology to Local Area

NEW YORK, Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today Per Scholas opened a retail store at its flagship Bronx facility making affordable electronics a reality for Bronx residents and families throughout the five boroughs. This convenient retail location will serve the community by offering a variety of low-cost, environmentally-friendly laptops while meeting the IT needs of underserved communities through its comprehensive tech support services.

The computers from Per Scholas are low-cost machines that create opportunities to learn and succeed in school and in life by means of technology. Additionally, Per Scholas offers technology support services at below market-prices, including virus protection and removal, repairs and system diagnostics.

"We are thrilled to open this retail location that is centrally located in the Bronx. Purchasing a Per Scholas laptop is not only an affordable option, but also an environmentally responsible purchase," said Damien Howard, Vice President of Business Development at Per Scholas.
Mr. Plinio Ayala, CEO & President of Per Scholas, added, "We are confident that our affordable laptops will help our underserved communities touch the lives of their families with the gift of technology."

Per Scholas is opening this store with the support of city Council Member James Vacca and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. BOEDC has long been a supporter of Per Scholas, having connected 28 low income families to the tool of technology and 60 low income individuals on digital literacy skills at PS 55, located in the Empowerment Zone.

Per Scholas receives these end-of-life machines from companies wanting to help share the power of technology to improve the lives of those who need it. The donated technology is then reconditioned in an environmentally compliant manner by trained personnel and subsequently redistributed through different Per Scholas programs.

Per Scholas has recycled hundreds of thousands pieces of equipment since 1995, helping to improve the lives of local Bronx residents by making technology available and keeping retired IT equipment out of landfills and developing countries. In addition to the retail store, Per Scholas donates the technology to the children and elderly who need it most. The Per Scholas Training Institute provides community residents with an intensive, 18-week, hands-on computer and office-equipment training program that helps prepare them for high-skilled technical jobs at no charge to the participant.

The Per Scholas retail store is located at 804 E. 138th St in the Bronx and is open on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. For those who are not able to visit the retail location, Per Scholas frequently holds community outreach events to meet the technology needs of the larger area. Please visit http://www.perscholas.org/ and for more information.

About Per Scholas
Per Scholas is a non-profit social venture dedicated to using technology to improve the lives of people in low-income communities. Founded in 1995, Per Scholas provides environmentally responsible recycling for computer equipment, redistribution of the devices to community members and a computer technician program. For more information visit PerScholas.org.

Vacca, Harvest Home to Kick Off Jacobi Market with ‘Senior Day’ Giveaway, Health SCREENING

Here is information on another farmers market in the Bronx. This year’s kick off of the 2011 season will include various health screenings for local seniors.

Gregory
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Vacca, Harvest Home to Kick Off Jacobi Market with ‘Senior Day’ Giveaway, Health SCREENING

Tomorrow at 11 A.M., New York City Council Member James Vacca of the Bronx, Maritza Wellington Owens, founder and CEO of Harvest Home Farmers Market, and Jacobi Medical Center officials will officially kick off the 2011 season of the Jacobi Market with a giveaway for local senior citizens and a health screening for local residents.

Members of three local senior centers — Bronx House, RAIN Boston Road, and Sue Ginsberg — will survey the market’s array of fresh fruits and vegetables, while Jacobi staff provide information on smoking cessation, hypertension screening, women’s health, asthma, and nutrition.

The Jacobi Market is open every Tuesday, 8 A.M. to 4 P.M., through December. Fresh produce is sold directly by Trapani Farms, Glebocki Farms, S&SO, and Simply Valley. To accommodate low-income and elderly shoppers, the market accepts EBT, WIC, and Senior Farmers Market coupons.


WHO: Council Member James Vacca of the Bronx
Maritza Wellington Owens, Founder, Harvest Home Farmers Market
Representatives from Jacobi Medical Center, co-sponsor of the market
Local senior citizens and other fresh-food shoppers

WHERE: 1400 Pelham Parkway South, in front of Jacobi Medical Center Bronx, New York

WHEN: Tuesday, June 28, 2011, at 11 A.M.

Vacca to Join Community to Unveil ‘Rocco Miano Way’

Here is an event honoring Mr. Roccio Miano, who was a local leader in the Morris Park community. For those wishing to show their respect and attend the event please see the information posted below.

Gregory
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Vacca to Join Community to Unveil ‘Rocco Miano Way’

Family, friends gather to honor Morris Park icon’s legacy Council Member James Vacca will join local community leaders and friends and family members of Rocco Miano on Saturday, June 11, at the intersection of Morris Park Avenue and Hone Avenue, to unveil an honorary street sign marking “Rocco Miano Way.”

The street name honor was approved by the City Council in December 2010 at Vacca’s request to honor Miano’s decades of community involvement and activism. Miano was born and raised in Morris Park and served over three decades as a volunteer in his community. He was a founding member of the Morris Park Community Patrol, which he served for nearly thirty years and also served as the Vice President of the Morris Park Community Association for ten years and as a member for over thirty-five years. He was an usher at St. Clare’s Church for over ten years and was an active member of the St. Clare’s Father’s Club and Parish Council.

Who: Councilman Vacca, Members of Bronx Community Board #11, Members of Morris Park Community Association, friends and family of Rocco Miano

What: Dedication of “Rocco Miano Way”

When: Saturday, June 11, 2011 @ 10:30 AM Where: Intersection of Morris Park Avenue and Hone Avenue, Bronx

Council Members Vacca and Crowley and Rep. Crowley join Islanders, union officials to renew opposition to closure of Ladder Company 53

Once again City Island residents have to fight for their basic right to have a fire house on their Island. For those that don't know, City Island has one bridge connecting it to the mainland and a large stock of wood frame homes. One fire when the bridge is congested could ravage the entire island. For more information on the rally please see the post below.

Gregory
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Rally to Highlight Devastating Impact of Shuttering City Island Fire Company

Council Members Vacca and Crowley and Rep. Crowley join Islanders, union officials to renew opposition to closure of Ladder Company 53

Monday afternoon, City Council Member James Vacca, City Council Fire & Criminal Justice Committee Chair Elizabeth Crowley, and Congressman Joseph Crowley will join City Island residents and fire union officials to rally against the potential closure of Ladder Company 53. The Mayor’s Executive Budget, announced today, calls for the elimination of 20 fire companies citywide. FDNY has yet to disclose the specific companies on the chopping block, but Ladder 53 has been slated for closure in the past. If Ladder 53 were to close, first-alarm response times on City Island would double to over 10 minutes, compromising life and limb.


WHAT: Rally to oppose potential closure of City Island’s Ladder Company 53

WHO: City Council Member James Vacca,City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, Chair of the Fire Committee, U.S. Congressman Joseph Crowley, Uniformed Firefighters Association President Steve Cassidy, Uniformed Fire Officers Association President Capt. Al Hagan, City Island Residents, Merchants, and Schoolchildren

WHERE: Ladder Company 53, 169 Schofield Street, City Island, NY

WHEN: Monday, May 9, 2011, at 1:30 P.M.