The BoogieDowner Welcomes Fresh Direct to The Bronx!

The Boogie Downer Welcomes Fresh Direct to The Bronx!

Since taking over the Boogiedowner, I have seen my blog as an alternative information source where various community activists could express themselves, share information or rally around an idea. Often times I simply disseminate information without taking a position. As we approach our 300,000^th hit on the Boogiedowner, there is an issue I cannot sit on the side lines about. The topic is related to the Fresh Direct Inc. coming to the Bronx.

Firstly, I want to clearly state which side of the line I stand on by thanking Governor Cuomo, Mayor Bloomberg, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the BOEDC for making sure the Bronx gets it fair share of economic development funds. The residents of the Bronx have underwritten more than one project in other boroughs. It is a welcomed opportunity that some of OUR money is actually coming back this way to RETAIN 2000 New York City jobs of which almost 600 are Bronx residents currently working for Fresh Direct, and the opportunity to compete for an additional 1,000 jobs as they expand and grow in their new home in The Bronx. Another added benefit will be the opportunities that other Bronx businesses will have to provide their goods and services to Fresh Direct Inc. In fact not only do I thank the above elected officials and organizations, I see it as their responsibility to protect the Hunts Point Community and The Bronx as a whole by bringing Fresh Direct to our borough.

At a time when New Jersey is actively poaching our industrial markets in Hunts Point, inaction would have been not only reckless, but negligent. Fresh Direct Inc. trucks will deliver product from our industrial markets making sure they stay right here in the Bronx, where they belong. In addition, the electronic truck fleet Fresh Direct Inc. has agreed to purchase from Smith Electric, another new Bronx based company, has the potential to revolutionize trucking throughout America. There are tens of thousands of trucks in Hunts Point. How many employees will Smith Electric need to keep up with the demand that could be created by the revolutionary realty of trucks run on renewable energy?

Congratulations to the IDA board that did not yield to pressures from individuals, many of whom do not even live in the Bronx, who voiced their opinion against the grants to support Fresh Direct Inc.’s move to the Boogie Down. If they want to yell crony capitalism, let them do so when grant money is allocated for projects in their communities. For far to long our borough has gotten the short end of the stick. Our residents need and deserve these jobs, and now were going to have them. It is about time The Bronx got its fair share.

Kudos to all for a job well done. If you disagree, you’re welcome to comment or send your own editorials.

NYC Comptroller Criticizes Suggested EDC'S Immigrant Entrepreneur Program

Here is an interesting e-mail sent by the NYC Comptrollers office on assistance for immigrant entrepreneurs. I assume he believes what is being proposed by the EDC is more posturing than long lasting help to immigrant entrepreneurs. Weather he is correct or not about the program, it's refreshing to see someone defending small business in NYC. Small business is the backbone of NYC and should be defended diligently. I believe he is as strong in his conviction to keep Wal-Mart out of NYC as well. Kudos to our Comptroller for always saving tax dollars and defending small business.

Gregory
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LIU STATEMENT ON EDC’S IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM
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NEW YORK, NY – City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to questions about his vote today opposing the Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC) request to hire a consultant to create a program that will assist the City’s immigrant entrepreneurs. The request was part of today’s Industrial Development Authority (IDA) agenda.

“While the goal of unlocking the potential of immigrant entrepreneurs is important and admirable, the EDC should be serious about the sustained advancement of this thriving community. The EDC should do more to engage immigrant entrepreneurs on a sustained and on-going basis, rather than participate in a one-time, ad hoc program that asks a consultant to do the job for them. The City needs to develop the expertise itself so that there are dedicated City resources providing this type of assistance to immigrant entrepreneurs on a long-term basis. This plan to engage a short-term consultant indicates that the City sees this effort as marginal. I oppose this effort because it is shortsighted and a potential waste of money.”