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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 1 Dead, 4 Injured in Country Club House Fire

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 1 Dead, 4 Injured in Country Club House Fire: By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, April 30- The fire marshal is currently investigating a house fire in the Country Club section that...

1 Dead, 4 Injured in Country Club House Fire


By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 30-
The fire marshal is currently investigating a house fire in the Country Club section that claimed the life of an
elderly woman and critically injured another.

Firefighters were called to the two-family home at 3205 Ampere Avenue at 7:40 a.m., on Tuesday, April 30. Within minutes of their arrival,
firefighters removed an 84-year-old woman and a 45-year-old male from the burning home.

Both were transported to Jacobi Hospital where the woman was pronounced dead and the man was reported to be in serious condition. The name of the victim was pending proper family notification.

According to the FDNY, three firefighter's suffered minor injuries.

According to one neighbor, the family had lived in the home for at least the last 30 years. The elderly woman, who had been sick recently, was somehow caring for her mentally disabled son.


 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Brazen Thief Robs Store Across from Police Station...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Brazen Thief Robs Store Across from Police Station...: By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, April 30- He must have had the luck of the Irish, when a thief robbed the Deals discount store located at ...

Brazen Thief Robs Store Across from Police Station

By David Greene
BRONX, NEW YORK, April 30- He must have had the luck of the Irish, when a thief robbed the Deals discount store located at 837 Washington Avenue--directly across the street from the 42nd Precinct.

Police officials have yet to acknowledge the incident that took place late Saturday, April 27, at the Duane Reade-type store.

One manager of the store confirmed an, "incident," took place, but refused to elaborate if it was a hold-up or a break-in. An employee would later refer inquiries to their corporate office, but did not have the number.

A resident of the building, who spoke on a condition of anonymity, stated, "I know that one of the detectives from the precinct, directly across from the building, asked me if I saw something. That's how I know that something happened downstairs."

A second resident stated, "You pay so much to live across from the police... you think your safe from that kind of stuff."

The 42nd Precinct, which covers the Morrisanna section, is currently experiencing an overall 14.97 percent decrease in crime. The latest statistics show the command has had two homicides in the first
four-months of the 2013, tied with the same time period last year.

However, the precinct also reported 72 robberies, down from a reported 95 last year, while burglaries are down from 45 to 32.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Caught on Tape: Gunmen Rob Bronx Barber Shop

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks Refuse to Knuckle Under

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks Refuse to Knuckle Under: Defeat R. A. Dickey and Blue Jays, 3-2 By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, April 29- The 3-2 win on Sunday gave the Yanks a four-game sweep...

Yanks Refuse to Knuckle Under


Defeat R. A. Dickey and Blue Jays, 3-2

By Howard Goldin
BRONX, NEW YORK, April 29- The 3-2 win on Sunday gave the Yanks a four-game sweep of Toronto and raised their season mark to15-9. They are currently on pace to win 101 games.
Starting pitchers Phil Hughes of the Yanks and R.A. Dickey of the Blue Jays hooked up in a swiftly moving pitchers’ duel that lasted six innings.
For the third straight start, Hughes left the game with the Yankees trailing, 2-1. Uneconomical with his pitches, Hughes threw a season high 111 pitches in his six frames on the mound.
Hughes, still without a victory, has pitched in improved fashion in his most recent three starts. He remarked after the contest, “I’m happy with the last three starts. I thought I had pretty good stuff. I felt I could have made better pitches at the end.”
Three consecutive singles with two out in the fourth scored the first Toronto run. Edwin Encarnación beat out a slow roller down the third base line that remained fair. Melky Cabrera blooped a single to left and Adam Lind drove in the tally with a ground ball through the middle. Lind reached base for the eighth straight game.
A managerial decision led to the second run off Hughes. With Jose Bautista on second and two out in the sixth, Lind was intentionally walked. The next batter, Macier Izturis, doubled to score Bautista.
Dickey, pitching in New York City for the first time since his Cy Young Award winning season with the Mets in 2012, worked effectively and efficiently except for the home run ball.
Brennan Bosch hit a solo home run to right with one out in the second. The second and third Yankee runs were scored when Lyle Overbay drove Dickey’s 92nd pitch into the stands in center, scoring himself and Travis Hafner, who led off the seventh with a single.
Both batters spoke to reporters about the Toronto knuckleball pitcher, Bosch said, “I faced him before. [To myself] ‘I said’ Let’s just have fun with this.” Overbay commented, “He’s definitely tough. He wasn’t making mistakes. You start taking an aggressive swing.”
Dickey was removed after seven innings, during which he walked one batter and only surrendered four hits. Sufficient damage was done because two of the four were home runs that drove in all three runs for the Yankees.
Despite the absence of Curtis Granderson, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Russell Martin, Andrew Jones, Raúl Ibañez and Nick Swisher, who accounted for 194 of the club’s 245 homers in 2012, the Yanks are currently leading the American League in home runs with 35.
The Yankee bullpen continued to live up to the words of Overbay, “Our bullpen has been our savior,” which were spoken after Sunday’s contest. Each of the relievers, Boone Logan, David Robertson and Mariano Rivera, pitched a scoreless inning. Logan earned the win and Rivera notched his ninth save of the month in nine save attempts. Rivera has converted his last 32 save opportunities at home.
Of the unparalleled closer, manager Joe Girardi proclaimed, “He’s like Jeet [Jeter] and Andy [Pettitte]. There’s not much they can do that’s going to surprise you.”
The Yanks will host the Houston Astros the next three nights. Veteran Andy Pettitte (3-1) will face right hander Lucas Harrell (2-2) on Monday evening.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

CC Beats Blue Jays


By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 28-On Saturday, for the first time in two weeks, a crowd of over 40,000 came to Yankee Stadium to see the to see the Yanks play. The beautiful day, sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-60’s, was made more beautiful for the 40,258 in attendance by the third consecutive victory of the Yanks over the Blue Jays. To add to the excitement, each was a come from behind win.

As is usually the case, the Yankees bullpen gets an undue respite when Sabathia is the starting pitcher. Sabathia pitched eight innings on Saturday despite not being in command of his best stuff. In 2013, Sabathia has pitched eight innings in three of his six starts and hurled seven innings or more in five of the six.

The perseverance of Sabathia on the mound is not a new phenomenon Last year, Sabathia pitched at least seven frames in 19 of his 28 starts.

The veteran left hander threw 80 of his 112 pitches for strikes. He has not exceeded that number in 2013 and only bettered it in four of 28 starts in 2012, He did not walk a batter in the game, a feat he only reached one other game this season.

After the contest concluded, Yankees manager Joe Girardi heaped praise upon his ace starter, “We needed a big performance out of CC. We needed distance and we got it. He finds a way to get it done. I didn’t think he was as sharp today as he’s been in April. The way he competes when he doesn’t have his stuff is what impresses you the most.”

Sabathia earned his fourth win of 2013on Saturday, April 27, the first time he has won four in the first month of the season, Sabathia is in his 13th big league season.

Four of the five Yankees runs were driven in by the designated hitter, Travis Hefner. In a rare start against a lefty, Hafner came through. Trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the fourth, the first two batters, Vernon Wells and Kevin Youkilis walked. Hafner took a 2-1 pitch from R.A. Happ into the right field seats to tie the score.

“Yankees killer” Brett Lawrie hit a solo homer in the sixth to give Toronto a 4-3 advantage.

The final two runs were scored in the bottom of the seventh. Robinson Cano doubled. He scored on a single by Wells. The winning run, Wells, was driven across the plate on a triple by Hafner.

The Yankees will attempt to achieve a four game sweep over Toronto on Sunday afternoon. Phil Hughes (0-2) will start for New York against R. A. Dickey (2-3) for Toronto. As a Met, Dickey was the National League Cy Young Award winner.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Yanks Still Homer

Even with Big Bats on Disabled List,
Yanks Still Homer

Three home runs propel Yankees to win over Blue Jays in the Bronx

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 26- Heading into a four-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays in the Bronx, the Yankees were leading the American League in home runs and third in baseball behind Atlanta and Colorado. That has been a pleasant surprise considering a lineup of noted home run hitters are on the disabled list.

After a shaky first few innings from starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, (3-1) who settled down and got the win, Vernon Wells, Robinson Cano, and Francisco Cervelli provided the home run power off Toronto starter and loser Mark Buehrle that led New York to a 5-3 come from behind win over the Blue Jays.

Wells connected off Buehrle (1-1) with a solo home run in the second inning, his sixth of the season and third against his former team. That reduced the Yankees deficit to 3-1. Cano, with two on hit his seventh home run in the third and Cervelli hit his fourth with a solo shot to left giving the Yankees their fifth run.

“He’s got a new life going over there,” said Toronto Manager John Gibbons about Wells. Gibbons was ejected from the game in the bottom of the seventh arguing a bobbled ball at first base. It was his second consecutive ejection from a game and 22nd of his career.

Kuroda gave up home runs to Edwin Encarnacion and Brett Lawrie in the first two innings along with six hits and three runs. But, he settled down and to manager Joe Girardi that was his best outing in five starts. He did not allow a hit after a double from Munenori Kawasaki in the second inning.

Girardi said, “This might be his best performance of the year. It says a lot because he didn’t have a whole lot.”

Joba Chamberlain and David Robertson pitched a scoreless inning. Mariano Rivera retired all three Blue Jays in the ninth and recorded his seventh save of the season. For Buehrle, it was his seventh straight loss to the Yankees, 1-9 in 14 starts.

DEREK JETER UPDATE: Before the game, Derek Jeter visited his teammates and updated the media on his setback with a fractured left ankle. Out since Opening Day, the Yankees captain vowed he will return sometime this season.

“No doubt,” he said with confidence in the press meeting room. He walked to the podium without the ankle boot that he has been wearing, and added, “When you have doubt that is when you have trouble.”

The Yankees have set no timetable for his return and have been utilizing Eduardo Nunez and, Jayson Nix at shortstop.

“I’ve been told this bone will heal,” commented Jeter. “When it heals, I will be ready to go. It is frustrating that I can’t magically make it heal sooner than it is taking. But there is no doubt. I have no doubt. I’m not getting into timelines. The last timeline I set, I didn’t make. Whenever it heals, I will be back.”

Jeter, 38, was saying there is no timeline however the Yankees have previously said they expected their captain to return after the all-star break. Last week he was diagnosed with a crack of the ankle that was surgically repaired resulting from an injury last October 13, in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fever Fridays in Fordham

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fever Fridays in Fordham: BRONX, NEW YORK, April 25- The Fordham Road Business Improvement District (BID) announces the 2 nd Annual Fordham Fever Friday’s even...

Fever Fridays in Fordham



BRONX, NEW YORK, April 25- The Fordham Road Business Improvement District (BID) announces the 2nd Annual Fordham Fever Friday’s event series! The events will place the first Friday of the month, May through October (May 3, June 7, July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 6, & Oct. 4) from 11a.m. – 4 p.m. at Muller Park & Pedestrian Plaza at East Fordham Road & Creston Avenue.

All are invited to join in on these event dates for a unique day of culturally diverse, fun-filled activities, giving shoppers and families a delightful experience while visiting one of the busiest shopping districts in the Bronx. Shoppers can take a break from bargain hunting and bring children to enjoy Native American Storytelling, face painting, artists displaying their artwork, live musical performances, book give-aways, food tastings and much more! 

The event series will feature themed days including Cinco de Mayo (May), Health (June), Independence Day Cookout (July), Back to School (Aug.), Football Season Kick Off (Sept.), and a Continental Food Show in October. 

This event is produced by Marketing & Advertising Solutions Inc. (MAS) and is made possible through the generous contributions of Affinity Health Plan, Citibank and Verizon FIOS.

For more information about this event or any of our other programs, events or services, please contact the BID office at (718) 562-2104 or visit the BID website at www.fordhamroadbid.org.


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Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Tag Sales Coming to Oval

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Tag Sales Coming to Oval: BRONX, NEW YORK, April 25- Community tag sales are coming to Parkchester! Searching for a bargain? We have it all – new and us...

Tag Sales Coming to Oval




BRONX, NEW YORK, April 25- Community tag sales are coming to Parkchester!

Searching for a bargain? We have it all – new and used items, house wares, antiques, clothing, toys, free giveaways, and much more!

Tag Sales will be held at Metropolitan Oval (Metropolitan Ave & Unionport Rd) around the fountain on the following dates:

Saturday, May 18th 2013 (Rain date Sunday, 5/19/13) &
Saturday, June 22nd 2013 (Rain date Sunday, 6/23/13)
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Vendors who would like to purchase a space in our tag sale should call PEP for Seniors at 718-409-1619 or email Nicole at ntambini@centerlight.org

The fee for VENDORS is $25. Anyone can be a vendor. No license required. Vendors can sell any new or used items, except for food and drink. 

The tag sale is a fundraiser for the PEP for Seniors NORC program. The Parkchester Enhancement Program provides nursing and social services along with educational and recreational opportunities for seniors 60+ living in Parkchester, enabling seniors to remain independent.

You can visit the PEP for Seniors web page at:

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Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Chain Snatcher Caught on Tape

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Chain Snatcher Caught on Tape: Gone in a Flash in Fordham By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, April 25- Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to catch a ...

Chain Snatcher Caught on Tape



Gone in a Flash in Fordham


By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 25- Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to catch a flashy chain snatcher who struck near Fordham University.

At around noon on April 19, a 60-year-old woman was walking near Fordham University. In front of 2505 Hoffman Street, the suspect attacked her from behind and ripped the chain from her neck and the cell phone out of her hand. The thief fled on foot and his victim sustained minor scratches and swelling to her neck.

The attack took place across the street from off-campus housing for Fordham University students. A surveillance camera captured the attack. The image shows the back of the attacker’s blue sweater which has a design in white similar to an Ed Hardy style outfit. In addition to the stylish sweater the thief was wearing sunglasses, blue jeans and white and black sneakers. He is a black male about 5 foot 8.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.


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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Construction Workers Charged with Gang Assault in ...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Construction Workers Charged with Gang Assault in ...: BRONX, NEW YORK, April 24- District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced that an indictment was unsealed charging five members of a mi...

Construction Workers Charged with Gang Assault in Scab Smackdown



BRONX, NEW YORK, April 24- District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced that an indictment was unsealed charging five members of a minority labor coalition with multiple counts of assault, weapons possession, and coercion stemming from a protest seeking jobs at a construction site.

The 42-count indictment charges defendants Sammy Lopez, Freddy Diaz, Willie Lidge, Carlos Cruz, and Leon Daniels with gang assault in the first and second degrees, attempted gang assault in the first and second degrees, assault in the first and second degrees, coercion in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the third and fourth degrees. 

The charges in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The defendants are facing maximum sentences of up to 25 years imprisonment if convicted of the most serious Class B felony offenses of gang assault in the first degree and assault in the first degree.

These charges stem from a violent confrontation on October 26, 2010 over a demand for jobs at a construction site at Bronxwood Avenue and East 213th Street. It is alleged that dozens of members of United Hispanic Construction Workers, Inc. converged on the site armed with axe handles, hammers and shovels in an effort to stop work if their members were not given jobs. An ensuing argument escalated and culminated in the unarmed workers being attacked. Several workers sustained serious injuries including a broken jaw and broken ribs, a head injury requiring staples to close the wound, and various injuries to the back, arms and forearms.

The target of the jobs protest was the Maspeth Supply Company which had been awarded a $25 million contract by the City of New York to repair water mains, sewer lines, streets and curbs at over a dozen locations in the Williamsbridge section of the Bronx.

The indictment unsealed consolidated charges filed previously. The defendants were arraigned on the superseding indictment before Acting State Supreme Court Justice Steven Barrett.

Sammy Lopez, 56, of Rogers Place, is free on bail of $350,000 bond or $150,000 cash.

Freddy Diaz, 47, of Timpson Place, is being held in lieu of $150,000 bond or $75,000 cash.

Willie Lidge, 26, of Webster Avenue, is being held in lieu of $250,000 bond or $100,000 cash.

Carlos Cruz, 34, of Simpson Street, is being held in lieu of $200,000 bond or $100,000 cash.

Leon Daniels, 56, Walton Avenue, is being held in lieu of $85,000 bond or $35,000 cash.


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Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cops Hunt Apartment Gunmen

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cops Hunt Apartment Gunmen: (Police outside of 2835 Webb Avenue after a man was shot inside the building.--Photo by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YO...

Cops Hunt Apartment Gunmen



(Police outside of 2835 Webb Avenue after a man was shot inside the building.--Photo by David Greene)


By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 24- Police are looking for the gunmen who opened fire on a male victim, striking him in the arm inside a Kingsbridge Heights building.

Officers from the 50th Precinct and paramedics responded to the seventh-floor hallway of 2835 Webb Avenue, at 12:36 p.m., on April 20, where the unidentified male victim was discovered with a gunshot wound to his arm.

The victim, who one source stated lived in the building, was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital in stable condition.

Police would canvas the area for the two suspects, both wearing hooded jackets, who fled northbound on Webb Avenue towards the confines of the 52nd Precinct.

Detectives were in the process of obtaining surveillance video from buildings in the area, in an attempt to identify the perpetrators.

According to 50th Precinct commander, Deputy Inspector Kevin Burke, police have video of the two suspects entering the building and are working to identify the individuals, but no arrests have been made at this time.

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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): $250 Mil Rehab of Armory Unveiled

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): $250 Mil Rehab of Armory Unveiled:   (Mayor Bloomberg Announces Plans to Transform Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx Into World’s Largest Indoor Ice Facility April 23, 201...

$250 Mil Rehab of Armory Unveiled


 

(Mayor Bloomberg Announces Plans to Transform Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx Into World’s Largest Indoor Ice Facility April 23, 2013
Photo by Edward Reed)


BRONX, NEW YORK, April 23- Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced plans to transform the iconic Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx – vacant since 1996 – into the world’s largest indoor ice facility. The landmark armory, which occupies a full City block at 29 West Kingsbridge Road, will be redeveloped into a 750,000-square-foot ice sports facility to be known as Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC).

 

KNIC will feature nine year-round indoor regulation size ice rinks, including a feature rink that can seat approximately 5,000 people and be used to host national and international ice hockey tournaments, figure and speed skating competitions and ice shows. The project will also include 50,000 square feet of space designated for community uses. It is expected that KNIC will draw more than 2 million visitors a year, vastly increasing the options of ice facilities in New York City, where there are currently only seven year-round ice rinks, none of which are located in the Bronx. The project represents a private investment of $275 million, which will generate 890 construction jobs and 267 permanent jobs. Mayor Bloomberg made the announcement at the Kingsbridge Armory and was joined by KNIC Partners LLC Founder Kevin Parker, New York Rangers hockey legend Mark Messier, Olympic Figure Skating Gold Medalist Sarah Hughes, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., City Council Member Cabrera and New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky.

 

“Through this redevelopment the Kingsbridge Armory will now have an interior program befitting its iconic exterior architecture,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “The construction of the world’s largest indoor ice rink facility will create recreational opportunities for millions of visitors and local residents, and most importantly create hundreds of jobs for the local community. This plan is proof that working together we can put aside our differences and do what’s best for the city.”

 

“This project is further proof that the Bloomberg Administration’s efforts to bring economic investment to the Bronx are paying dividends,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert K. Steel. “Soon this building, which has been vacant for more than a decade, will be brought back to life through hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment, becoming a destination for millions of visitors each year.”

 

“This historic announcement represents a great achievement for the Bronx and the entire City,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky. “The Bloomberg Administration has long been committed to revitalizing the Bronx, and this $275 million private investment is another step forward, bringing a landmark building back to life with the largest ice sports facility in the world, while creating nearly 1,200 permanent and construction jobs that will contribute the area’s long-term economic growth.”

 

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for the historic Kingsbridge Armory,” said Kevin Parker, founder of KNIC Partners. “I thank Mayor Bloomberg and the New York City Economic Development Corporation for this tremendous honor and for believing in our vision, and look forward to working with the community throughout this process to ensure the Armory’s future is as incredible as its past. This project is about opportunity, first and foremost, and we are confident the Kingsbridge National Ice Center will become a source of pride for the Bronx and all of New York City for generations to come.”

“This is a fantastic project, one that will bring living wage jobs and new recreation opportunities to the northwest Bronx while completely transforming a long-vacant space into a new amenity that will complement the surrounding community,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “This project shows the tremendous opportunity the Bronx has to offer, and I am proud to have helped move the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory forward.”

 

“I’m pleased to see the outcome of what my office initiated with the efforts and early-stage-discussion in the very beginning, paving the way for the deal that has been brokered,” said Councilmember Fernando Cabrera. “Back in 2010 I asked Seth Pinsky, President of the Economic Development Corporation, to consider releasing the Kingsbridge Armory Request for Proposals. I want to thank President Pinsky for his willingness to constructively engage the community in the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory. The EDC selected the developer based on the people’s best interest. I’m glad to see that the project has a comprehensive community benefits agreement that is going to bring changes to District 14, the Bronx and beyond.”

 

“Today we are one step closer to transforming the Kingsbridge Armory into an important economic engine for the surrounding Kingsbridge community and the Bronx as a whole,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “I am incredibly pleased that we were able to reach an agreement with the Kingsbridge National Ice Center that addresses the needs of the community I serve.”

 

“I commend Mayor Bloomberg for his leadership in reaching this decision,” said New York Rangers legend and NHL Hall of Famer Mark Messier. “As a hockey player, I believe the Kingsbridge National Ice Center will change the sport in the metropolitan area. As a New Yorker, I know it will also change this city, providing invaluable educational and athletic opportunity to thousands of young people, and transforming the Bronx into the new center of ice sports in the United States.”

 

“Today is a day for New York City to celebrate,” said Olympic Champion figure skater Sarah Hughes. “The Kingsbridge National Ice Center – and the educational and fitness initiatives it will create – represents new possibilities for so many children, including those who dream of one day becoming Olympic champions. This is the start of something incredible for the Bronx and I am proud to be part of it.”

 

Of the nine ice rinks, five will be located on the main floor and four will be constructed on two platforms elevated approximately 40 feet above the main floor. At least two rinks at KNIC will be sled hockey-compatible for people with disabilities. The facility is expected to be open 365 days a year. In addition to the ice rinks, the facility will feature: a wellness center, with off-ice training fitness, rehabilitation and sports therapy programs; dressing rooms and lockers with storage for individual hockey equipment; concession space; retail space for ice sport goods; and parking for approximately 480 cars. Renderings are available at www.flickr.com/nycmayorsoffice.

 

KNIC also plans to create a foundation to establish free after-school ice sports and academic tutoring programs for disadvantaged youth. The program will be modeled after the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation in Philadelphia with the goal of providing 12 hours of ice time each weekday during the school year and 9 hours each weekday during summer.

 

The project will now begin a comprehensive public and environmental review with an anticipated groundbreaking in late 2014. The entire project will be built in two phases, with the first phase, consisting of five ice rinks, 50,000 square feet community space, concessions and parking, expected to be complete by September 2018. The remainder of the project will be built in the second phase, which is expected to open by September 2019.

 

KNIC Partners LLC was selected through a competitive public process that began with the issuance of an RFP by NYCEDC in January 2012, and will now enter into a 99-year lease for the property. The RFP sought a redevelopment plan that would promote economic growth in Kingsbridge and surrounding neighborhoods, provide quality jobs for local residents, and create an exciting destination for people throughout the Bronx and the City.

 

Built between 1912 and 1917, the Kingsbridge Armory was designed by the architecture firm of Pilcher and Tachau and is an outstanding example of military architecture featuring Romanesque arches, vaulted ceilings, decorative brick and terra cotta, and large battlement towers. Thought to be the largest armory in the world, Kingsbridge Armory is an approximately 575,000 square foot landmarked building. The 180,000 square foot main drill floor measures 300 feet by 600 feet – more than a full New York City block – and is spanned freely by pairs of vaulted steel trusses that rise 110 feet above the drill hall floor. Beneath the drill floor, a 105,000 square foot basement level and a 207,000 square foot sub-basement formerly housed offices, a garage, rifle and pistol ranges, a dining room, a gymnasium, and an auditorium.  In addition, on the Armory’s south façade is a 35,000 square foot head-house, the central feature of which is a double-height entrance foyer with a vaulted ceiling. The Armory has not been used for military purposes since 1993. The City has invested about $30 million in capital funds for environmental cleanup in the building, replacement of its roof and repairs to the façade.

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Monday, April 22, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Water Main Break Wrecks Havoc in Fordham

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Water Main Break Wrecks Havoc in Fordham: (Photos by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, April 22- A broken water main flooded the backyards and basements of several b...

Water Main Break Wrecks Havoc in Fordham


(Photos by David Greene)


By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 22- A broken water main flooded the backyards and basements of several buildings and also caused a partial street collapse-- that nearly swallowed a truck.

Officials were first called to a report of flooding at E. 184 Street, between Ryer and Valentine Avenue's in the Fordham Heights section, at just before 8:30 a.m., on April 20.

Dozens of officials from the FDNY, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) responded as thousands of gallons of water quickly filled up in the basements of six building's and a large, shared backyard.

Children's toys and garbage could be seen floating in the murky water.

As a large DEP work truck responded to the scene, a large sinkhole opened at the corner of Ryer Avenue and E. 184 Street. The ground quickly swallowed the rear wheels of the truck.

Officials say the FDNY assisted in removing the truck from the hole. Water to the area was temporarily turned off to 250 customers in the area, as DEP crews would locate and fix the broken six-inch water main and valve. A Department of Transportation crew will also fix the hole in street.

The effected homes were between Ryer Avenue to the Grand Concourse, from E. 184 Street to E. 187 Street. Officials also say that a truck providing water to the community will be available during this emergency.    

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Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Manhattan Drops Doubleheader Against Canisius

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Manhattan Drops Doubleheader Against Canisius: BRONX, NEW YORK, April 22- Last season, the Manhattan College baseball team won its second consecutive Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (...

Manhattan Drops Doubleheader Against Canisius





BRONX, NEW YORK, April 22- Last season, the Manhattan College baseball team won its second consecutive Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) title by defeating Canisius twice on the final day of the MAAC Tournament. The Jaspers and Griffs met for the first time since those championship tilts on Saturday afternoon at Van Cortlandt Park. Canisius (26-10, 6-5 MAAC) swept the twinbill, taking game one by a 9-5 margin before posting a 4-3 victory over the Jaspers (16-20, 6-8 MAAC) in the nightcap.

Manhattan got on the board first in Game One, scoring three times in the bottom of the fourth. Chris Reynolds (Wall, N.J.) started the rally by bunting for a base hit. Reynolds then stole second and Christian Santisteban (Miami, Fla.) drew a walk, putting runners on first and second with one out for Ramon Ortega (Miami, Fla.), who delivered an RBI single to center field. After a wild pitch moved the runners to second and third, Brendan Slattery (Danbury, Conn.) knocked them both in with a single to center.

However, Canisius countered with a four-spot in the top of the fifth. The Griffs started the inning with three consecutive doubles and later added an RBI triple by Brett Siddall and a sacrifice fly by Jimmy Luppens. Canisius extended its cushion to 8-3 with four runs in the seventh. The big blow in the inning was Anthony Massicci’s two-run single to center. Massicci then scored on Ronnie Bernick’s single in the ninth, making it 9-3 in favor of the Griffs.

Ortega crushed a home run that was just fair down the left field line leading off the bottom of the ninth, and Joe McClennan (Highland Mills, N.Y.) followed with a walk. Andrew Gorecki (Smithtown, N.Y.) then smashed a double to left center that allowed McClennan to come around. However, he was left stranded on second, as the Griffs’ Rohn Pierce induced a pair of fly balls to close out the 9-5 Canisius victory.

As a team, Manhattan collected six hits in the contest, with Ortega going 2-for-2 with two walks, two runs scored and two RBIs. Slattery went 1-for-4 with two RBIs, while Gorecki was 1-for-4 with an RBI double. John Soldinger (Bay Shore, N.Y.) (2-3) took the loss after yielding six runs on six hits in six innings. He also struck out four and walked two. Kevin Bonanni (Plainview, N.Y.) tossed the final three innings, surrendering three runs on five hits, striking out two and walking two.
Four different Canisius players finished with two hits, as the Griffs collected 11 hits as a team. Massicci was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBIs, while Bernick went 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs. Garrett Cortright (7-2) earned the win after allowing three runs and four hits while also recording four strikeouts and four walks in eight innings. Pierce pitched the ninth was charged with two runs, two hits and a walk. He also registered a strikeout. In Game Two, the Jaspers picked up an unearned tally without the benefit of a hit in the bottom of the first. Nick Camastro (Lagrangeville, N.Y.) led off and reached on an error, and Reynolds bunted him over to second. Canisius pitcher Alex Godzak tried to pick Camastro off second base, but threw the ball into center field, allowing him to move to third. Kyle Murphy (Danbury, Conn.) then sent a grounder towards third and the Griffs tried to get the out at home, but Camastro beat the throw, giving the Jaspers a 1-0 lead.

The Griffs tied it with an unearned run of their own in the top of the second. Connor Panas singled to center field with one out, and he advanced to third when the ball was misplayed and rolled all the way to the wall. Massicci then singled to left, allowing Panas to score.

After Murphy and Santisteban led off the bottom of the fourth with back-to-back singles, Ortega put the Jaspers back in front with an RBI base hit to right. Godzak then retired McClennan on a foul pop up before Slattery ripped a single through the left side. Santisteban tried to score from second on the play, but was thrown out at home, and Canisius got out of the inning when Joe Rock (Carmel, N.Y.) popped up behind third.

Canisius immediately responded to take the lead. Chris Gruarin drew a one-out walk and Bernick followed with a single. Ryan Coppinger then sent a blast to the wall in center field that ended up as a two-run triple. Kelso was up next, and his scorcher back up the middle went for an infield hit, resulting in another run. Michael Martin (Massapequa, N.Y.) was then called upon in relief of Jacob Marchus (Miami, Fla.), and he retired the first two batters he faced to get out of the inning.

Murphy started a Manhattan rally when he was hit by a pitch leading off the bottom of the sixth. Santisteban then drew a walk, prompting Canisius to call upon closer Jon Fitzsimmons. Fitzsimmons got Ortega to fly to center, and Murphy tagged up in order to drew a throw. The throw to third went wide, though, and Murphy moved up on the error. McClennan was up next and dropped down a perfect bunt on a squeeze play, allowing Murphy to score and moving Santisteban to second as the tying run. However, Fitzsimmons retired Slattery on strikes to end the frame.

The Jaspers put the tying run on base again on Camastro’s two-out single in the seventh, but Reynolds struck out to end the game, giving Canisius a 4-3 victory and a doubleheader sweep.

Five different Jaspers singled in the game, with Murphy going 1-for-2 with an RBI and scoring twice. Ortega was 1-for-3 with an RBI, while Camastro went 1-for-4 with a run scored. Marchus (2-2), who’s normally used as Manhattan’s closer, made his first start of the season and lasted 4.1 innings. He took the loss after allowing four runs (three earned) and seven hits while also recording four strikeouts and two walks. Martin picked up a strikeout and didn’t give up a hit in 2.2 innings of scoreless relief.

Kelso was 2-for-3 with an RBI for Canisius, which collected seven hits as a team. Coppinger went 1-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs, while Massicci was 1-for-2 with an RBI. Godzak (6-2) earned the win after surrendering three runs (one earned) and four hits with four strikeouts and a walk in five innings of work. Fitzsimmons notched his sixth save after yielding just one hit and striking out three in two innings.

The Jaspers, who prior to last week had not been swept in a home conference doubleheader since 2007, have now lost four straight MAAC games (and five overall) at Van Cortlandt Park.


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Friday, April 19, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Clinton Mauled by Lehman

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Clinton Mauled by Lehman: Photos by Gary Quintal The Lehman Lions walloped Clinton 14-2 at Dewitt Clinton High School. Clinton's starting pitcher managed only o...

Clinton Mauled by Lehman




Photos by Gary Quintal



The Lehman Lions walloped Clinton 14-2 at Dewitt Clinton High School. Clinton's starting pitcher managed only one out while allowing the first 6 batters to reach base in a 6 run first inning. Heading into Friday's match-ups, Clinton is 3-3, while Lehman is 5-1. 

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Thursday, April 18, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Ruben Diaz Sr. Still Amazes Us

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Ruben Diaz Sr. Still Amazes Us: 100 PERCENT By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, April 18- Before I get into our headline, Saturday night rocked and socked as there was sta...

Ruben Diaz Sr. Still Amazes Us


100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 18- Before I get into our headline, Saturday night rocked and socked as there was standing room only at the ECPW Wresting event at St. Francis Xavier. The wrestlers battled it out in seven grueling matches, signed autographs, and mingled with the audience. I have many great photos of the wrestlers and matches on my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com so if you can see what you missed.

As for State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr., Saturday afternoon The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization inc. held its 25th Anniversary Banquet. The ballroom was packed with over 600 people including two of the top four Democratic, and the two top Republican candidates for mayor. Democrats New York City Comptroller John Liu, & former NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson, Republicans former MTA head John Lhota & supermarket magnate John Catsimatidis. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Bronx Assemblymen Marcos Crespo & Luis Sepulveda, and other minor candidates for mayor such as former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion and Rev. Erick Salgado.

One could see the pandering to the audience with the use of a few words of Spanish said by several of the candidates, and how each tried to tie their roots to the Bronx. Missing was the leading candidate for mayor City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, but while she was invited no one expected Quinn to come with in a mile of the banquet let alone the Bronx. You can go to my blog to see just which politician came to try and sway the powerful Hispanic Clergy swing vote. Also is a photo of Senator Diaz standing in the middle of the two Republican candidates for mayor with his arms firmly around both candidates.

Speaking of mayoral candidates, City Council Speaker Quinn was on Fordham Road last Sunday with State Senator Gustavo Rivera to get his endorsement. So far Senator Rivera is the only Bronx elected official that I know of who has openly endorsed Quinn for mayor, and I have to wonder why so many Bronx council members have said that they are refusing to endorse their speaker Christine Quinn for mayor.

Mayoral candidate Christine Quinn avoided a mayoral candidates forum that was held at Monroe College last week held by the City Action Coalition. City Councilman Pastor Fernando Cabrera opened the mayoral forum by introducing Monroe College President Steven Jerome who gave a wonderful description of the college and its offerings. Topics of discussion after opening statements included allowing faith based organizations use of school buildings during non school hours, sex education, who would be schools chancellor and police commissioner, and the stop and frisk policy. I asked several people if they had any opinion on Speaker Quinn's absence the answers ranged from “WHO?” to “that's how much she cares about the Bronx”.

87th A.D. Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda had the grand opening of his new (and the former Assemblyman Peter Rivera's old) office which is located at 1973 Westchester Avenue near the Hugh Grant Circle at Metropolitan Avenue. The phone number for Assemblyman Sepulveda's office is 718-931-2620. You can see photos of Assemblyman Sepulveda's office on my blog.

Zaro's Bread Basket a long time fixture at the corner of Westchester and Metropolitan Avenues was closed on April 9th by the New York City Health Department. There was a pending grade notice pending dated March 23rd.

Finally the Bronx Chamber of Commerce held their Women of Distinction luncheon last week with Ms. Juliet Papa of 1010 WINS fame as the Mistress of Ceremony. Ms. Brittany Mitchell (of Preston High School) sang the national anthem, and Sister Seline Mary Flores (of Providence Rest Nursing Home) gave the invocation. BCC President Lenny Caro gave the opening remarks as NYC Department of Corrections Commissioner Dora B. Schribo gave the Keynote Speech. The honorees were NYPD Deputy Inspector Nilda Hoffmann and Dean of Studies at Preston High School Linda Youngren. There were five one thousand dollar scholarship awards given to Zoraya Almonte, Faith Daniels, Selene Munoz, Rosalias Read, and Yaritza Rendon. You can go to my blog to see the honorees and recipients of the scholarship awards and other upcoming events being held by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce or go to their website at www.bronxchamber.org.

If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.

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Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Free Movies Kick Off Next week 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Free Movies Kick Off Next week : BRONX, NEW YORK, April 18- The Fordham Road Business Improvement District (BID) will host the first ever series of outdoor movie nights at...

Free Movies Kick Off Next week 



BRONX, NEW YORK, April 18- The Fordham Road Business Improvement District (BID) will host the first ever series of outdoor movie nights at Fordham Plaza throughout the summer of 2013. The line-up of these free events is as follows:

Friday, April 26th, 8:00PM: The Amazing Spider-Man

Friday, June 28th, 8:30PM: Despicable Me

Saturday, July 27th, 8:30PM: Megamind

Friday, September 6th, 7:30PM: Up, Brave & Oz: The Great Powerful (social media vote)

This is part of a larger BID initiative to expand the BID's boundaries into Fordham Plaza and neighboring commercial properties. There will be police presence at these events to ensure safety. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy the shows! 

The Fordham Road BID is a non-profit corporation under contract with the City of New York to provide supplementary services to the community.  The BID focuses on sanitation, beautification, promotion and overall advocacy of the Fordham Road area – striving to make the district a more attractive and dynamic locale in which to shop, work, and visit.  The BID boundaries extend from Third to Jerome Avenues along East Fordham Road and also includes the commercial areas on select side streets. 

The district is comprised of approximately 80 buildings and almost 300 businesses ranging from nationwide chains to locally owned independent shops.

For more information about this program or any of our other services, please contact the BID office at (718) 562-2104 or visit the BID website at www.fordhamroadbid.org.



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Bronx News (Bxnews.net): College is not for everyone

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): College is not for everyone: Wakefield Area News By Mary V Lauro BRONX, NEW YORK, April 18- Some of the most profound medical and physical discoveries were made during...

College is not for everyone


Wakefield Area News

By Mary V Lauro
BRONX, NEW YORK, April 18- Some of the most profound medical and physical discoveries were made during a time when college was not for everyone and yet, no one worried about it. Nowadays, it seems everyone worries about it. Why that is so, is anyone's guess.
First there is the question of money. Colleges cost so much that upon reflection they force couples to choose between having children and sending them to college. The Bachelor of Arts is expensive. The higher degrees are more so. There are no refunds. Children who decide to drop out still have a huge debt which manages to curtail not only their lives, but that of their families and children.
To the normal fertile brain, college study work is not difficult. But, as with other parts of the body, the rate of its development in every person is not the same. A young person may enter college thinking he would like to spend his life as a math teacher only to find it is too difficult for him or it does not interest him at all. A young woman may want to be a doctor but drops out of Pre-med when she realizes she is far more fascinated by History. Why are we spending so much money on what's called higher, education, when truth be told we are not doing so well on primary education?
Fifty years ago it was believed best to go to work immediately after graduating from High School. Working, it was believed matured the mind and taught the individual that life was not all fun and games. Today, it is the opposite. One is rushed or rushes into college as soon as possible. Whatever for? Does reading more books make one more intelligent?
If that were the case today's elementary school children would be a lot smarter than they were 20 years ago, but that is not the case. Tests seem to indicate the opposite. The blame is placed on the teachers who are accused of caring more for their jobs and wages than the success of their teaching arts.
This is not meant to be another diatribe against the teachers union. Far from it. It is meant to stem the indebtedness thrust on our young by the enormous cost of “higher” education. There are so many ways to earn a living without having to pay for learning it. Many of these are honorable jobs. Unfortunately however, in today's world, they don't earn million or billions, but they do earn sufficient wages to live a good life.
There would be no social order if there were no civil order. So, we may come to understand that a job in Sanitation may be more life serving than one in legal matters. Policing may be more lifesaving than teaching. And how about all those other wonderful jobs too numerous to mention, but all so necessary masonry, painting, plumbing, cooking, driving, cleaning, sewing, etc.

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