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Monday, December 8, 2014

Bronx Political Icon Badillo Laid to Rest

Bronx Political Icon Badillo Laid to Rest

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 8- Often called a trailblazer for becoming the first Puerto Rican  to hold the office of Bronx Borough President, as well as becoming the nation’s first Latino elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Herman Badillo has died at the age of 85.

According to his longtime friend and spokesman George Arzt, Badillo died on December 3, from complications related to congestive heart failure at New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Hospital in Manhattan.

Badillo was a young lawyer who had served as New York Commissioner of Housing Preservation and Development before entering politics when he was elected Borough President in 1966.

Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970, Badillo served four terms representing New York's 21st District in the South Bronx.

In 1977, Badillo stepped down from Congress to become deputy mayor of New York City under then Mayor Ed Koch from 1978 - 1979.

Badillo ran five unsuccessful campaigns for mayor of New York City- in his last attempt he was defeated by Michael Bloomberg in 2001. Badillo would later assist in Bloomberg's reelection campaign in 2005.

In recent years, Badillo was a senior counsel for the personal injury law firm Parker Waichman Alonso.

In a prepared statement announcing Badillo's death, George Arzt stated, "He lost many elections but gained respect as a real fighter and as the nation’s highest-ranking Puerto Rican office holder."

Governor Andrew Cuomo said of Badillo, "From his tenure as Bronx Borough President to his work leading the CUNY Board of Trustees, he was a shining example of how a dedication to civil service can make a difference in the world around us."

Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., said of Badillo,"I am deeply saddened by the passing of a man whom I looked up to as a role model and who represented Latinos, Bronxites and all New Yorkers as an exemplary public servant."


Badillo was laid to rest after a private service held on December 7 at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home in Manhattan. He is survived by his wife Gail and son David from a previous marriage.    

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Which Pols are the Biggest Elected Turkeys?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Which Pols are the Biggest Elected Turkeys?: Which Pols are the Biggest Elected Turkeys? 100 PERCENT By Robert Press 1st Annual Turkey Awards BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 4- Just like m...

Which Pols are the Biggest Elected Turkeys?

Which Pols are the Biggest Elected Turkeys?

100 PERCENT
By Robert Press

1st Annual Turkey Awards

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 4- Just like many elected officials gave out turkeys last week, I am going to give my 1st Annual Turkey Awards to some elected officials. 

My first Turkey Award goes to all those Republican elected and party officials who did not believe in their candidate for governor Rob Astorino. Each and everyone of you deserve to get a Turkey Award. It reminds me of those turkeys on the other side of the isle who wrote off Bill Thompson in the 2009 Mayor's race. Both races were much closer then thought, and with a little more help from their own party who knows? However ,when he first came to the Bronx I asked candidate Astorino if he was running just to help get a Republican State Senate. Well Astorino lost and the Republicans won the state senate outright. Makes you kind of wonder if I was right.

The next and last Turkey Award goes to that big Turkey who runs New Jersey. What kind of deal did he make with Andrew Cuomo? Was it the Sargent Schultz attitude Cuomo took of 'I Know Nothing, I See Nothing, I Hear Nothing' when it came to Bridge-gate that got him Republican N.J. Governor Chris Christe's support? Or should I say lack of support for Cuomo's Republican opponent Rob Astorino.

It seems that Mayor Bill de Blasio turns to his Deputy Mayors when something happens for advice. Deputy Mayors are also at press conferences with commissioners and the mayor. Al Sharpton was with the mayor and police commissioner at a press conference, and Mayor De Blasio has defended Al Sharpton in his matters with the IRS and his wife's Chief of Staff woes. De Blasio even has said that he asks Sharpton for advice at times, so just when is Mayor Bill de Blasio going to name Al Sharpton a Deputy Mayor?
Back in the Bronx – It is party time no matter which party you belong to. On Sunday December 7th, The Bronx Conservative Party is hosting their Annual Holiday Party. The location is Spoto's Restaurant 4005 East Tremont Ave (in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx), and it will take place from 2 – 7 p.m. Bronx Conservative Party Chairman William Newmark always has a very interesting event including the delicious food. There is a $25 admission fee per person here, but one never knows just who may drop in.

On Wednesday, December 17th, The Bronx Democratic County Committee, Chairman Assemblyman Carl E. Heastie, and the Bronx Young Democrats are hosting their 2014 Holiday Celebration at the UFT Bronx Headquarters located at 2500 Halsey Avenue from 6 – 9 p.m. This event is free and open to all Bronx residents. You can call (347) 281-9757 for more information.

This past Sunday Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj celebrated the 102 years of Albanian Independence. This is very special to the first Albanian elected official in New York State. Hundreds of Albanians and others were on hand at Maestro's to celebrate their allegiance. America their new home, and to Albania the land they or their forefathers immigrated from. It was great to hear both National anthems, and see the dedication of tho Albanian-Americans to both countries.

Some others on hand were Senator Jeff Klein who spoke of how Assemblyman Gjonaj has improved the standard of living in the Pelham Parkway area of the 80th A.D. since being elected. I kidded Senator Klein that it was his old assembly district, and Senator Klein said that was a long time ago. 

Assemblyman Mike Benedetto also had only praise for Assemblyman Gjonaj, and the Albanian community. 32BJ, the service workers union comprised of 145,000 members of which 20,000 are Albanians received a citation from Assemblyman Gjonaj for their work in the Albanian communities of the Bronx and Staten Island. The Bronx Jewish Community Council received a citation also from Assemblyman Gjonaj for its food pantry that services over 400 area residents including over 100 Albanians, and that shocked Gjonaj. 

The third and last citation from Assemblyman Gjonaj was to Mr. Zeqir Kukaj. Mr. Kukaj was one of the first people who immigrated to the Bronx from Albania. He helped set up what is now the Bronx Albanian community. Assemblyman Gjonaj said to Zeqir, “Without you this could not have been possible.” You can go to my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to read more about the 102nd Celebration of Albanian Independence Mark Gjonaj style. There are some real good stories that I did not have room for in this column about the upcoming political year and beyond you may want to read. By the way, the food at Maestro's was delicious as usual.


If you have any political news that you would like to share, have any comments about this column, or have an event that you would like to have 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.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Biblical Beatdown

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Biblical Beatdown: Biblical Beatdown Man Beats Friend to Death After Coming from Church By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 3- Police are looking for ...

Biblical Beatdown

Biblical Beatdown
Man Beats Friend to Death After Coming from Church


By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 3- Police are looking for a dapper gunman with one drooping-eyelid and his two cohorts, who calmly waited for the gunman to take a haircut— before they robbed the joint and ran away with the shop’s cash register.

Cops were called to the Alante Barber Shop on Westchester Avenue in the Longwood section at just before 10 p.m. on November 29.

Police say that after getting his haircut the man produced a gun and the suspects preceded to rob the other customers, before fleeing down the street with the shops cash register.

Police say no shots were fired and no injuries were reported.

Detectives quickly pulled surveillance camera video that they would release to the media.

As quickly as police obtained the video, police identified the gunman as Ramael Pierson, 24, and would release a police mug shot of him from a 2008 arrest.

In the photo Pierson's left eye is nearly shut, possibly a medical condition as no swelling is evident.

Police could not immediately say if a witness identified Pierson or from facial recognition software now used daily by the NYPD.

Attempts to reach the shop owner were unsuccessful.


Police have asked anyone who has any information on the trio to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls remain confidential.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham wins playoff game at home

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham wins playoff game at home: Fordham wins playoff game at home (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 1- On Saturday afternoon, for the sec...

Fordham wins playoff game at home

Fordham wins playoff game at home
(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin
BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 1- On Saturday afternoon, for the second straight year, the Fordham Rams (11-2), the Patriot League title-ists, hosted the Sacred Heart Pioneers (9-3), the North East Conference champions, at Jack Coffey Field on the Fordham University campus in the Bronx in a first round contest in the FCS championship playoff.
Last year’s 37-27 victory by Fordham was the first football meeting between the two schools. It was also the first time the Pioneers qualified for the FCS Division I championship, and the first FCS playoff game hosted by Fordham. 

The weather on Saturday was not a factor in the outcome of the important contest as skies were filled with clouds; winds were blowing for less than 10 miles per hour and the temperatures were in the 30’s. 

The Thanksgiving weekend festivities held the crowd at the crucial playoff contest to a disappointing 2,442.

The Rams jumped off to an early lead, 14-0, after Mike Nebrich, the 2014 Offensive Player of the Patriot League, threw two touchdown passes in less than two minutes. At 12:11, Tebucky Jones, Jr. grabbed a one-yard touchdown toss, and at 10:43, Brian Wetzel scored after a 50 yard run after catching the second touchdown throw by Nebrich in the first quarter. The scores came on the second and third Fordham possessions of the game.

The Pioneers closed the quarter by cutting the Fordham advantage to 14-9.

Michael Marando began the second quarter by kicking the first of his three field goals in the contest. The 25, 23 and 38-yard kicks raised his career total to 45, a new Patriot League mark. 

Jones and Wetzel, two seniors who were selected First Team All-Patriot League, each caught eight of Nebrich’s passes and each scored a second touchdown in the game. With nine seconds remaining in the first half, Wetzel caught a 14 yard touchdown pass. The first score of the second half was a 97 yard reception by Jones. Nebrich commented on his fourth touchdown pass, “It felt like it was a good time to call it.”

Jones bested 1,000 receiving yards for the second consecutive season and Wetzel for the third straight year.

The final touchdown of the game was a 26-yard rush by Fordham freshman Chase Edmunds, the Patriot League Rookie of the Year. The Rams scored 10 points in the final quarter while holding the Pioneers scoreless. 

That result was a stark contrast to the regular season showing of the Pioneers in the final quarter. In their 11 regular season games, the Pioneers outscored opponents 80-22 in the fourth quarter.
Sacred Heart coach Mark Nofri honestly assessed his team’s performance after the conclusion of the game, “We didn’t play our best. They [the Rams] capitalized on it. Three or four times, we should have had touchdowns and we didn’t.”

Fordham’s head coach Joe Moorhead complimented Fordham’s opponent, “That was a quality opponent for the first round. We had to fight for every inch.” He then praised his own team’s performance, “This [game] was a point of reference of how we have to prepare for the next game. It was good enough to beat a quality opponent.”

The 44-22 final score was completely in sync with Fordham’s per game average this year. Fordham averaged 42.2 points and averaged giving up 21.6 points per game.


The victor, Fordham, will advance to the second round and travel to Durham, New Hampshire, to face the #1 seed of the FCS, the University of New Hampshire, on the afternoon of December 6.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Hayes Stuffs Mount in Turkey Bowl

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Hayes Stuffs Mount in Turkey Bowl: Hayes Stuffs Mount in Turkey Bowl (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Gary Quintal BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 28- In the 72nd edition of the annua...

Hayes Stuffs Mount in Turkey Bowl

Hayes Stuffs Mount in Turkey Bowl

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Gary Quintal

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 28- In the 72nd edition of the annual Thanksgiving morning Turkey-Bowl , Cardinal Hayes and Mount Saint Michael Academy battled each other and the snow.   

Mount Saint Michael was looking to avenge last season's 20-16 defeat, while Hayes was hoping to win consecutive match-ups for the first time since 1979-1980.  


The Mountaineers  could not get anything going on offense gaining only one first down in the first half while Cardinal Hayes book-ended their scoring with 1 yard touchdown runs. The first came the opening drive of the game and the second to end the third quarter capping the scoring with a 32-0 Hayes victory.


Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): What do you know about Thanksgiving?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): What do you know about Thanksgiving?: What do you know about Thanksgiving? Community Board News N’ Views By Father Richard F. Gorman Chairman Community Board #12 (The Bronx) ...

What do you know about Thanksgiving?

What do you know about Thanksgiving?

Community Board
News N’ Views

By

Father Richard F. Gorman
Chairman
Community Board #12 (The Bronx)

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 26- Thanksgiving is truly an American holiday. It originated in the New World. Even before it became a national holiday established by law, generations of Americans celebrated a day of thanksgiving for blessings received. Americans, despite diversity in faith traditions, racial and ethnic background, economic status, gender, age, or physical and mental condition uniformly anticipate and celebrate Thanksgiving Day.

One could suppose, then, that Americans know all that is fact about Thanksgiving. Do they? How about you, neighbors and friends? For example, do you know any or all of the following …

  • The first Thanksgiving Day was held in the Autumn of 1621, included 50 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Indians, and lasted three days. Many historians believe that only five women were present at that first Thanksgiving, as many women settlers didn't survive that difficult first year in the New World. 

  • Thanksgiving didn't become a national holiday until over 200 years later. Sarah Josepha Hale, the woman who actually wrote the classic song “Mary Had a Little Lamb” convinced President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 to make Thanksgiving a national holiday, after writing letters for 17 years campaigning for this to happen.

  • Historians say that no turkey was served at the first Thanksgiving. What was on the menu? Deer or venison, ducks, geese, oysters, lobster, eel and fish were. They probably ate pumpkins, but no pumpkin pies. They also did not eat mashed potatoes or cranberry relish, but they probably ate cranberries. There were no “Turduckens”  --  i.e., a turkey stuffed with a duck that is stuffed with a chicken. These were nowhere to be found during that first Thanksgiving.

  • The first Thanksgiving was eaten with spoons and knives, but no forks! Forks were not even introduced to the Pilgrims until 10 years later and were not a popular utensil until the eighteenth century. The Pilgrims, prior to utilizing forks, did use their fingers, however.

  • Thanksgiving is the reason for T.V. dinners. In 1953, Swanson had so much extra turkey  --  260 tons  --  that a salesman told them they should package it onto aluminum trays with other sides like sweet potatoes. Ergo, the first T.V. dinner was born!

  • Thanksgiving was almost a fast and not a feast! The early settlers gave thanks by praying and abstaining from food, which is what they planned on doing to celebrate their first harvest, that is, until the Wampanoag Indians joined them and  --  lucky for us!   --  turned their fast into a three-day feast!

  • Each year, the President of the United States pardons a turkey and spares it from being eaten for Thanksgiving dinner. The first turkey pardon ceremony started with President Harry S. Truman in1947.

  • Why is Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November? President Abraham Lincoln said Thanksgiving would be the fourth Thursday in November, but, in 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt moved it up a week hoping it would help improve the Christmas shopping season and spur the economy during the Depression era. It never caught on and it was changed back two years later.

  • The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924 with 400 employees marching from Convent Ave to 145TH  Street in New York City.  No large balloons were at this parade, as it featured only live animals from Central Park Zoo.
  • Turkey is not responsible for drowsiness or the dreaded "food coma." Scientists say that extra glass of wine, the high-calorie meal or relaxing after a busy work schedule is what makes one drowsy!

  • How did the tradition of watching football on Thanksgiving start? The National Football League started the Thanksgiving Classic Games in 1920 and, since then, the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys have hosted games on Turkey Day. In 2006, a third game was added with different teams hosting.

  • Wild turkeys can run 20 miles per hour when they are scared, but domesticated turkeys are bred are heavier and cannot run quite that fast.

  • Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States instead of the eagle.

  • Americans eat 46,000,000 turkeys each Thanksgiving.

  • Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's first meal in space after walking on the moon was foil packets with roasted turkey.

  • The heaviest turkey on record, according to the Guinness Book of Records, weighed 86 pounds.

  • Californians consume the most turkey in the United States on Thanksgiving Day!
  • Female turkeys, called “hens,” do not gobble. Only male turkeys gobble.

  • The average turkey for Thanksgiving weighs 15 pounds.

  • Campbell's soup created green bean casserole for an annual cookbook 50 years ago. It now sells $20 million worth of cream of mushroom soup.

So how many of these pearls of wisdom did you know?  Regardless of your expertise in Thanksgiving Day trivia, there is one most important thing that all of us know-- viz., that the need for and the origin of Thanksgiving Day both spring from a common yearning to acknowledge God’s loving goodness and His munificent generosity to us. Join me, then, fulfilling this need rooted in the very core of our being by praying these words, taken from the Preface of the Roman Catholic Mass for Thanksgiving Day:

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give You thanks.

We acknowledge You as the Lord of all Nations,
the Creator of land, and sea, and sky,
the Source of the wonders of nature and salvation.
Through Your Word You called all things into being,
that You might bestow on us Your love
reflected in the vastness of the universe
and the bounty of this earth.

You placed creation in our care,
yet You alone sustain all life with the gentle dew of Your Word
and the life-giving breath of Your Spirit.
Your gifts of nature have not exhausted Your goodness,
for the fullness of Your love is revealed by the imparting
of the manifold gifts of Your Grace.

Our hearts are moved to thankful praise,
and so we join the choirs of angels and saints
in proclaiming Your glory.

Amen.


Happy Thanksgiving! See you after the feast!

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Where did the Muni-Meter Go?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Where did the Muni-Meter Go?: Where did the Muni-Meter Go? Riverdale Report By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 26- It appears that after two very successful sit...

Where did the Muni-Meter Go?

Where did the Muni-Meter Go?


Riverdale Report
By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 26- It appears that after two very successful site visits to the 254th Street city park by the Metro North station the special Greenway Committee can get down to a little business. The next meeting of the special Community Board 8 Greenway Committee will be on Monday December 1st at the Riverdale YM/YWHA located at 5625 Arlington Avenue in the teen lounge starting at 7:30 p.m. Committee chair Phil Friedman was so jubilant during the tours, but he may not know exactly what he has gotten himself into as is the history of this Greenway project.

The last meeting of Community Board 8's Environmental and Sanitation committee proved to be more than just a lot of garbage. The city is now going to expand its composting project in the Bronx from the current Throggs Neck area to Riverdale on the other side of the Bronx. A spokesperson for the Department of Sanitation said that normally the city would expand out from the current pilot area, but that is hard to do in the Bronx. That is the reason a section of Community Board 8 from the city line down all the way on the West side of the Henry Hudson Parkway, and down to West 238th Street on the East side of the HHP. The project involves 2700 private homes who will be given a small composting bin free of charge by the city to hold their food waste products until the pick up date that will be the same as the current recycle day. Apartment buildings can join in, but the city right now is looking for at least 25 percent of the 2700 homes to join this pilot program before it is expanded.
The hope in the future is that the city can make a sizable dent in the waste that has to be sent to landfills outside of the city and state. Currently city garbage is trucked, trained, and boated to landfill areas at a huge cost to city residents. The less garbage the city would have to cart away the less it would cost, and save taxpayers money.

Lastly, check my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to see or should I say not see a Muni Meter that was missing from its base. To make matters worse the other Muni Meter on the block was out of order. If you are using a credit or debit card in these meters you should check to see that there is no scanner placed inside the opening to skim the card. There is a question of why so man of these Muini Meters will not take quarters, but only cards. This is happening on White Plains Road as well as on Riverdale Avenue, so be careful.

Lastly I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and thank those who have helped this holiday by giving or volunteering so that the less fortunate would also have a Happy Thanksgiving.


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.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): ‘Blood’ in the Streets Over Ferguson

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): ‘Blood’ in the Streets Over Ferguson: ‘Blood’ in the Streets Over Ferguson (Photojournalist Ken Murray is soaked in red paint aimed for Police Commissioner Bill Bratton--Photo by...

‘Blood’ in the Streets Over Ferguson

‘Blood’ in the Streets Over Ferguson
(Photojournalist Ken Murray is soaked in red paint aimed for Police Commissioner Bill Bratton--Photo by James Keinom, NY Daily News via Facebook)


Photojournalist Recalls Paint Toss Aimed for Bratton


By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 25- An angry crowd estimated between 300 - 500 took to the streets of Times Square to demonstrate the grand jury's decision to not indict police officer Darren Wilson in the August 9 shooting death of Michael Brown, 18, in Ferguson, MO.

Brooklyn-born photojournalist Ken Murray recalled getting the brunt of the red paint tossed at Police Commissioner Bill Bratton on Monday, November 24.

The violence in Ferguson and in Times Square broke out as President Barack Obama was asking the nation for calm and restraint regarding the decision.

Murray recalled, "He (Commissioner Bratton) was being chanted at and told to go home and some other things and then we got down the block a little bit and I got hit with the fake blood behind me, but I got the most of it."

A small army of photographers captured Murray covered in the red paint, mostly missing the intended target Commissioner Bratton.

"I didn't even flinch," Murray added, "I just kept taking my pictures."

Murray then moved with the crowd of police who quickly apprehended the former Occupy Wall Street protester, identified by police as Diego Ibanez, 26.

Ibanez was charged with assault and obstruction of government administration, disorderly conduct, harassment and criminal mischief.

As the crowd broke off into smaller groups, one group estimated at 250 walked and reportedly laid down briefly in the roadbed along the Tri-boro Bridge.

It's not immediately known if any additional arrests had been made.   


Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Lucky to be Alive!

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Lucky to be Alive!: Lucky to be Alive! Five Injured, 2 Critically in Bruckner Expressway Crash By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 25- A horrific crash...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Lucky to be Alive!

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Lucky to be Alive!: Lucky to be Alive! Five Injured, 2 Critically in Bruckner Expressway Crash By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 25- A horrific crash...

Lucky to be Alive!

Lucky to be Alive!

Five Injured, 2 Critically in Bruckner Expressway Crash

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 25- A horrific crash that sent an SUV to flip over several times has injured five people, including two children.

Police were called to the Bruckner Expressway at Elder Avenue at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 22. Investigators say a 31 year-old woman lost control of a 2005 Ford Explorer that was traveling eastbound when it hit a guardrail and flipped over several times.

Police say an 11-year-old boy was ejected from the back of the vehicle and suffered a severe head injury. He was transported to Jacobi Hospital and was listed in critical condition.

Officials reported a second child was listed in serious, but stable condition.

The unidentified driver and two additional passengers, a 17- year-old female and a 57 year-old woman were also listed to be in stable condition at Jacobi Hospital.

No charges have been filed in the crash, however police continue to investigate its cause.


The site is a half-mile away from where rookie police officer Michael Williams was killed in September when the police van he was riding in overturned near Hunts Point Avenue.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Throggs Neck Shopping Center Open

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Throggs Neck Shopping Center Open: Open for Business New shopping center opens in Throggs Neck in time for the holiday season BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 21- Simone Developme...

Throggs Neck Shopping Center Open

Open for Business

New shopping center opens in Throggs Neck in time for the holiday season

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 21- Simone Development Companies marked the grand opening of the new Throggs Neck Shopping Center in the Ferry Point section of The Bronx at the intersection of Lafayette Avenue and the Hutchinson River Parkway on November 20th, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by a host of elected officials and community leaders. 

Anchored by a 165,000+ square-foot Target department store – the retailer’s third Bronx store – the Throggs Neck Shopping Center features over a dozen new stores and restaurants including TJ Maxx, Famous Footwear, Sleepy's, Petco, Skechers, Metro Optics, BX Sports and Super Wines and Liquors, and coming soon, T-Mobile and Starbucks. For fantastic food there is Applebee's, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Subway and Sarku Japan. The shopping center also includes secure free parking for over 600 cars directly in front of the stores.

Speakers at the ribbon cutting ceremony included Joseph Simone, President of Simone Development Companies, Borough President Ruben Diaz, NYS Senator Jeff Klein, NYS Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, NYS Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, NYC Councilman James Vacca and Lenny Caro, Executive Director of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.  Joseph Kelleher, President, Simone Metro Properties, emceed the event.

“This wonderful new retail center is yet another example of how Simone Development is helping to transform and revitalize the New Bronx with innovative commercial and retail projects that create new jobs and boost the Bronx economy,” said Mr. Simone. “I’d also like to recognize Aaron Malinsky, Principal of Curbcut Urban Partners, and Paul Slayton of Slayton Investments, for their experience and involvement in this project.” 

The new Throggs Neck Shopping Center is a prime example of Simone Development Companies’ dedication to repurposing vacant and under-utilized commercial property in the New York metropolitan area. Simone Development Companies acquired the 7.9-acre site in 2011. The property had been used as a Postal Service equipment transfer station for many years and had been closed since September 2010.

Miles Mahony of Ripco Real Estate is exclusive leasing agent for Simone Development and its partners. Only 12,000 square feet of additional space is currently available at the Throggs Neck Shopping Center in various configurations.  


Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Subway Push Suspect Arrested

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Subway Push Suspect Arrested: Subway Push Suspect Arrested Expected to be Charged with Murder By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 19 - Police arrested a man in co...

Subway Push Suspect Arrested

Subway Push Suspect Arrested
Expected to be Charged with Murder

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 19- Police arrested a man in connection with the subway push murder of a Chinese immigrant.

Kevin Darden, 34, is expected to be charged with second degree murder charges at the Bronx Criminal courthouse today.

Officials say Wai Kuen Kwok, 61, was standing near the platform’s edge when he was shoved in front of the moving train at just before 9 a.m., on November 16 at the East 167 Street Station.

Kwok, an immigrant from Hong Kong, died instantly as three train cars passed over his body, before the motorman was able to bring the train to a screeching halt.

Investigators used area surveillance video to track the 'person of interest,' turned suspect as be boarded a Bx-35 bus into Highbridge where the surveillance video lost the man.

Shortly after the release of the surveillance video police questioned and later arrested Darden.

A second person was reported struck by a train at the St. Lawrence Avenue Station at 6:45 a.m. on Friday, November 14. Although no criminality was suspected, the condition of that victim was not immediately known.

Officials from the Metropolitan Transit Authority say that Kwok was the 50th person to die in a subway mishap this year, but the first to die at the hands of another individual.


Anyone with information on the individual or his whereabouts is asked to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are confidential.

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bank robbin’ fashionista at large

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bank robbin’ fashionista at large: Bank robbin’ fashionista at large By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 15- A would-be fashionista went to Bay Plaza not to shop the l...

Bank robbin’ fashionista at large

Bank robbin’ fashionista at large

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 15- A would-be fashionista went to Bay Plaza not to shop the latest trends but to try to rob a bank.

The well-dressed crook entered the Chase Bank inside the Bay Plaza Shopping Center at around 12:48 p.m. on October 28. Dressed as if he were headed to a fashion shoot, complete with a luxuriously looking scarf and high-end shades and pea coat, the man passed the teller a note demanding cash. However, cops said he fled the bank without the cash.

Police released surveillance video of the suspect in the hopes someone recognizes the would-be bank robber.

The suspect is a described as a black male in his mid 30’s. He is 5 foot 8, dark complexion with a mustache and beard. He was last seen wearing a gray cap, dark sunglasses, black and white scarf, a black pea-coat type jacket, blue jeans and dark shoes.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.
All calls are strictly confidential.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yankees’ Good Luck Charm Passes Away

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yankees’ Good Luck Charm Passes Away: Yankees’ Good Luck Charm Passes Away (Bill Stimers with Bert Blyleven, a Basebll Hall of Famer, in the broadcast booth at YS.    —Photo by ...

Yankees’ Good Luck Charm Passes Away

Yankees’ Good Luck Charm Passes Away

(Bill Stimers with Bert Blyleven, a Basebll Hall of Famer, in the broadcast booth at YS.    —Photo by Howard Goldin)

By Howard Goldin
BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 15- There are very few fans of sports teams who have become a part of the organization they root for. Bill Stimers, who passed away at the age of 67 on Thursday at the Hebrew Home of Riverdale, his place of residence for the past 10 months, was considered a valued member of the Yankee family by the Steinbrenners. 

Stimers, a devoted rooter for the Yankees since his early childhood, met Steinbrenner at Shea Stadium, where the Yankees played their home games during the refurbishment of Yankee Stadium, shortly after the Cleveland businessman led a group that purchased the Yankees from CBS. The story, as Stimers always told it, went like this, “I said to George, ‘Let’s hope the Yankees win today,’ and he just took a liking to me.”

Stimers was an only child, a brother died in a miscarriage, born to a middle class couple in Queens. His father worked on the Long Island Railroad and his mother was a telephone operator. The couple and their young son moved to Brentwood, Long Island, where they each remained for the rest of their lives. Even though both parents worked full-time, they were devoted to their son. To the day of his death, he told stories of his parents concern for him to a close friend. He remembered them with love and respect and was not embarrassed to say how much he still missed them.

At the age of five, Stimers attended his first baseball game in May of 1952. As his memory was astonishing, decades later he recalled seeing Mickey Mantle hit a home run and the Yankees winning the ballgame. He did not return to the Stadium for several years as his father thought he was too young for such an outing. 

He was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially of baseball, throughout his life. His ability to remember what he read, what he heard and what he witnessed made him exceptionally knowledgeable of many topics. He was one of the most well-known callers to radio station WFAN, where he was known as “Bill the Baker”

The sobriquet came from Stimers’ occupation at Entenmann’s Bakery in Bay Shore, Long Island. In his senior year in high school, Stimers worked in a co-op program at Entenmann’s. He kept the job after his graduation, and worked there until his retirement at the age of 50. 

Over the past several decades, Stimers attended many MLB All-Star Games and  World Series games. He told interesting stories of many events such as the earthquake during the World Series in San Francisco and seeing the final hit (#3,000) of Roberto Clemente. 

For whatever the reason, Steinbrenner was dedicated to the well-being of Stimers. On July 26, 1976, Stimers moved to a seat with his own nameplate in the Press Box at Steinbrenner’s behest. The Yankee owner told Stimers, “You’ll be more valuable to me in the press box than in the stands.” Stimers’ seat was next to Steinbrenner’s box in the old Stadium. The Yankee owner and members of his family often came to Stimers’ seat and engaged the dedicated fan in conversation. Steinbrenner joked with him, solicited advice on players and discussed that day’s game. He also invited Stimers to travel with the team to post-season playoff trips. 

Bill, who considered Steinbrenner his greatest friend, liked to recall that shortly after his mother died, Steinbrenner invited him to travel to the American League Division Series. When Stimers was threatened with the loss of the family home due to a second mortgage that his late mother took out, the Yankee principal owner saved the home by paying off the money owed. Those who are familiar with the relationship between the two men understand the charitable nature and compassion that was an important part of Steinbrenner.

Stimers retained his seat in the Yankee Stadium Press Box through the 2012 a. L. Division Series. He attended only nine games during the 2014 season, but had a seat in the lower stands. 

On an even more personal note, another devoted Yankee fan and extremely knowledgeable observer of baseball, my brother Jeffrey also passed away in 2014. The two had many congenial baseball conversations. Jeffrey was well-educated and had much knowledge and understanding of many diverse matters. He worked quietly, but with great capability and effort for the New York State Court System for many years. Despite being a private person and soft-spoken, he was very pleasant to spend time with because of his highly advanced sense of humor and kindness. Like Bill, the 65 year-old man passed away far too soon. He was a blessing to his family and all who knew him.


May you rest in peace Jeffrey and Bill. You are both missed.