By Daniel Beekman / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
FreshDirect is set to roll out two changes that promise to make its grocery delivery services accessible throughout the Bronx, but critics of the company’s planned relocation to Mott Haven continue to be unmoved.
The company will announce Friday that it’s set to become the first New York grocer approved to accept food stamps as payment over the Internet.
FreshDirect will also announce Friday that it will now accept delivery orders from every ZIP code in the Bronx.
The news comes amid debate over the approval of public subsidies for the company to build its new headquarters in the impoverished South Bronx.
FreshDirect opponents have noted that the firm currently serves just two Bronx neighborhoods, affluent Riverdale and Woodlawn.
Deliveries to all ZIP codes will start May 21, the company said. “We are thrilled that we are now able to serve the entire Bronx and provide residents . . . convenient access to quality, fresh foods,” said CEO Jason Ackerman.
Opponents have slammed FreshDirect, saying it’ll drive up asthma rates near waterfront in the Bronx.
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who helped broker the subsidy deal, called the announcements “tangible evidence” that the firm will be a “good neighbor,” and Mayor Bloomberg said it will “benefit the city by improving access to healthy foods.”
But local critics of the move don’t seem to find the arrangement any more appetizing.
“I don’t care about (FreshDirect) delivering to the South Bronx,” said Lily Kesselman, of Mott Haven. “South Bronx residents don’t need their services. We have food carts, urban farms . . . Our concern is the use of the waterfront for a facility that will increase diesel truck traffic.”
In February, the Bloomberg administration approved roughly $82 million in subsidies for the company to move from Long Island City to Mott Haven.
The city, state and Bronx have committed about $120 million to help FreshDirect, and the firm has vowed to create 1,000 jobs.
But the pricey package has sparked protests by community residents and government watchdogs, who argue that the deal lacks enforceable job guarantees and claim that FreshDirect trucks will pollute the Bronx waterfront.
Opponents have also slammed FreshDirect for its skimpy service in poor Bronx nabes where fruits and vegetables are scarce.
People who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — known as food stamps — are currently unable to buy online because the Electronic Benefits Transfer system only supports supermarket purchases.
But last week, the Feds approved a test program that will allow FreshDirect to serve a sampling of food stamp users in the Bronx.
The firm hopes the experiment will lead to online purchases nationwide.
“They are changing their entire business model for us,” Diaz said.
But opponents noted that many FreshDirect jobs pay at or near the minimum wage, and called the size of the subsidy package “ridiculous” in light of cuts to education and social services.
Ed Garcia, of Melrose, called the announcements a “good step” but claimed FreshDirect trucks will drive up asthma rates near stretches of the waterfront that should be preserved for parkland.
FreshDirect has yet to announce how the pilot will work, and when it will start.
dbeekman@nydailynews.com
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/freshdirect-set-deliver-zip-codes-bronx-article-1.1080250#ixzz1vFiq6NYl
This Monday, May 21st, the City Council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings will be holding an important public hearing on Resolution #1329.
This resolution, which was introduced by Council Members Levin, James and Dilan, calls on the NYS Legislature to pass S741B Squadron/A6394B Kavanaugh – legislation that would make the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) more inclusive by requiring members to have experience in areas beyond finance, economics and housing. This will help ensure that a wider range of voices are represented on the board.
This state legislation would also grant the City Council the power to confirm mayoral appointees to the RGB. That way, we’ll be able to ensure a better balance between tenant and landlord interests.
The hearing is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in the 16th Floor Committee Room at 250 Broadway in Lower Manhattan. Consideration of Resolution #1329 is expected to take place at approximately 2 pm.
If you can’t make it to the hearing, you can always email your comments and stories to us at speakerquinn@council.nyc.gov, and we’ll be sure to forward them to the Committee’s staff in advance of Monday’s hearing.
Rent Guidelines Board Public Meetings
At their May 1st meeting, the RGB announced the following proposed rent increases for rent-controlled apartments in NYC:
- For a one-year renewal lease commencing on or after October 1, 2012 and on or before September 30, 2013: 1.75% – 4.0%
- For a two-year renewal lease commencing on or after October 1, 2012 and on or before September 30, 2013: 3.5% – 6.75%
The RGB will continue to hold public meetings on these proposed guidelines until its final vote on Thursday, June 21st.
It’s important for tenants to remain active and vocal and to let the RGB know where they stand on these proposed rent hikes.
Details are listed below:
- Thursday, May 31, 2012, Public Meeting, Location: Landmarks Preservation Commission, Conference Room, Municipal Building, 1 Centre Street, 9th Floor, starting at 9:30a.m.
- Monday, June 18, 2012, Public Hearing (Public Testimony), Location: Repertory Theater of Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community College/CUNY, 450 Grand Concourse starting at 4:30 p.m.
- Monday, June 18, 2012, Public Hearing (Public Testimony), Location: Cooper Union, The Great Hall-Basement, 7 East 7th Street, near Third Avenue, starting at 10:00 a.m.
- Thursday, June 21, 2012, Public Meeting (Final Vote), Location: Cooper Union, The Great Hall-Basement, 7 East 7th Street, near Third Avenue, starting at 5:30 p.m.
For more information, please visit the RGB’s website at http://www.housingnyc.com/html/about/meetings.html.
Responsible Banking Act
We also wanted to share with you a recent victory for NYC neighborhoods.
At our Stated meeting on May 15th, the City Council passed Intro. #485. This legislation, which was introduced by Council Member Vann, will bring together banks, communities and government officials across the five boroughs to evaluate the banking needs of New Yorkers and their communities.
To this end, Intro. #485 calls for the creation of an advisory board that will evaluate how well banks are meeting the needs of the city’s neighborhoods based on several important factors, including:
- small business lending,
- homeowner mortgage payments,
- preventing the disrepair of foreclosed properties, and
- financing for affordable housing and economic development projects services in low- and moderate-income communities.
The Board will collect information, hold public hearings in each borough, and publish an anual report on banking needs in communities citywide.
Bringing together stakeholders to gauge how well banks are serving New Yorkers is a groundbreaking, collaborative approach. By illuminating the needs of the communities they serve, banks will be better able to meet those needs and reinvest in our communities.
We look forward to working with banks and other stakeholders on this important initiative and urge Mayor Bloomberg to sign Intro. #485 swiftly into law.
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Reminder: Shredfest returns!
A very popular event is back! The Department of Consumer Affairs is sponsoring their 5th Annual ShredFest throughout the City on Sunday, May 20 from 10 AM to 4 PM. The closest site is at the corner of Bronx Park East and Boston Road, near the Ben Abrams Playground. All residents are encouraged to attend and protect your personal identify by having your personal papers shredded…for free! You can bring any papers that have personal information (Social Security numbers, account numbers, birth dates, signatures, etc) that you are sure you no longer need to be shredded. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/shredfest or call 311.
Conversation group for non-native English speakers
Due to the resounding success of this program earlier this spring, my office is initiating another “We Are New York” English conversation group that will be held on Thursday evenings from 4:30 to 6:30 at the Westchester Square Library (2521 Glebe Avenue) from Thursday, May 24th through Thursday, July 26th. The program aims to foster English conversation among non-native English speakers and immigrant New Yorkers. Participants will learn about various essential City services while practicing their English skills. If you are interested in participating in the group, please call Tambra Gill at the library at 718-863-0436.
Last chance: SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
Applications are now available for the Department of Youth and Community Development’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). SYEP offers work experience, teaches valuable employment skills, and provides a summer income for New York City residents between the ages of 14 and 24. Applications are available at www.nyc.gov/dycd. The deadline for submitting your application is Friday, May 18. For more information visit the website or call 1-800-246-4646.
The owners of Babalu are (l.) William Padilla and Chef Alex Garcia.
Babalu, a new restaurant on E. Tremont Avenue that proudly boasts being a Chef Alex Garcia restaurant, is drawing rave reviews by the local community.
The restaurant, billed as a place “where Latin food and music dance together,” has gotten off to a fast start since replacing Club 7one8 at 3233 E. Tremont Avenue and opening its doors in February, said Garcia, one of the owners who operates Babalu with former 7one8 owner and Throggs Neck resident William Padilla. Garcia is the owner of two restaurants in Manhattan: Copacabana at 268 W. 47 Street and Calle Ocho at 45 W. 81 Street, he said. Padilla is a retired FDNY lieutenant and owner of Bronx Base Builders.
The restaurant takes its name from the title of a song Rickey Ricardo performed in the “I Love Lucy” television series, and promises to be a dinning destination where a wide selection of Latin food, including meat and fish, is cooked very simply on the griddle, Garcia said. He hopes to make the restaurant a staple of cuisine in Throggs Neck, the same way Tosca and Patricia’s are instantly recognizable to those familiar with E. Tremont Avenue restaurant fare.
“I think the more restaurants that are here, the better,” Garcia said. “If we can create a dinning destination that attracts not only people from the neighborhood, but also from the entire Bronx and even from Westchester, it is a great thing.”
Babalu will have an outdoor sidewalk cafe coming in the summer, and will be expanding to including a lunch menu, Garcia said. Right now, Babalu has a number of specials that represent dishes from countries all over Latin America: Cuban Arroz Imperial, Puerto Rican bacalaitos, pernil, chupe limeno, Brazilian moquenca, Veracruzano, and pabellon criollo. The specials menu will change regularly, Garcia stated.
“We are excited about the summer when we open the sidewalk cafe because then we can really showcase the restaurant,” said Garcia, who has been in the restaurant business since 1987 and is a graduate of both Florida International University and The Culinary Institute of America, located in Dutchess County.
Partnering with Padilla has added depth and dimension to the project, with Padilla keeping a keen eye on the music in the restaurant so that it will sound like what Latino patrons who may have emigrated to the United States remember from home, Garcia stated.
The restaurant is also fluent in serving entrees family style, Garcia said.
“We do a great concept with the food where everything is made to be shared,” Garcia stated. “Everyone gets a small plate and a large plate and then when the food comes you serve yourself.”
So far, the reaction from the community has been welcoming and positive, Garcia said.
For more information about Babalu, please visit babalubx.com, or call (718) 824-8400.
Author: Patrick Rocchio
Source: http://www.bxtimes.com/stories/2012/11/11_babalu_2012_03_15_bx.html
This spring, the City Island Theater Group is proud to present David Auburn’s acclaimed drama PROOF.
Often called a modern masterpiece, PROOF premiered on Broadway in the fall of 2000 and went on to play 917 performances winning the 2001 TONY AWARD for Best Play and the 2001 PULITZER PRIZE for Best Drama. This remarkable play combines elements of mystery and surprise with old-fashioned storytelling to provide a compelling evening of theater.
PROOF is the story of Catherine, a troubled young woman, who has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father’s who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Catherine, a genius herself, must deal with her most difficult problem of all: How much of her father’s madness or genius will she inherit?
PROOF stars CITG newcomer Taliesen Rose as Catherine with CITG favorites Kevin Gordon as Robert, Elizabeth Paldino as Claire and Denis Zepeda. With direction by Nina Gabriele-Cuva, PROOF promises to be a memorable evening of great theater on City Island.
PROOF premieres on April 27th and will run for 6 performances (4/27, 4/28, 5/3, 5/4, 5/5 @ 8:00 p.m. and 4/29 @ 3:00 p.m.) only! To reserve your seats for this thrilling production email tickets@cityislandtheatergroup.com
City Island Theater Group
PO Box 45
Bronx NY 10464
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