Support for Bam’s immigration plan here

Support for Bam’s immigration plan here

By Koi Germany

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 9- Bronx residents appear to support President Obama’s executive order that imposes changes in the nation’s immigration policies.

Seeking to streamline the process of becoming a naturalized citizen, the President has urged those who are undocumented to step forward and pay their share.

With a plan to strengthen border security and introduce earned citizenship among other guidelines, residents were questioned on this allocation of the nation’s resources.

Some were frank about the issue, commenting on what they believe are backwards policies in the United States.

“Politicians complain about immigrants, yet they hire them,” noted Ursuline Lindsey. “They’re here, and they work; we should make a pathway for them to contribute to the tax system.” Expressing a desire for greater accommodation, she added, “We have to secure borders, but we shouldn’t be sending people back home.”

“If they want to work, they should be widely accepted and represented,” asserted G. Tanya Clarke. Positing that the influx of workers will positively affect the economy, she claimed “We can put the labor to good use.”

Erol Ford, an immigrant himself, echoed these sentiments. “Whatever we’re afraid of is already here,” he opined. “I agree with the President’s spending.”

Others were in support, albeit skeptical. “I think I need to understand more. However these are progressive statements when people are too quick to marginalize,” commented Matthew Thompkins. “I have mixed feelings. We’ll have to see.”

The policies were also met with criticism from some.

“Everybody has the right to come here, but why should they receive rights we can’t?” shareholder Sheryl Parker lamented in dissent. “We should be worried about ISIS.”

Koi Germany, a sophomore at Hunter College who lives in Co­op City, is a contributing writer for the News.

#ImmigrationReform #Obama #Amnesty #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: Fordham Loses Final Home Game

Westchester Square News: Fordham Loses Final Home Game: Fordham Loses Final Home Game   By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 6-  The Fordham Rams (9‐19, 4‐13) hosted their final game o...

Fordham Loses Final Home Game

Fordham Loses Final Home Game  

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 6- The Fordham Rams (9‐19, 4‐13) hosted their final game of the season at the Rose Hill Gym on their campus in the Bronx on Wednesday evening. The visitors, the Duquesne Dukes (11‐17, 6‐11) were contesting Fordham for a better seeding in the following week’s Atlantic‐10 Conference Championship.

Prior to the contest’s start, Fordham’s basketball seniors were saluted on the court. Two, Halilaj and Gaitley, of the four players underwent the difficult task of making the team as walk‐ons. Erando Halilaj, a Bronx native, joined the team this year and saw action in five games. DC Gaitley, son of Fordham’s women’s coach, played in six games. The communications major suffered several injuries which curtailed his playing time at Fordham. Nihad Musovic, a Fordham Prep grad, played in 11 contests in his four years at the university.

Bryan Smith played 113 games during his career at Fordham. The Brooklyn native is completing his college career very impressively. He appeared in every game this season, and started the last 13 at guard. Smith averaged 11 points per game in his latest nine contests. He scored his season high of 17 points against Duquesne.

Seniors Lauren Hutt, student assistant, and Nick Stanaj, team manager, were also honored for their service to the basketball program.

The Rams spurted to an early 7‐2 lead during the first two minutes of action. Eight unanswered points by the visitors gave the Dukes a 10‐7 advantage two minutes later. A 16‐11 lead by Duquesne was turned around as the Rams scored 14 straight points, keeping the Dukes scoreless for nearly seven minutes to move ahead, 25‐16 at 6:56. Fordham’s first double digit lead, 29‐18, at 6:04 evaporated by the close of the first half as the Dukes outscored Fordham, 20‐6, to lead 38‐35, at the half.

The Dukes began the second stanza almost exactly as they closed the first with a 20‐7 scoring run to take their largest lead of the game, 58‐42, with 10:58 remaining in the game. The 40‐13 scoring differential those 15 minutes decided the outcome as the Rams cut the advantage to single figures only once in the final 11 minutes. The Dukes were victorious, 81‐66.

Both teams had balanced scoring. Five of the Dukes scored in double figures; each of four players netted 16 points including L. G. Hill who came off the bench and in only 18 minutes scored 16 and grabbed seven rebounds. Four of Fordham’s starters scored in double digits paced by Smith who led with 17.

Fordham’s 17 offensive rebounds gave them access to 12 second chance points contrasted to two for the Dukes. The 12 Fordham turnovers allowed the Dukes to score 17 points from turnovers while Fordham only scored two.

Fordham’s coach Tom Pecora explained his disappointment with his team’s lack of effort during their final home game of the season, “We probably lost it yesterday during practice” where he felt his players were resistant to putting in sufficient effort. He told reporters, “Whether there’s two inches or two feet of snow, we’ll practice tomorrow.”

He also noted the same insufficient effort during the contest, “They [Duquesne] went to the foul line 25 times and we went eight. That shows you who played harder. Effort should be a given.”

Another reason Pecora cited for the loss was the absence of Eric Paschall. The freshman is fourth in the conference in scoring with an average of 16.5 points per game. Pecora stated that he was not replaced, “We lost our bounce without Eric.”

Both teams play one more regular season contests before entering the Atlantic‐10 Championship on March 12 at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn.

#Fordham #Rams #Basketball #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: Double Down Dimwits Nabbed for Cell Phone Stickup

Westchester Square News: Double Down Dimwits Nabbed for Cell Phone Stickup: Double Down Dimwits Nabbed for Cell Phone Stickup By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 5-  One of three brazen thieves who robbed...

Double Down Dimwits Nabbed for Cell Phone Stickup

Double Down Dimwits Nabbed for Cell Phone Stickup

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 5- One of three brazen thieves who robbed an AT&T store for the second time-- has been captured by police.

According to several sources, the three bandits entered the shop at 3 p.m., on Friday, February 27 at 1709 Crosby Avenue at Middletown Road.

Fleeing with an undetermined amount of cash, police spotted one of the suspects and captured him after a brief foot chase.

One AT&T employee offered, "And it was the same people this time."

The employee added, "It was pretty stupid," returning a second time and added that the NYPD currently has a copy of the store's surveillance video from the latest incident and seeks to identify the two outstanding suspects.    

#NYPD #Cellphone #Stickup

Westchester Square News: Target Practice

Westchester Square News: Target Practice: Target Practice Passing Drivers Just Target Practice at Bronxdale Houses By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 2- Police say ...

Target Practice

Target Practice

Passing Drivers Just Target Practice at Bronxdale Houses

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 2- Police say a passing motorist was a live moving target for an armed individual outside of the Bronxdale Houses in Soundview.

At 3:20 p.m. on March 1, a female driver reported that the back window of her SUV was shot out as she drove down Beach Avenue where the incident took place.

One police official stated, "We didn't find a bullet, so we think it was a B.B. gun or pellet gun that was used.”

"Whoever did this," the official continued, "was apparently just taking target practice.”

The unidentified victim was not injured and after a friend assisted her with covering the back window with a tarp, she was able to continue her journey.

The unidentified friend said the woman was too shaken up to speak about the incident.

The Soundview section is patrolled by the 43rd Precinct. According to statistics released by the NYPD, the area had five shootings reported in the first seven weeks of 2015, unchanged from the previous year.

Officials could not immediately provide any additional details on the incident or the assailant.

#Gunman #Shooter #NYPD #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: Live Long and Prosper

Westchester Square News: Live Long and Prosper: Live Long and Prosper 100 PERCENT By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 2- One has to have been an original Trekie or fa...

Live Long and Prosper

Live Long and Prosper

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 2- One has to have been an original Trekie or fan of the original Star Trek series that aired from 1966 to 1969. Captain James Kirk (William Shatner), and others were the crew of the Star Ship Enterprise, that explored outer space representing the United Federation of Planets. Captain Kirk's second in command Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) was the only actor on the series to appear in all 80 episodes of the show. The character Mr. Spock became one of the show's biggest stars along with Captain Kirk. It may have been those pointy ears or uncanny logical reasoning of the character, or was it the great acting of Leonard Nimoy.

This was a television show in the late 1960's that already had cell phones; they were called 'communicators'. There were also weapons such as phasers to stun opponents, and proton bombs sent at enemies. This was a show ahead of its time. While many thought that Captain Kirk was the star, there were those who thought Mr. Spock was the star of the show. By the way, there were six motion pictures made, and four spin off series of the original Star Trek. However, we have lost Mr. Spock, and he will not come back to us as he did in the movie Star Trek 3. Leonard Nimoy has passed away at the age of 83. One of Mr. Spocks favorite lines was 'LIVE LONG AND PROSPER' as he raised his fingers in a special way as he said good-bye to friends. Good-bye Mr. Spock we will miss you.

Getting back to the real world, the DREAM ACT has once again been passed by the state assembly. It has died three times before in the state senate, and there is no reason why it won't a fourth time.

This year State Senator Jeff Klein is no longer Co-Leader of the state senate, but that has not stopped Governor Cuomo from bringing him back into the budget negotiations as the fourth person in the room. This has State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. so angry that he wants the Senate Democratic Conference to boycott the budget hearings. You can go to my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to read the letter he has written.

Governor Cuomo has finally called for that special election for the vacant Staten Island congressional seat. Brooklyn Democratic City Councilman Vincent Gentile will face off against Staten Island District Attorney Dan Donovan. Here in the Bronx who cares what is going on in Staten Island. I thought Staten Island succeeded from the city when Rudy Giuliani was mayor.

With all the chatter about Sheldon Silver in the state assembly, and rumors of possible charges coming down from the U.S. Attorney on Senate Representing Leader Dean Skelows, let's go to the City Council. Word I am getting from a very reliable source is that one of maybe two Bronx City Council members are going be named soon .by the Bronx DA or U.S. Attorney. Could it be Councilwoman Maria Del Carmen Arroyo on the petition she handed in, or could it be Councilman Fernando Cabrera about the Kingsbridge National Ice Center controversy? Check my blog for the latest developments.

Lastly the Bedford Mosholu Community Association will be holding their Annual Flea Market on Saturday March 7^th at the St. Mary's Orthodox Church on Bedford Park Blvd. and Decatur Ave. from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Admission is free.

If you have any political information that you may want to share or have checked out, 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.

#Spock #LeonardNimoy #StarTrek #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: What Happened to $10M Savings?

Westchester Square News: What Happened to $10M Savings?: What Happened to $10M Savings? Residents Forced to Pony Up More as No One Questions Where Millions Went By Michael Horowitz BRONX...

What Happened to $10M Savings?

What Happened to $10M Savings?

Residents Forced to Pony Up More as No One Questions Where Millions Went

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 27- What ever happened to the $10 million in annual savings the Riverbay Corporation was supposed to realize by refinancing the community’s mortgage through Wells Fargo Bank and HUD in 2012?

That’s what Riverbay board member Daryl Johnson and a leading supporter of Co­-op City’s privatization were asking this week.

Johnson noted, “It’s clear to me that the answer is that Co­-op City will continue to waste whatever money it saves as long as the Riverbay Corporation’s wasteful corporate culture isn’t changed. As long as we continue to approve major extra expenses on contracts after they are agreed to, we’re going to keep spending whatever money that we might save.”

Johnson stressed, “The real losers in all this are the shareholders, who are now being asked to pay another increase in carrying charges, after repeated increases in carrying charges during the time when Marion Scott ran Co­-op City’s management.”

Richard Friedman, a real­ estate professional who continues to strongly support Co­-op City’s privatization, stressed, “I have no use for what Riverbay president Cleve Taylor has to say, just as I had no use for what Herbert Freedman and the people with Marion Scott had to say. Mr. Taylor is falling back on the shareholders for more money, when he should, instead, be looking for new ways to increase income, such as through privatization and the development of commercial properties, and looking to cut expenses.”

Friedman stressed, “Raising carrying charges is the easy way out for any management. It’s easier to require that the shareholders pay more than to come up with other ways to maximize income and decrease expenses.”

Friedman concluded, “I watched Cleve Taylor, on TV, as he held court during recent town hall meeting on the proposed 4.5 percent increase in carrying charges. The whole thing literally turned my stomach, because, once again, the shareholders were being hoodwinked into believing that there was no way around the proposed increased increase in carrying charges.”

#RealEstate #CoopCity #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: RESIDENTS’ SHOCKING VIEWS ON ISIS:

Westchester Square News: RESIDENTS’ SHOCKING VIEWS ON ISIS:: RESIDENTS’ SHOCKING VIEWS ON ISIS: Terrorists Not Monsters Just Confused Young Men Who Need More Education There’s Nothing Obama Can ...

RESIDENTS’ SHOCKING VIEWS ON ISIS:

RESIDENTS’ SHOCKING VIEWS ON ISIS:

Terrorists Not Monsters

Just Confused Young Men Who Need More Education

There’s Nothing Obama Can Do

By Koi Germany

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 26- Co­-op City shareholders, speaking out on ISIS and its threat to Western Civilization, reacted in a variety of ways when they were recently interviewed.

Some of those questioned called the ISIS terrorists “monsters,” while others focused on the need to reeducate young Muslims.

As shareholder Peggy Sarvis stated, it starts with “young, confused people.”

And with the terrorists continuing to resort to brazen displays of violence, shareholders were asked about how they believed the President is handling the situation.

“He can only do so much,” shareholder Charles Aponte stressed. “Muslim countries need to unite and chip in; the United States can only do so much.”

Terry Richardson, a long­t-ime shareholder agreed, stating, “The President’s hands are tied. He can’t change the attitudes of those in the Middle East.”

The issue of homegrown terrorism was also broached as shareholders took a firm stand on the matter.

“It is something we should be concerned about as well,” opined Marcus Minott.

With the issue becoming more pressing, there is a call for action on the part of the people, to do something to halt ISIS’s reign of terror.

“I just think they need to be terminated,” Phyllis Hairston­Talley conveyed. “President Obama has

a nation to think about.”

Koi Germany is a sophomore at Hunter College and a long­time resident of Co­-op City.

#ISIS #Terrorists #Obama #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: Cat Lovers Give City the Bird

Westchester Square News: Cat Lovers Give City the Bird: Cat Lovers Give City the Bird  Said Officials Would Kill Rather Care for Strays Photo by Andre Rivera BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUA...

Cat Lovers Give City the Bird

Cat Lovers Give City the Bird 

Said Officials Would Kill Rather Care for Strays

Photo by Andre Rivera

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 25- The future of curbside animal shelters like this one, recently spotted near the Grand Concourse in Norwood, remain uncertain as the City Council will soon vote on a bill that would bring an intake center for stray animals to each borough. 

Despite all the snow and cold temps, animal lovers across the city have been refusing to call the Center for Animal Care and Control for fear that if the cats are not quickly adopted, they would be put to sleep. Residents say an unnamed animal lover began taking care of these stray cats in the area more than three years ago and the kitty motel sits on an abandon lot. 

The City Council's Health Committee was expected to discuss the bill on February 25, that if the bill passed, would establish a full-service animal shelter in every borough.   

#Cats #Shelter #NYC #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: Eagle Flies High in Tourney

Westchester Square News: Eagle Flies High in Tourney: Eagle Flies High in Tourney By Gary Quintal BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 25- Number 10 seed Eagle Academy for Young Men hosted ...

Eagle Flies High in Tourney

Eagle Flies High in Tourney

By Gary Quintal

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 25- Number 10 seed Eagle Academy for Young Men hosted the opening round of the 2015 PSAL Boys Basketball AA division Tournament on February 24th playing #23 Beach Channel.  

Underdog Beach Channel responded to the challenge holding close and eventually tying Eagle Academy twice in the second quarter before taking a 24-21 lead on a three pointer with 3:51 remaining in the second.  

Eagle would later tie the score a third time before two Beach Channel field goals in the final 45 seconds of the half gave Beach Channel its largest lead of the night 31-27.  

Eagle Academy poured it on the the second half, using consecutive three pointers to cap a 13-2 run taking a 40-33 lead that that they never relinquished. 

Eagle Academy cruised past Beach Channel 73-59. 

PSAL playoffs are slated to run through March 14th with the Second round to begin February 26th and 27th.  

#PSAL #Basketball  #Sports

Westchester Square News: Christening shooting

Westchester Square News: Christening shooting: Gunman gets 50 yrs for christening shooting that left 10-yr-old girl dead #Gunman #NYPD #DA #Bronxnews BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUAR...

Christening shooting

Gunman gets 50 yrs for christening shooting that left 10-yr-old girl dead

#Gunman #NYPD #DA #Bronxnews

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 23- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced that 32-year-old Edgar “Puebla” Morales has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the August 18, 2002 shooting at a christening party that took the life of 10-year-old, Melany Mendez, and paralyzed a bystander, Javier Tochimani.

After a six-week-long re-trial in October, 2014 before Justice Peter Benitez, Morales was convicted of: attempted murder in the second degree (Class B Felony), manslaughter in the first degree (Class B Felony), gang assault in the first degree (Class B Felony), criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (Class C Felony), conspiracy in the fourth degree (Class E Felony).

Morales was originally tried and convicted in late 2007 in the first-ever use of the New York State Anti-Terrorism Statute against an organized gang, the St. James Boys (SJB), which sought to dominate the neighborhood around St. James Park in the Parkchester section of the Bronx. That conviction was overturned by the New York State Court of Appeals in late 2012, which ruled that (in spite of language in the statute describing terrorism as acts “intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population”) that law did not apply to the illegal acts of gang members committed in order to coerce or intimidate adversaries.

The crimes took place when gunfire erupted outside the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Hall at 1891 McGraw Avenue.  

Innocent bystander Mendez was shot once in the head by a stray bullet during an altercation that began when Morales and other SJG members invaded a baptism party being held there.  Confronting a man whom they believed to be a rival gang member, words were exchanged and the target and his friend, Tochimani, attempted to leave. Morales and several other SJG members followed them outside, where they assaulted the two men and opened fire, killing the little girl and leaving the second victim permanently paralyzed.

Prior to sentencing, emotional victim impact statements were presented by Mendez’ best friend, and by Tochimani, speaking from the wheelchair to which he is permanently confined [his written statement in Spanish delivered by a Court interpreter and paraphrased here] – “He [Morales] has deprived me of my freedom…for the last 12 years my children have grown up without a father who can simply be with them…my wife is abandoned without my support. My beloved mother, every day since this horrible tragedy wakes up hoping that her son may one day walk. My family has been completely destroyed by these bad people.”

Tochimani is not only confined to the wheelchair, but has also lived in an institution since the day he was shot.

Says District Attorney Johnson, “The state's highest court may have found that these acts cannot be prosecuted using the state terrorism statute, but the terror perpetrated by organized gangs will not be tolerated, and we will bring members of these gangs to justice using the full force of the law.”

After Morales finishes his sentence he will have five years post-release supervision and will be subject.

Westchester Square News: Coats for Needy

Westchester Square News: Coats for Needy: Coats for Needy Council Member Andy King Spreads Warmth with Coat Giveaway #Coats #AndyKing #Bronxnews BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY...

Coats for Needy

Coats for Needy

Council Member Andy King Spreads Warmth with Coat Giveaway

#Coats #AndyKing #Bronxnews

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 23- Council Member Andy King is helping Bronx residents fight the bitter cold – one coat at the time.

Council Member King held a winter coat giveaway, distributing hundreds of winter coats, t-shirts and jackets to those in need.

Residents started lining up hours before the noon coat giveaway on Sunday. Luis Riquelme, 81, of Wakefield was the first to arrive at Council Member King’s district office on East Gun Hill Rd., Bronx.

“This is a fine coat,” said Riquelme. “It’s better than the one I have on now, which is old --  this is new.”

“There are far too many people – children and seniors included – who have been suffering through these bitter cold days without a coat. It is our hope to bring warmth and comfort to as many needy residents as possible,” said Council Member King who accepted the coats from the Bronx Clergy Taskforce and New York Cares.

“Three weeks ago I lost everything in a fire,” said Mary Edwards of Wakefield, who found a green coat at the giveaway. “This is fantastic, I really appreciate it. God sends us good people who do good things.”

This is the first year Council Member King hosted a coat giveaway. Based on the response, the Councilman said he plans to hold one every year.

Westchester Square News: Metro Center to Expand

Westchester Square News: Metro Center to Expand: Metro Center to Expand Jobs, New Ballfields to be Created #MetroCenter #Simone #RealEstate #Bronxnews BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUA...

Metro Center to Expand

Metro Center to Expand

Jobs, New Ballfields to be Created

#MetroCenter #Simone #RealEstate #Bronxnews

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 20- Simone Development Companies has submitted the winning bid to acquire and develop a 33-­acre site at 1500 Waters Place in the Bronx, adjacent to their existing 42­-acre Hutchinson Metro Center office park. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Joseph Simone, president of Simone Development Companies, made the announcement.

The site comprises the northeastern portion of the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) Bronx Psychiatric Center campus, including three primary buildings comprising an aggregate total of 900,000 square feet, as well as four smaller buildings and a steam generating powerhouse.

In an effort to reduce its facilities footprint, OMH is consolidating its current operations and will maintain a smaller, 43-acre campus of newly constructed buildings adjacent to the site. It is anticipated that the entire 33-acres will be available for development by mid­ 2015, after being vacated by OMH.

The New York State Urban Development Corporation, d/b/a Empire State Development (ESD), issued a Request for Proposals for the purchase and redevelopment of the 33-­acre parcel in the Morris Park section of the Bronx in November 2013. The site is surrounded by commercial, retail and institutional uses with a recent history of significant development by Simone, including the immediately adjacent Metro Center Atrium, a 360,000 square­foot complex including office, medical, hotel and retail space.

ESD President and CEO Designate Howard Zemsky said, “This announcement is wonderful news for the entire Morris Park community, which will benefit greatly from the construction of this new mixed­ use development. From medical and retail services to education and community space, this center will serve a variety of important functions for Bronx residents and provide important jobs for local business owners and workers. I look forward to breaking ground on this project and thank our team at ESD, OMH, and DASNY for their continued collaboration and efforts.”

Simone Development’s Hutchinson Metro Center, which borders the development parcel, is one of the most successful commercial projects in the history of the Bronx, totaling over 1.4 million square feet of office, medical and retail space that is nearly completely occupied by some of the leading medical, educational and government tenants in New York City, including Montefiore Hospital, Affinity Health Systems, Mercy College, the NYC Housing Authority, the IRS and the NYC Administration of Children’s Services among dozens of tenants employing over 6,000 individuals. The campus is also home to a new Marriott, the borough’s only major flag hotel, LA Fitness, Applebee’s and other major retailers.

“We are extremely gratified to have been selected to develop this parcel and add to the borough’s only Class A office park,” said Mr. Simone. “What started as a dream 20 years ago to transform this underutilized site has become a reality, and this new addition will allow Simone Development Companies to expand our vision for the New Bronx and attract even more employers to the area.”

Simone Development’s proposal for the site includes two construction phases totaling nearly 1.9 million square feet of new and renovated commercial space consistent with the aesthetic of the existing Hutch Metro Center, providing a cohesiveness that tie the projects together both physically and visually.

In Phase I, the existing Betty Parker Building at the site will be reconfigured to include infill at both ends, creating two open air courtyards. Upon completion, the revitalized building will total 500,000 square feet for business or medical offices, targeting such uses as a healthcare training institute, educational space and an incubator for biotech research.

The existing John W. Thompson Building will also be redesigned to include a business hotel with meeting facilities and a community college, both totaling 100,000 square feet. A 60,000 square foot parcel in back of the building will be converted into a two­level parking garage.

Phase I will also include construction of two new one-story retail buildings of 20,000 square feet each featuring service, retail and restaurant tenants. Simone will also build new athletic facilities including a baseball diamond and turf football/soccer/lacrosse field. Both fields will include related amenities and lighting for evening events.

Phase II of the project will include four new 10­-story buildings of 250,000 square feet each for business and medical offices, as well as an adjacent parking garage. All of the buildings in both phases will be clad in aluminum composite panels to blend harmoniously with Simone’s existing buildings at the Hutch Metro Center and target LEED certification and Energy Star rating. The existing Parker and Thompson buildings will be upgraded with LED light fixtures, high Solar Reflective Index and low flow plumbing fixtures to reduce energy use and conserve water. The parking lots will include electric vehicle charging stations.

The project is part of OMH’s continued efforts to enhance the efficiency of its real estate footprint and convert its large 76­-acre campus of older facilities into a smaller 43­-acre campus of new buildings at the Bronx Psychiatric Center. OMH’s ongoing efforts, which are expected to be completed by mid­2015, will enable the agency to facilitate new private development while maintaining and improving both its facilities and services in the area.

OMH Commissioner Ann Marie T. Sullivan, M.D. said, “The redesigned Bronx Psychiatric Center will be a state­-of­-the-­art campus providing high­quality, safe, and comprehensive mental health care to New York residents. Through innovative architecture, this new facility is designed to enable recovery and aid in the community reintegration of individuals with mental illness.”

Representative Joe Crowley said, “The construction of this new multi­purpose facility in Morris Park is an exciting development for the Bronx. I thank Empire State Development for their commitment in making the most of this incredible opportunity to create good­-paying jobs, spur our local economy and give back to the surrounding communities. Not only will this project have a revitalizing effect in the area but its impact will be felt for many years to come.”

Senator Jeff Klein said, “The new mixed­-use space announced today by Empire State Development marks a significant and profound investment in the Bronx. It's projects like this that are bringing good­-paying jobs to the community, creating opportunities for business to thrive and paving the way for future growth and economic success.”

Assemblyman Michael Benedetto said, “This is a great example of government and private business working together to achieve a stronger economy, by producing more quality jobs while at the same time helping business and quality of life in a community. I applaud ESD on this fine use of government/private company partnership.”

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said, “This development is a major new addition to our growing, diverse economy. This transformative project will create thousands of new jobs, and I am excited to bring this new professional and medical space to our borough.”

Westchester Square News: Hope for Pope to Visit Here

Westchester Square News: Hope for Pope to Visit Here: Hope for Pope to Visit Here Invitation for Pope Francis to Visit Yankee Stadium #PopeFrancis #Vatican #YankeeStadium #Bronxnews ...

Hope for Pope to Visit Here

Hope for Pope to Visit Here

Invitation for Pope Francis to Visit Yankee Stadium

#PopeFrancis #Vatican #YankeeStadium #Bronxnews

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 19- Once the Vatican announced the upcoming United States visit of Pope Francis would include New York City, many Bronx residents and public officials hoped the current Pope would follow in the footsteps of three of his predecessors by celebrating Mass at Yankee Stadium. 

As Pope Francis is scheduled to visit New York City in September and 2015 is the 50^th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s Mass at Yankee Stadium, Dr. Cary Goodman, the Executive Director of the 161^st Street Business Improvement District (161 BID), recognized how appropriate it would be for Pope Francis to celebrate Mass at Yankee Stadium and tried to garner support of public figures to approve an invitation to the new pope, elected less than two years ago.

The highly knowledgeable and pro-active Goodman explained, “I knew there was a rich history of popes coming to Yankee Stadium. Thus, I wrote a letter to Cardinal Dolan making that suggestion. I checked with the Yankees who were favorable.” Goodman next emailed elected officials who have an ex-officio relationship with the 161 BID, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Comptroller Scott Stringer, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and City Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, whose district includes Yankee Stadium. 

The above elected officials signed a newspaper ad, sponsored by the 161 BID, which includes the following words that certainly reflect the opinion of Goodman toward the iconic ballpark in his district, “A Mass at Yankee Stadium will help lift the spirits of our citizens and offer a vision of hope. Yankee Stadium is the Bronx’s great cathedral and the largest stadium in our city, a global icon befitting your ministry.”

Another reason that Pope Francis would be so appropriate a fit coming to Yankee Stadium is that he is the first pope born in the Americas, Buenos Aires in Argentina, and the majority of the Bronx’s residents are Latino. It should also be noted Pope Francis is 78 years of age and there is no guarantee that he will again travel to New York City.

U.S. Congressman Jose Serrano was the elected official and a signatory to the invitation that best understands the importance of a visit by Pope Francis to the Bronx. Serrano is a Latino who was born in Puerto Rico, a Roman Catholic, a true baseball and Yankees fan who does not attend Yankee Stadium for photo ops at ceremonies but to watch ballgames, and an experienced Congressman representing the people of the South Bronx since 1990.

The veteran Rep. commented, “We would be honored to host Pope Francis in the Bronx, the only borough in New York City with a majority Latino population that represents the diversity of our City and our nation. I hope his Holiness accepts our invitation to grace us with his presence and inspire us with his words. As the first Latin American Pope, his visit would be a historic and momentous occasion that would remain with us for generations to come.

Hopefully, with the support of the mayor and the approval of the Vatican, there will be another special day at Yankee Stadium in September.

The history of religious figures appearing and religious events taking place at Yankee Stadium are not limited to the recent past or to the Catholic faith. 

In May of 1927, four years after the Yankees played their first game at Yankee Stadium, there was a function of the Holy Name Society at which Cardinal Hayes addressed the gathering. Interestingly, a Catholic high school named for Hayes is now located only a few blocks from Yankee Stadium.

One year after Hitler came to power in Germany in 1933, a United Jewish Appeal benefit that was headlined by notable performers George Burns & Gracie Allen and Jack Benny was held to benefit the oppressed German Jews.

In 1957, the Rev. Billy Graham, then in his 30’s, preached at Yankee Stadium during the era when he was becoming a very popular evangelist.

Less than two months after Graham’s appearance, Cardinal Spellman celebrated Mass at the ballpark.

The following year, 1958, the largest crowd in the history of the Stadium, 123,707, attended a convention of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Days after the close of the 1965 baseball season, Pope Paul VI, the first pope to visit the United States, celebrated Mass at Yankee Stadium although he was only in New York one day.

During America’s Bicentennial year, 1976, the Rev. Myung Moon sponsored a “God Bless America Festival” in the renovated ballpark. 

On October 2, 1979, Pope John Paul II celebrated a Mass for World Justice and Peace.

In response to the horrific terrorist attacks upon the United States, a non-denominational “Prayer for America” was held 12 days after the September 11 attacks.

The most recent Pope, Benedict XVI, to visit Yankee Stadium offered a Solemn Pontifical Mass marking the Bicentennial of the Archdiocese of New York on April 20, 2008, the final year of the original Yankee Stadium.

One year later, almost to the day, the first non-baseball event in the newly constructed Yankee Stadium was held. The extremely popular Joel and Victoria Osteen drew a crowd of nearly 35,000 for a “Night of Hope.”

Five years later, the couple returned to Yankee Stadium for a sold-out and uplifting evening gathering.

Westchester Square News: Fordham Salutes 40th Anniversary

Westchester Square News: Fordham Salutes 40th Anniversary: Fordham Salutes 40th Anniversary of Holiday Festival Champs  #Fordham #Rams #40thAnniversary #Basketball #Bronxnews By Howard G...

Fordham Salutes 40th Anniversary

Fordham Salutes 40th Anniversary of Holiday Festival Champs 

#Fordham #Rams #40thAnniversary #Basketball #Bronxnews

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 19- Sunday afternoon’s Alumni Day at Fordham University was a special celebration of a great accomplishment of Fordham’s men’s basketball team. The Rams captured the title of the ECAC Holiday Festival Tournament of December 1974. The annual tourney played at Madison Square Garden during the final days of each calendar year usually featured several local colleges as well as ranked teams from throughout the nation.

Hal Wissel was in his fourth season as head coach of the Rams. In 1971, Wissel, after four seasons as head coach of Lafayette, replaced Richard “Digger” Phelps as coach of the Rams after the latter left Fordham for the coaching spot at Notre Dame. Phelps had led Fordham to a 26-3 mark and a place in the NCAA Tournament in his only year at the university. The Rams were 18-9 and were invited to the NIT in Wissel’s first season at the helm.

Although the 1974-5 Rams finished the season with a record below .500 (12-13), they did not travel an easy road nor was the season without highlights. The Rams played six opponents ranked in the top 16 nationally, four within the top 10. Their 1-5 record against these difficult opponents skewed what otherwise would have been a winning season. Speaking about the season’s schedule, Wissel explained, “[Freshman coach] P. J. [who also attended the reunion] was responsible for making the schedule.”

The day after Christmas of that season began a happy week for the Rams at the “Mecca of Basketball” in Manhattan. The first contest of the ECAC Holiday Festival was also the annual “Battle of the Bronx” against heavily favored Manhattan College. Fordham defeated the Jaspers, 82-70. Two days later, the Rams moved on to face the St. Joseph’s Hawks, their current opponent in an Atlantic-10 contest on Sunday of this ceremony. Similar to the 2015 game, Fordham crushed the Hawks, 93-66, on December 28, 1974. Wissel recalled one newspaper headline after that Fordham victory, “Rams Win Leads Them to Slaughter.”

Southern California, #5 ranked in the nation, crossed the country to take part in the 24th year of what at that time was one of the most prestigious tournaments in college hoops. Wissel remembered that tough opponent, “They had several seven footers and six on the roster went to the NBA.”

To the surprise of most observers the Rams easily defeated the visitors from California by 17 points, 83-66. Brown, named the MVP of the tourney, scored 25 and grabbed 14 rebounds in the tournament finale against California. Kevin Fallon, a 1976 graduate, was also named to the All-Tournament Team.

At Sunday’s post-game reception, Brown reminisced about that special day, “Forty years ago, we did something that was a team effort. That’s the Fordham way.”

During this year’s Holiday Festival, two months ago, Brown was presented with an ECAC Special Achievement Award. Brown, the 17th leading scorer with 1,233 points and 7th leading rebounder with 807 was inducted into the Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987. Brown is still happily connected to Fordham as a member of its Board of Trustees.

Wissel left Fordham after the 1975-76 season because his teams had records beneath .500. Wissel recognizes that attending a college or university is to prepare the student to successfully travel through the remainder of his/her lifetime. He explained on Sunday, “We did it the right way. We graduated our student-athletes. There were no under the table payments.”

Tom Pecora, Fordham’s current men’s basketball coach, follows the same ethical principles as his predecessor when he tells recruits to Fordham, “It’s not for four years it’s for forty.”

In addition to his many years of success as a college coach where his teams amassed more than 300 wins, Wissel worked in the NBA for 18 years. He held position as assistant coach, scout and an administrator for the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks.

Also present on Sunday was Bob Wolff, the legendary broadcaster of that well remembered tournament. Wolff, 94, has been broadcasting for 75 years, the longest career in history. Wolff achieved the mark for longevity because of his outstanding ability. He is one of only two broadcasters, along with Curt Gowdy, who has been enshrined in the Basketball and Baseball Halls of Fame.

The salute to the Fordham alumni included a special half-time program and a post-game reception. Both, as many other special athletic ceremonies were classily arranged by Associate Athletic Director Julio Diaz. The hard-working and humble administrator when complimented for his work in arranging this reunion tried to reflect the credit to Coach Wissel.

Westchester Square News: Manhattan, Iona Rivalry Heats up Bx.

Westchester Square News: Manhattan, Iona Rivalry Heats up Bx.: Manhattan, Iona Rivalry Heats up Bx.  #Jaspers #Iona #Manhattan #Bronxnews By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 14-  Desp...

Manhattan, Iona Rivalry Heats up Bx.

Manhattan, Iona Rivalry Heats up Bx. 

#Jaspers #Iona #Manhattan #Bronxnews

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 14-  Despite the below freezing temperature in the Bronx, the strangely late starting time of 10 p.m. and the televising of the Manhattan-Iona game on ESPU, Draddy Gym in Riverdale was sold-out for the latest installment of the men’s basketball rivalry between MAAC powers, the Manhattan Jaspers (12-12, 9-6) and the Iona Gaels (20-6, 13-2) on Friday night.

Manhattan, a college in the Bronx despite its name, last clashed with its northern rival from New Rochelle in the MAAC final on March 14. In that game, Manhattan won the title by edging Iona, 71-68. One year earlier, the Gaels won the MAAC championship after a 60-57 victory over the Jaspers.

Iona entered the game on a six-game winning streak, victorious in 11 of its last 12 contests. Manhattan has only lost one of its eight games on its home court this season, in overtime to Rider. The Jaspers won four of their last five games. Their last game was a second overtime loss to Rider.

It only took the visitors 5:30 to amass a double digit advantage.  Iona’s star junior, A.J. English scored a basket followed by a free throw to give Iona a 17-7 lead at 14:32. English, the son of an NBA veteran of the same name, scored 11 of his team’s first 17. English was the only Gael on last year’s All MAAC First Team and likely will be elected to it again. 

After the Gaels reached its largest lead of the first half, 19-8, at 13:09, the Jaspers, with the support of their fans, followed with an 18-7 scoring run to tie the score at 26 at 6:46. The Jaspers closed the run with 11 unanswered points. Iona dominated the closing minutes of the half with an 11-4 scoring run to take a 37-30 lead. Emmy Andujar, Manhattan’s leading scorer, was the only Jasper in double figures (11) in the half.

With a 7-2 second half start, the Gaels got their largest lead of the game, 44-32, at 15:01. With an extended 20-7 run by the Jaspers, which culminated in a three by perimeter shooting specialist Shane Richards of Manhattan, the Jaspers took their first lead of the contest, 52-51, with 9:16 remaining on the clock.

Iona scored the next seven points to move ahead by six. Manhattan moved to a deficit of only a single point on three occasions during the final minutes of the game until tying the score at 65 with 53 seconds left on an offensive rebound that resulted in a layup by Andujar. The game was decided with 29 seconds to go as English hit a three that broke the tie. It was another three point differential as Iona won 70-67.

The leading scorers were English and Iona freshman Shadrac Casimir with 22 each. The Preseason MAAC Player of the Year, David Laury, scored 11 and grabbed 9 boards. Andujar led the Jaspers with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Ashton Pankey scored 16 and Richards netted 12. 

The Gaels shot with extreme accuracy from the floor, 24 of 46 (52 percent) and from the perimeter, 11 of 18 (61.1percent) contrasted with the Jaspers 25 of 63 from the floor and 5 of 20 from beyond the arc. The game remained exceptionally competitive because the Gaels turned the ball over 21 times while the Jaspers had only 11 turnovers. 

Each team will next play on Sunday afternoon as Manhattan hosts Fairfield and Iona travels to Quinnipiac.