On July 29, 2024, the New York City Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte, in collaboration with Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, City Council Member Kevin Riley, and community members celebrated the reconstruction of Edenwald Playground in the Bronx. Edenwald Playground was constructed in 1954 and is part of the land New York City acquired to build the 2,036-unit Edenwald Houses.
NY Elections, Census and Redistricting Update 08/05/24
by Jeff Wice & Alexis Marking
REDISTRICTING
Orange County Legislature Rejects Another Map
The Orange County Legislature rejected another county legislative map proposal on August 1st on a 10-8 vote. The map would have advanced to the public hearing stage if the county legislature voted affirmatively. Legislators objected to a map developed by the legislature’s redistricting subcommittee that confirmed with the state’s redistricting criteria and voting rights act. Legislators complained that they needed … <Read More>
Charter Revision Commission Approves Ballot Proposals for November, Leaves Out Council Bill
On July 29, 2024, the 2024 New York City Charter Revision Commission (CRC) approved five ballot proposals following their final public meeting. The proposals include: clean streets, fiscal responsibility, capital planning, public safety, Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, and modernization of City operations.
Clean Streets
This proposal aims to strengthen New York City Department of Sanitation’s ability to keep New York City healthy, safe, and clean by enhancing and clarifying its authority.
The amendment provides … <Read More>
DEP Launches Lead Service Line Replacement Program in the Bronx
On July 24, 2024, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection announced the commencement of a free lead service line replacement program. This program involves replacing privately-owned water service lines made of lead or galvanized steel at eligible properties in the Bronx. Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of their property’s service lines that connect directly to the City’s water mains. Service line replacements cost roughly over $10,000. This $24 million project is … <Read More>
City Agrees to $500 Million Investment to Build and Preserve Affordable Housing
On July 22, 2024, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander announced a $500 million agreement between Mayor Adams, The Battery Park City Authority (BPCA), and Comptroller Lander. The $500 million agreement involves BPCA providing $500 million in excess operating funds to New York City’s Affordable Housing Accelerator Fund to provide New Yorkers improved access to housing by building more affordable housing.
Parks Dept Celebrates Mill Pond Park Extension
On July 22, 2024, the New York City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, in collaboration with critical stakeholders and community members, celebrated the 2.8-acre extension of Mill Pond Park.
The project provides a link between community members, the park, and the Harlem River waterfront. The 2.8-acre extension includes a waterfront path, children’s playground and spray shower, adult fitness area, BBQ area with furnished with picnic tables, plaza and seating area, and a new public restroom.