LATEST NEWS

Bronx Children’s Lives At Risk: New Study Reinforces Link Between Air Pollution & Autism

Many people often ask why we fight against the proposed move of FreshDirect move to the South Bronx — an area that is already plagued by asthma where 1 in 4 children have the life-threatening ailment. The truck intensive and polluting industry that is FreshDirect will only exacerbate such ailments in our community, something which many studies have clearly shown is a health problem.

Now, just after last month’s announcement about Columbia University’s study linking pollution to childhood ADHD, Harvard has released a study which indicates that pregnant women are at almost TWICE the risk of giving birth to a child with autism due to smog spewed by vehicles, or smoke stacks: something which the South Bronx has been a dumping ground for.

#ThisStopsToday Die-In & Peaceful March Through Melrose Marks 5 Month Anniversary of Eric Garner’s Death

Since the December 3rd failure of a Grand Jury on Staten Island to indict the cops in the killing of Eric Garner, many peaceful protests have been held across the city by thousands of New Yorkers uniting for peace and justice against Police Brutality and the fact that so many cops never get indicted due to grand juries.

Tonight The Bronx saw hundreds come out to not only honor Eric Garner on the 5th month anniversary of his death but to demand justice and an end to the killing of so many black men and people of color at the hands of the NYPD — and across the nation.

Breaking News: FreshDirect Plans “Secret” Groundbreaking Ceremony in The South Bronx

#WeNeedToBreathe

It’s been almost a 3 year battle since FreshDirect sweetheart deal was announced as a done deal to dump a trucking and pollution intensive industry in the growing residential neighborhood of Port Morris directly impacting those living in the immediate area including Mott Haven. The deal would bring over 1,000 trucks and trips a day adding to an area with 8x the national rate of asthma and now FreshDirect has hit a new low.

Word has been received that the company is planning a “secret” groundbreaking at the Harlem River Yards on Monday, December 22nd at 10AM so we are calling all those who have been fighting against environmental injustice and racism to join us on this date to rally against this move.

Botanical Garden Hosts Annual Winter Wonderland Ball – WSJ

The Bronx was once again the host of an extravagant ball and fundraiser at the New York Botanical Garden — an event that has been a favorite of many celebrities and who’s who in NYC. The Wall Street Journal writes of the event:

“The New York Botanical Garden’s Winter Wonderland Ball is one of the last major events on the charity circuit before the social crowd settles into holiday parties and then skips town for warmer, or colder, climes.

A Bronx Family’s Story As Increasing Economic Recovery Passes Them By

The Gutiérrez is like many low-income families struggling to make ends meet in our borough which is home to many working-class immigrant families. The New York Times explores this particular family’s struggles as the economy shows growing signs of recovering yet seemingly is not trickling over to such families.

First Step in Redevelopment of The Bronx General Post Office Begins

Sold earlier this year for $19 million, the Bronx General Post Office is on its way to a new life as new owners Youngwoo & Associates have filed plans to begin redevelopment of the landmarked property. Retail, office spaces, restaurants and rooftop terraces appear to be on their way for the iconic building.

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LATEST NEWS

Bronx Boro Prez Ruben Diaz Jr Needs A Lesson On What Gentrification Means

Bronx BP Disses Anarchists and Gives a New View on Gentrification – That was the headline that caught my eye.

I’m really no longer shocked that our borough president simply does not understand the word gentrification and what it means. It’s not the first time he’s tried to redefine the word.

According to the above article, CityLimits writes on how our BP doesn’t see gentrification for what it is:

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. doesn’t see it that way.

For him, new development—even of subsidized housing open only to people with relatively high incomes—is about retaining an incumbent population of professionals in the Bronx who now live in apartments that are cheaper than they need because they lack other options in the borough.

And it’s also about slapping “anarchists” around. At least that’s how Diaz pitched it to a room of housing advocates and developers at the New York Housing Conference’s annual symposium on Wednesday.

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Opinion: Fresh Direct & NYC: A Not So Wonderful Life | Via NY Association of Grocery Stores

The following is an opinion piece syndicated from The New York Association of Grocery Stores (NYAGS):

This month , Empire State Development will decide whether or not to grant Fresh Direct a $10 Million-dollar loan to assist in its move from Queens to the Bronx. This move will devastate small businesses and bring an extremely negative environmental impact to New Yorkers living in the area.

The New York Association of Grocery Stores (NYAGS) is a coalition of local New York City grocers fighting to stay alive as special interest and big chains continue to encroach on the businesses our families have maintained for decades.

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Grape Juice – A Bronx Tale of Yesteryear

The following is a guest piece by Bob Grand. ‘Grape Juice’ takes a young Bronx boy on a journey with his cousin Arthur, a cab driver, around Manhattan and the city. Hope you enjoy this glimpse into the past as much as we did!

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Great Bronx Gift Ideas For The Holidays Or Any Occasion!

The holidays are upon us and it’s that time of year where people are scratching their heads on what to buy their loved ones. Welcome2TheBronx would like to suggest the following list to consider as gifts for someone you love.

What better way to give someone something than an item from The Bronx or a Bronx based artist?! Please do know that this isn’t a complete list and should you want to be considered for inclusion in this list, feel free to reach out at info@welcome2thebronx.com

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Italy and The Bronx, a beautiful love affair

The Bronx has been home of many Italians during the 20th century. It is impossible, for those who are interested in knowing the history of the Italian American community, to ignore this New York borough; as it is impossible not to feel Italy in Arthur Avenue, that somebody calls “the real Little Italy”.

It is here that we’ve met John Calvelli, now Executive Vice President for the Public Affairs Division of the Wildlife Conservation Society and for sure the best person to ask something about the relationship between Italy and The Bronx. We thank him for his time, and the excellent lunch we had in one of the best restaurant in Arthur Avenue!

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