Statement from Borough President Diaz
RE: City Council Approval of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center

“After years of hard work and advocacy by elected officials, community organizations, our community board and the people of the Bronx, I am thrilled to see that the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory will finally become a reality.

“Today’s vote of the City Council represents the final hurdle cleared for the Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC), a transformative project that will make the Bronx home to the nation’s largest ice sports center. KNIC will bring tens of thousands of new visitors to the borough, helping to stimulate our economy, while also creating hundreds of living wage jobs for Bronx residents.

“I am especially thankful for the support of our City Council and the entire Bronx City Council delegation, who understood the merits of the project and showed their strong support for it during today’s vote. The KNIC project will be good not just for the Northwest Bronx but for the entire borough, and the strong support of the entire Bronx delegation shows that to be true. I would also like to thank the developer, KNIC Partners, as well as Mark Messier and Sarah Hughes for their tireless advocacy on behalf of this wonderful project.

“This project is a victory for everyone involved, and represents the type of development when can see when everyone works together for the greater good. I look forward to this project’s completion, and the day when the Bronx can officially declare itself to be the premier ice sports destination in the United States, if not the world,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Read the complete statement.

Borough President Diaz Lit the Bronx's Official Christmas Tree

On Thursday, December 5, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. lit the Bronx’s official Christmas tree in front of the Bronx County Building on the Grand Concourse. The annual tree lighting ceremony featured Christmas carols by Public School 1, The Courtlandt School's Honor chorus, as well as hot cocoa and cookies. Borough President Diaz celebrated the tree lighting along with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Testimony of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Before the City Council’s Zoning and Franchises Subcommittee
On the Kingsbridge Armory
December 5th, 2013

Good morning, Chairperson Weprin and the members of the City Council’s Zoning and Franchises Subcommittee, I am Ruben Diaz Jr., Borough President of the Bronx. 

I am here today to offer my enthusiastic support for the Kingsbridge National Ice Center and the four ULURP applications, which when approved will facilitate construction of one of the most outstanding ice sports arenas in the world.  This project transforms an iconic yet vacant, landmark into a destination for thousands, and by so doing it will also revitalize an entire community and offer permanent living wage employment for Bronx residents. 

Read Borough President Diaz's complete testimony.

Statement from Borough President Diaz
Re: The Passing of Nelson Mandela

“I am truly saddened by the passing of one of the greatest figures of our time, South African activist and former President Nelson Mandela.

“Nelson Mandela was an advocate for human rights and the face of the antiapartheid movement both in South Africa and around the world. Mandela fought for what was right, for the freedom of his people, and gave up his own freedom spending nearly three decades in prison. He remained a devoted champion for peace and social justice up until his last moments.

“His legacy will forever live in our hearts. My prayers go out to his family as well as the countless of individuals whom he touched directly and indirectly through his work,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Statement from Borough President Diaz
Re: Mayor-Elect de Blasio picks Bill Bratton for Police Commissioner

"With his choice of Bill Bratton as Police Commissioner, Mayor-Elect de Blasio is poised to continue decades of progress that have made us the safest big city in America and have driven crime in the Bronx to an all time low.  Mr. Bratton knows we don't have to choose between keeping our people safe and protecting their rights. We can and will have both,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Borough President Diaz Urges Bronx Residents to
Apply to Your Local Community Board

Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. today invited Bronx residents to make a difference in their community by joining their local Community Board. The Office of The Bronx Borough President will be accepting applications for all 12 Community Boards from city residents who reside, work or have professional or other significant interests in the Bronx.

“Participation on local Community Boards can provide Bronx residents with a forum to share with their community their expertise and talents,” stated Borough President Diaz. “There are great things happening in the Bronx that involve the participation of community boards. It is important that community residents participate in the decisions that are building the ‘New Bronx,’ and our community boards are a great place to do so,” said Borough President Diaz.

Applications are available at the Borough President’s Community Board office at (718) 590-3914 or at your local community board office. Interested applicants may also get the application on line at bronxboropres.nyc.gov.

The deadline for submission of applications for the next round of appointments is February 7, 2014.

Download Application

Borough President Diaz & Dr. Ruth Westheimer
Celebrate Chanukah in the Bronx

On Tuesday, December 3, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., together with Dr. Ruth Westheimer, world renowned Psychosexual Therapist and Author hosted the borough’s annual Chanukah celebration.

The event  took place at 1 p.m.in the Bronx County Building, 851 Grand Concourse, in Veterans Memorial Hall. Traditional Chanukah foods, such as latkes and jelly donuts were served. The event also featured a musical performance from Kinneret Day School choir.

The event is co-sponsored jointly by the Bronx Jewish Community Council, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and the Bronx Tourism Council.

Statement from Borough President Diaz
Re: Metro North Train Derailment

“This morning a horrible accident has left four people dead and dozens more injured, casting a dark shadow over the Thanksgiving and Hanukkah holidays. While we learn more about the specifics of what exactly happened this morning, my thoughts and prayers, as well as those of all 1.4 million Bronx residents, are with the victims and their families as they deal with this terrible tragedy," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Families looking for information on specific passengers should call 718-817-7444. Visit mta.info or call 511 for more information regarding transit service.

On Wednesday, November 27, (l to r) Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Governor Andrew Cuomo helped unload a delivery of food at Part of the Solution (POTS), a community dining room and food pantry on Webster Avenue near Fordham Road. The delivery was donated to POTS to help with the organization's Thanksgiving meal service.

FreshDirect Announces 2,000 Turkey Donations

On Tuesday, November 26, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined FreshDirect CEO & Founder Jason Ackerman to deliver more than 200 turkeys to the residents of the Betances Houses on St. Ann's Avenue. The turkeys were delivered to the event in one of FreshDirect's all-electric delivery vehicles, part of the company's commitment to an environmentally-friendly fleet.

Online Grocer Will Distribute Free Turkeys In NYC And Philly For Thanksgiving

NEW YORK – FreshDirect is donating a total of 2,000 turkeys this week to various groups throughout New York City and Philadelphia in anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The schools and charitable organizations receiving the turkeys are the Brooklyn Anti-Violence Coalition, Urban Upbound, Project HOME, the Lantern Organization, and Public School 209 in the Bronx.  The offices of State Senator José Peralta, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will also help distribute donated turkeys.

“A warm, nutritious meal is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving holiday,” said FreshDirect CEO and co-founder Jason Ackerman.  “We’re glad we can help families who need it the most share in this occasion.”

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said, “Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and enjoy a warm, fresh meal. I commend FreshDirect for helping provide countless of families in need here in The Bronx and the entire City of New York with part of that meal. This act of kindness is a testament of FreshDirect’s continued commitment in providing our residents with high quality foods in time for the holiday season as well as year round. I look forward to continue working with FreshDirect.”

Read the complete press release.

Brough President Diaz Writes to DOT RE: Italian Flag on Arthur Avenue

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. wrote a letter to the New York City Department of Transportation regarding the repair of the Italian flag in the street at the corner of East 187th Street and Arthur Avenue.

Download the letter.

Borough President Diaz Hosted Bronx Puerto Rican Heritage Celebration

On Thursday, November 22, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted the annual Bronx Puerto Rican Heritage event. The event was held at Monroe College's King Hall, and Bronx residents enjoyed an evening of música típica, dancing and delicious dishes of Puerto Rico.

Statement from Borough President Diaz
RE: Borough Board Vote on Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is celebrating this morning’s unanimous vote at the Bronx Borough Board in support of the forthcoming redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory.

“Today’s vote will facilitate the construction of a world class skating, community and educational facility that will be the catalyst for positive redevelopment not just in the surrounding community, but across the borough,” said Borough President Diaz.

The 10-0 vote of the Bronx Borough Board included three City Council Members—Fernando Cabrera, G. Oliver Koppell and Andy King—who attended the meeting to offer their support for the project in person.

“The Kingsbridge National Ice Center promises to not only bring living wage jobs to the community, but also provide world class facilities that will benefit our youth here in the Bronx, the City of New York and the surrounding region. As I have said numerous times, this project is going to have a tremendous positive impact on not just the Northwest Bronx but the entire borough, and I am proud to support the development of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center,” said Borough President Diaz.

Read the complete statement.

Borough President Diaz Releases Community Board Task Force Report

Today, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. released the final report of his Community Board District Office Management Taskforce, outlining various ways that the borough’s 12 Community Boards can work together to improve service delivery for the residents of the Bronx.

“Our community boards are often the first line of defense when it comes to our neighborhoods, be it concerns over new development, quality of life and the many other issues that the 1.4 million residents of this borough care about, and are focused on every day,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “This report outlines some new ideas that can make our borough’s community boards, which already play a major role in the lives of the people of the Bronx, even more relevant.”

"Like the City and Borough we are comprised of the role, image, and function of the Community Boards has changed and evolved over time.  Our charge from the Borough President has been to analyze the constantly evolving roll of the Community Boards and provide our recommendations to adapt this crucial element of our city governance to accurately reflect a modern dynamic,” said Jose Rodriguez, District Manager of Bronx Community Board #4 and chairman of the task force.  “As such, it is the assessment of this Task Force that the aforementioned recommendations take the most effective and cost efficient approach in ensuring the stability and function of the Community Boards while increasing services and the manner in which they are delivered.  The recommendations highlighted provide a multi-disciplined approach including policy, social service, and technology.  It is the belief of this Task Force that this multi-pronged approach is vital to promote the continued growth and success of our city and Borough."

The full report features a number of recommendations regarding Bronx Community Boards and service delivery on a variety of topics, including land use, improved service delivery, board member training and improved social media use, in order to better inform both board members and the community at large.

The full report can be read at: http://on.nyc.gov/1bEkcLY

Read the complete press release.

Lawsuit Against Proposed New City Island Bridge Announced

CITY ISLAND, NY – Standing at the foot of the historic, 112-year old City Island bridge, community leaders and local business owners announced the filing of a civil lawsuit against the Department of Transportation as part of their effort to halt construction on the bridge's controversial new replacement. The new bridge's proposed design includes a 150 foot tower and an aesthetic that many residents believes threatens the unique and historic character that drives thousands of tourists to City Island each year. Despite serious concerns raised by community members, Island residents and business owners were never formally invited to be part of the process.

“The people of City Island have the right to voice their concerns or support for the construction of a new City Island Bridge, and this lawsuit will ensure that this proposed bridge is subject to complete review. I strongly believe that the DOT should begin the ULURP process immediately, so that City Island residents have their chance to speak out on this proposal before a single shovel hits the ground. City Island residents have expressed real concerns with the design and cost of this bridge and it is imperative that the ULURP be completed with transparency and collaboration with the residents and businesses of City Island before the City moves forward with its new design.  I look forward to an amicable resolution to this entire matter,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Read the complete press release.

CPC Unanimously Approves Kingsbridge Armory

In a unanimous vote, the City Planning Commission today approved the Kingsbridge Armory ULURP application, moving the much-heralded Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) project one step closer to completion. The project now heads to the Bronx Borough Board and then to the City Council, where it will seek its final approvals before it reaches the mayor’s desk.

“This is an extremely important, transformative project that will not only reshape this historic structure, but will provide living wage jobs, recreation opportunities and community programming. This project will not just help revitalize the surrounding neighborhood, but will add to the borough’s new reputation as a sports mecca while advancing the concept of the ‘New Bronx.’ I look forward to its approval at the City Council,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Read the complete press release.

Borough President Diaz Hosted Annual Pumpkinfest & Spooktacular

On Thursday, October 31, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted his annual Pumpkinfest & Spooktacular. This year’s event, which took place at the Forest Houses, was filled with numerous treats for the entire family, such as; the maze of horror, pumpkin designing, face painting, popcorn, cotton candy, and much more.

One Year After Sandy:
Bronx Lawmakers Celebrate Re-Opening of Tony’s Pier Restaurant

Family-owned City Island restaurant burned to the ground in a fire during Superstorm Sandy

Standing at the far end of City Island, elected officials, members of the City Island business community and the owners of Tony’s Pier, came together to celebrate its re-opening a year after a fire consumed the entire restaurant during the height of Superstorm Sandy.

At the press conference, Senator Jeff Klein, joined by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Assemblyman Mike Benedetto and members of the City Island Chamber of Commerce highlighted the progress made following Superstorm Sandy, while noting there is more work to be done.

Directly following the storm, Senator Klein’s office met with the owners of Tony’s Pier Restaurant and helped the owners obtain a building permit, expedited their electrical and gas work, ensured speedy review of building plans by the Department of Environmental Protection and worked with the State Liquor Authority and Community Board to obtain a license to serve alcohol.

Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) said,  “Exactly one year ago, Tony’s Pier caught fire in the heart of Superstorm Sandy. As flames consumed the restaurant, decades of hard work and history were at stake. The day after the storm, I saw the damage Sandy had caused and vowed to do everything I could to get our local businesses and residents back on their feet. In the past year, we worked hard to help rebuild Tony’s Pier – from expediting building permits to getting the lights turned on, and all that comes in between, my office worked with the owners and planners every step of the day. Today isn’t only a time to reflect on the hardships Sandy caused. It is also a day to celebrate the hard work and resilience of our community.”

“One year ago, Superstorm Sandy devastated this beloved Bronx business. But Tony’s Pier is back, stronger than ever, and I am proud to be here today for their reopening. We have much to celebrate in our borough, and the return of Tony’s Pier is a moment for the entire Bronx to be thankful for the dedication of this business to our borough and their commitment to reopening, bigger and better than ever,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Read the complete press release.

Borough President Diaz Kicks Off
3rd Annual ‘Savor the Bronx’ Restaurant Week

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., in conjunction with American Express, officially kicked off the 3rd Annual “Savor the Bronx” Restaurant Week today at Jake’s Steakhouse in Riverdale.

“Savor the Bronx” Restaurant Week, produced by the Bronx Tourism Council and co-hosted by the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC), showcases the borough’s best eateries by offering special values and discounts. 

“Once again I would like to invite all New Yorkers and visitors with open arms to our beautiful Borough to ‘Savor the Bronx.’ During our official restaurant week I strongly encourage both visitors and residents alike to try a new restaurant or return to a favorite. I am sure Bronxites and visitors from across the region will enjoy from a wide selection of restaurants that are sure to leave their taste buds craving for more,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

"We are excited to share Bronx flavors with visitors, especially during ‘Savor the Bronx’ Restaurant Week. Tourists can enjoy great food at an affordable price in a friendly and welcoming environment,” said Olga Luz Tirado, Executive Director of the Bronx Tourism Council.

This 12-day event, which runs from November 4th to November 15th, is the perfect opportunity to explore your taste buds and the Bronx.  From Italian cuisine in Little Italy to seafood on City Island and everywhere in between, “Savor the Bronx” offers everyone a chance to enjoy the diverse flavors our borough has to offer. 

During the press conference, the internationally-renowned Jake’s Steakhouse and the Bronx Brewery gave samples of what to expect at this year’s Bronx restaurant week. Dozens of restaurants are participating in this year’s “Savor the Bronx.”

For more information, visit www.savorthebronx.com.

Read all of Borough President Diaz's press releases and statements.