HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
+$35M INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC EDUCATION FOR A+ STEM LABS, HYDROPONIC SCIENCE LABS, TECHNOLOGY AND MORE
+8M INVESTMENT IN HEALTHCARE FOR 3D MAMMOGRAPHY UNITS, AN ASTHMA PEDIATRIC SUITE, AND MORE
$2 M INVESTMENT IN KINGSBRIDGE ARMORY
$1M FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN SOUNDVIEW
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Bronx, NY – On April 18th, 2024, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson delivered her 2nd State of the Borough Address at Cardinal Hayes High School in the auditorium named after Bronx legend and Bronx Walk of Fame inductee Regis Philbin. There, the Borough president outlined major accomplishments that include an over $35 million investment in education and over $8.9 million in capital allocations to public and private health facilities.
Borough President Gibson also addressed economic development initiatives, including the community-driven reimagining of the Kingsbridge Armory, The Bronx Economic Development Corporation’s $10M Community Advantage Loan program, as well as housing initiatives to combat New York City’s current housing crisis.
“The Bronx is the blueprint for how you overcome adversity and years of history disinvestment to then come back stronger than ever before,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “With these strategic investments in our schools, healthcare infrastructure, affordable housing, and economic development, we are equipping our communities with the tools to be successful. We look forward to our continued partnership with our Bronx Economic Development Corporation, Business Initiative Incorporated of New York, Bronx Tourism Council, colleagues in government, community partners, and residents who are helping to move our borough forward. Together, we will continue to move the Bronx forward and focus on the important priorities that unite us and not what divides us.”
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity on behalf of the community of learners at Cardinal Hayes High School to introduce our Borough President, Ms. Vanessa L. Gibson, as she delivers her State of the Borough Address to her constituents,” said William D. Lessa, Principal of Cardinal Hayes High School. “Ms. Gibson’s energy and leadership have been benchmarks of her tenure as Borough President, and we look forward to our continued relationship with the Office of the Bronx Borough President.”
ACCOMPLISHMENTS INCLUDE:
Healthcare:
- $6M in healthcare funding for a new GE Ultrasound Machine & 3D Mammography System for Gotham Health/Belvis ($400,000), New Medical Beds at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln ($1M); 2 New 3D Mammography Units at Montefiore Medical Center ($800,000); Nuclear Medicine Camera at St. Barnabas Hospital ($400,000); and more.
- Worked with her LGBTQIA+ Task Force and HIV Roundtable to advocate for legislation to increase STI testing in at-risk communities and for increased access to PEP and PrEP to combat high rates of new HIV diagnoses among Black and Latino New Yorkers.
Education:
- Helped push for the opening of a new Bard High School Early College in the Bronx where students can earn both a high school Regents diploma and an Associate’s Degree.
- +$35 Million Investment in Education for Coding & Robotics Equipment, Smart Boards, A+ STEM Labs, Laptop Computers & Carts, 3D Printers, Microscopes, Library Upgrades, STEAM Technology, a Life Skills classroom that simulates an actual apartment with a bedroom, kitchen, and living room for students with additional needs, and other projects to combat the digital divide in the Bronx and equip Bronx youth with the tools to be successful in and out of the classroom.
Housing:
- $1M investment for Phase I of Stevenson Square, a 117-unit affordable housing complex with 59 units of homeownership opportunities in the Soundview section of the Bronx.
- $1M investment for BronxPro/Starhill Affordable Housing Development featuring 326 affordable apartments, including 200 homes with supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Economic Development:
- $10M Community Advantage Loan allows new and existing South Bronx small businesses within the Bronx Empowerment Zone the opportunity to apply for loans from $5,000 to $350,000.
- In partnership with the Bronx Economic Development Corporation, launched the $1M Bronx Green Action Challenge with the New York Power Authority that asked Bronx colleges and universities to develop a sustainability project that would reduce their carbon footprint.
- $1M in grants for storefront enhancements along the 161st Street Business Improvement District to improve facades along the corridor.
Public Safety:
- Joined “We Are the Bronx Fellowship Against Hate,” a consortium of leaders in government, nonprofits, and our religious institutions, to discuss actions we can take to combat the rise in hate crimes in our borough
- Relaunched fire safety workshops in partnership with the FDNY and community partners with a focus on fire prevention targeting at-risk communities.
- Launched 31 Days Against Domestic Violence campaign in response to high rates of Domestic Violence in the borough and to bring awareness to life-saving resources for domestic violence survivors.
ANNOUNCEMENTS INCLUDE:
Economic Development:
- $2M Investment into the Kingsbridge Armory.
- Grants are available for small businesses participating in BX Factor.
Healthcare:
- Announces support for a Bronx Opioid Center in the Bronx to combat high rates of opioid-related deaths in the borough.
Education:
- New Middle School to open in Highbridge, named after former Assembly Woman and Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene, at 1302 Edward L. Grant with a focus on debate and experiential learning that will prepare scholars for high school and beyond.
- Announces plans for the opening of the first-ever Bronx STEAM Center with a focus on healthcare, life sciences, and analytical research using Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. The Bronx STEAM center will serve as a new public school in the Bronx, providing deep, high-quality, career-connected learning and training for juniors and seniors in a workplace immersive model that connects students, educators, employers, colleges, and community partners.
- Construction is underway for a new music studio at Community School 55, funded in part by the Borough President during her tenure as a City Council Member, in partnership with NYC Public Schools, Principal of C.S. 55, Luis Torres, and led by Windows of Hip Hop, is to prepare students for careers in the music industry.
Public Safety:
- Announced investment in security cameras to deter crime in the borough.