City Island News BX: FREE Bus Rides?

City Island News BX: FREE Bus Rides?: FREE Bus Rides?  Fare-minded Fool Hardy City Council wants to Decriminalizing Fare-Evasion By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, AP...

FREE Bus Rides?

FREE Bus Rides? 
Fare-minded Fool Hardy City Council wants to Decriminalizing Fare-Evasion

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 30- Members of the little known 'Eagle Team' working undercover in plain clothes and searching for fare-beaters along the route of Fordham Road's BX-12 Express Bus, quickly cornered and disarmed their suspect of his knife and placed him under arrest as the City Council continues to negotiate with Mayor Bill de Blasio such minor arrests as fare-beating-- non-criminal offenses.

Members of the NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority's unit the Eagle Team and undercover officers from the 48th Precinct asked the individual for a bus receipt as the express bus picked up passengers outside of 464 East Fordham Road at 10:25 a.m., on April 23. The suspect told officers he had no receipt and members swooped into action and quickly removed him from the bus and eventually placed him under arrest.

The suspect, Leonardo Henning, 53, of the Bronx offered no resistance as the unit ordered him off the bus and removed a knife from his back pocket and placed him under arrest. According to the criminal complaint, Henning admitted to cops, "I have a knife, I keep it for protection."

NYPD spokesman Detective Marc Nell said of Henning, "He was arrested for intent to fraud, obtaining transit without payment, a misdemeanor and criminal possession of a weapon." Nell revealed that Henning also had a prior bench warrant out for his arrest, but Nell could not say what that charge was for.

What began as a pilot program on express busses, the Eagle Team expanded in July, 2012 to cover bus routes across the city with high rates of fare-evasion, such as the BX-12 that travels across Fordham Road and Pelham Parkway to Bay Plaza.

The City Council is currently in negotiations with the de Blasio administration that if agreed upon would make such crimes as fare-evasion, drinking alcohol in public and public urination, a violation and subject to a ticket and fine, but would no longer constitute an arrest.

However, Police Commissioner Bill Bratton warned of legalizing quality-of-life crimes, telling reporters on April 27, "If you lose those powers to arrest, that's where Pandora's Box is opened and the 1970's, the 1980's have the potential to come roaring back again."

However, supporters of the idea like City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverto who proposed the change, believe that the overwhelming number of arrests are concentrated in minority neighborhoods, clogging up the courts and the jail system and creating additional tension between minority neighborhoods and police.

One recent video posted on Facebook from February, 2014, shows a pair of cops question a man at what appears to be Pelham Parkway South and White Plains Road. Within minutes, six officers would soon wrestle their subject to the ground and eventually place him under arrest.

Orlando Smith, a University Heights resident who saw the video, fumed, "A confrontation escalating into a beating is inappropriate. It's uncalled for if he doesn't have a weapon and isn't doing anything and is just talking, they shouldn't have the right to put their hands on him."

According to the NYPD, there were 25,867 arrests in 2014 for fare-evasion, but the NYPD does not track how many of those arrests lead to additional charges, for such crimes as drugs or weapon possession.  

#NYPD #FareEvasion #CityCouncil #deBlasio #Bronxnews

City Island News BX: Concern about Tanaka will cause Yankees To Step up...

City Island News BX: Concern about Tanaka will cause Yankees To Step up...: Concern about Tanaka will cause Yankees To Step up By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 29- Of course there is a concern abou...

Concern about Tanaka will cause Yankees To Step up

Concern about Tanaka will cause Yankees To Step up

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 29- Of course there is a concern about Masahiro Tanaka and how long it will take to get the right-hander back in the New York Yankees pitching rotation. The bad news became official in the fifth inning up in the press box when GM Brian Cashman addressed the media.  

Slight tendinitis in the right wrist have put the Yankees $175 million investment on the 15-day disabled list. So the immediate concern was this latest setback to Tanaka would ultimately mean that Tommy John Surgery is not far behind, and that this has been caused by more strain to the right elbow that shut him down last season.

Cashman would only say that it will be a month before he takes the mound again. That is the Yankees hope though the immediate concern is that there is more damage to the elbow. An MRI earlier in the day, according the Yankees medical report, detected the tendinitis, a mild strain in the forearm and no further injury to the elbow.

Tanaka said through an interpreter by the Yankees clubhouse, “I feel I will come back strong.” And the Yankees hope that is the case, though one longtime American League scout was quick to say that this latest injury has all indications leading to more issues with the elbow and it would not be a surprise if Tanaka does not pitch again this season.

The Yankees certainly hope that is not the situation. And if it is, even with relatively good starting pitching the past week, the Manager Joe Girardi said, “People have to step up.” Chase Whitley the right-hander made his season debut Tuesday night and he stepped up allowing 1-run in five innings in the Yankees 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

It was to be one start for Whitley who was called up to give the starters extra rest with the demanding April schedule. Now Whitley will stay in the rotation and be one of the pitchers to step up. 

“Right now he’s on our rotation,” said Girardi. And without Tanaka, who was scheduled to make his next start Wednesday afternoon, the Yankees have sole possession of first place in the AL east and improved to 4-1 on the six-game home stand. They are also playing good baseball, 10-2 since April 17th,   

Tanaka made four starts, thus far, and has compiled a 3-3 mark with an ERA of 3.22 Whitley joins CC Sabathia, Michael Pineda, and Adam Warren in the rotation. By mid June the Yankees expect Ivan Nova to return and fully recovered from Tommy John surgery. And Chris Capuano out with a right quad strain is expected back by the first or second week of May, 

Cashman explained, “Every year you have to deal with adversity. That’s part of a baseball season.” The Yankees will now deal with that and hope Whitley, who was 2-0 with a 2.12 ERA at Triple-A Scranton Wilkes Barre, can continue to one of the arms in the rotation to step it up.

Said Whitley after his first win: “I am not trying to look ahead to anything else. Just pitch when and where they tell me to pitch.” And with no specific timetable as to when or if Tanaka will return, Whitley will now have a set spot in the rotation and fill the void.

In the meantime, Girardi said this latest setback to Tanaka is different from last year. In a way it was because it happened later in the season and that was the elbow that caused much of the concern. The Yankees then were still fighting for a playoff position and now, with April coming to an end, they sit in first place.

But this is April, and as we all know there is plenty more baseball to be played even if the Yankees have won 10 of their last 12 games. 

THE GAME:  The bullpen once again did their job allowing an earned run in 4.01 innings and since April 22 they are 3-0 with four saves, a 0.77 ERA. With Dellin Betences and Andrew Miller not available for the save, Girardi went to Chris Martin who tossed a scoreless ninth inning and notched his first career save.

Prior to Martin, Esmil Rogers threw 2.2 innings of scoreless ball and a hit. A strikeout and ground ball out accounted for two outs and got the Yankees out of a potential jam in the eighth inning.  

“It was a little nerve racking the first pitch but I settled down there,” said Martin, the 28-year old right-hander. “ I feel like everyone is helping this team win. This is a team effort. Hope I can be pitching well and all of us contribute….” 

Brian McCann continued to pace the Yankees with two doubles and drove in three runs. “I feel good, been feeling good all season long,” said McCann. “Hits are starting to fall and I’m finding the barrel.”

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  Twitter @Ring786

#MasahiroTanaka #Yankees #Bronxnews

City Island News BX: Ain’t That a Pitch!

City Island News BX: Ain’t That a Pitch!: Ain’t That a Pitch! Masahiro Tanaka to go on Disabled List By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 29- During the fifth innin...

Ain’t That a Pitch!

Ain’t That a Pitch!

Masahiro Tanaka to go on Disabled List

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 29- During the fifth inning, the media members at Yankee Stadium were addressed by General Manager Brian Cashman. The GM informed the media that right-hander Masahiro Tanaka will be placed on the 15-day DL. 

He explained that Tanaka arrived at the ballpark at about 2 p.m. and complained that his wrist was bothering him. An MRI was immediately taken that was negative. It was determined that he has slight tendonitis in his right wrist. 

To check on his elbow, a second MRI was taken that was also negative. It was realized that there was a very mild strain in his forearm.

To be careful it was decided to place Tanaka on the disabled list. He will be immediately shut down for 7-10 days. Cashman said the organization was taking a “safe, conservative route.” His elbow appears fine, but it will probably “be a month till he gets back to the rotation” according to Cashman. 

Tanaka was scheduled to pitch on the following day, Wednesday afternoon. He has made four starts, thus far, and has compiled a 3-3 mark with an ERA of 3.22.

Cashman explained, “Every year you have to deal with adversity. That’s part of a baseball season.” 

#MasahiroTanaka #Yankees #Bronxnews

City Island News BX: Yanks Win Battle But Mets Could Win the War

City Island News BX: Yanks Win Battle But Mets Could Win the War: Yanks Win Battle But Mets Could Win the War More to Come in September for Subway Series By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK,...

Yanks Win Battle But Mets Could Win the War

Yanks Win Battle But Mets Could Win the War

More to Come in September for Subway Series

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 27- At the end of the evening Sunday the New York Mets left the Bronx with the best record in baseball and still a first place team. The Yankees took two out of three games from them in this first of two interleague series between the two teams with a 6-4 win.

So until they meet again in September at Citi Field, three more games in the Mets home ballpark, we may have more of a clear picture where either team will be in October. Because it is April, they say the games mean nothing. But losing games this month can come back to haunt a team that is in the thick of a pennant race in September.

The Mets feel they will be there in September, as do the Yankees. Fans for both teams also have those hopes for playing baseball in October. With that in mind, and with the anticipation and drama of these three games now in the books, there are no answers as to where they will be during that tough stretch of games in September.

it is simple: April is almost over and the Mets have accomplished something they have not done since their championship year of 1986 and left the Bronx with a 14-5 record, the second best for the franchise to start the season, and Monday night play three at Miami before heading home Thursday for four games with the Washington Nationals.

That’s seven with division opponents and before the series with the Yankees, they compiled and tied a club record 11-game winning streak by going 13-3 against the Nationals, Philadelphia and the Marlins of Miami.

Along the way the Mets realize they will have a few bumps on the road. They did Sunday night committing  a season-high four errors that prevented them from taking two of three games from the Yankees.

"In a game like this, you can't make those mistakes," their manager Terry Collins said. "Just a bad night for us. For the most part they’ve played pretty well.”

But they did not play well  Sunday night and it was a game that did not resemble their sparkling play in the month of April. Eric Campbell forgot how many outs there were on the base paths and got doubled up. The middle infield at short and second, Daniel Murphy and Wilmer Flores, each committed an error and are tied with the team lead with four.

Murphy botched a double play groundball in the fifth inning and Wilmer Flores at shortstop was charged with a throwing error to first that prevented the Mets from doubling up Alex Rodriguez. That got some attention despite Murphy going 2-for-3 and tying a career high with two doubles.

“We got this ugly one out of the way,” Michael Cuddyer said. “We’re going to go to Miami and play better.”

Cuddyer got a ball in left that got to second base late and that enabled  Chris Young to cross the plate in a four- run second Yankees second inning that increased their lead to 5-2.    

So there is every indication, and with five months and a long season ahead, that the Mets will be where they want to be in September. Playing the Yankees then will have more significance than these last three games in the Bronx.

“Mistakes are a part of the game,” Flores said. And for the most part, Flores has been handling the position well at shortstop, Collins made reference that Flores had two bad games in the first week.

Said the manager, “Until tonight, he hadn’t had an error since.”

But September is a month the Yankees want to make sure is significant to them. They feel they will be a part of the mix and return to the postseason after a two year absence. These games with their cross town rivals was just as important to them as it was to their fans.

And those three games in September with the Mets will be more important and have implications for the Yankees if they play like they have been, going 8-2 since April 17 after starting the season at 3-6. This series did not mean they have taken the town away from the Mets as much as Yankees fans would like to believe.

“We won the series and that gets you to October,” said Yankees manager Joe Girardi. Winning series has been a trend for his team that came off a 7-3 road trip before this first Subway Series in the Bronx. And if they continue to do that, then come September when they meet the Mets again, those games will be significant.  

  

However, again, that is a long time off. The Yankees have been hitting and overall getting the pitching, in particular out of the bullpen where they shutout the Mets after the fifth inning and did not give up a hit in 4-⅔ innings.

And with Alex Rodriguez hitting a solo home run in the first inning off Jonathon Niese, number 659 of his career, and one shy of tying Willie Mays, the Yankees are feeling more confident about their lineup. A-Rod has been an early season surprise and faces a possible battle of an incentive clause in the contract that the Yankees have said they will not pay him when he surpasses Mays, and if he passes the other all-time home run leaders.

One of those milestones will happen way before September. Perhaps the Mays’ milestone comes this week when the Yankees host Tampa Bay for three in the Bronx. All that matters now is that the Yankees have something to play for when they meet the Mets again in September.

The Mets feel they will be there. Hey, losing two out of three to the Yankees in the Bronx does not have the implications of three games in September. But when the time arrives, and if these two teams are playing for something then, an Alex Rodriguez milestone won’t matter if his 40-year old body is still producing runs, something more important. 

That is runs for the Yankees in September. And for the Mets, with this promising pitching that was showcased these last three games, they can only hope that they play errorless baseball that will get them to September.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  Twitter@Ring786

#SubwaySeries #Yankees #Mets #ARod #Bronxnews

City Island News BX: Princesses Promote Parade

City Island News BX: Princesses Promote Parade: Princesses Promote Parade  BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 24- Young Bronx princesses got their chance to shine and promote the upcoming B...

Princesses Promote Parade

Princesses Promote Parade 

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 24- Young Bronx princesses got their chance to shine and promote the upcoming Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade.

The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Inc., presented their annual Miss PR. Infantil for young girls of ages 6-9 years old on April 18, 2015. It was held at the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) located at 2500 Halsey Street, Bronx New York. 

The coordinator for this event was: Melissa Martinez. The Miss Puerto Rico Infantil Pageant is a traditional coronation event that selects a queen, 1st princess and 2nd princess for the annual Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade on May 31st. 

The pageant consisted of three categories in which each has a point scale. The three categories consisted of Talent, Evening Wear and Questions. Additional special

awards were chosen by the contestants themselves in which they voted for the most friendly (Ms. Amistad), and for the contestant who raised the most money (Ms. Cooperaciòn). Ms. Fotogenica (Ms. Photogenic)was chosen by none other than one of the photographers at the event. 

Subsequently, judges scored the contestants on stage presence, eye contact, and confidence as they demonstrated their individual talents. The third category of evening wear consisted of the girls modeling elegant evening gowns. Judges searched for poise, presence, and confidence as they modeled the stage. For each category, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places were filled with the winners with the most points. 

The heaviest weighed segment of the Infantil pageant was the Questions & Answers portion. The winners were

chosen based on the following characteristics: confidence, composure, charisma, speech, vocabulary, grammar and communication. 

Winners included: 1st princess Kayla Cordero, Queen Jade Rivera, and 2nd princess, Alani Lopez. The judges at the pageant included: Bryanna Borges, Alexa Tirado, Felicita Rivera, andRev. Carmen Hernandez. The young ladies each represented the different cities of the Caribbean island and the order went as follows: Queen Jade Rivera represented Cabo Rojo, 1st princess Kayla Cordero represented Loiza, 2nd Princess Alani Lopez represented Bayamon, Olivia Lopez represented San Sebastian, Jazlene Class represented Humacao, and Jennifer Medina represented Ponce. 

In next to no time: the Juvenil Pageant for contestants ages 10-14 years old will be held on April 25, 2015 at the same location. The Women’s and Men’s Pageant will be scheduled for May 17thand May 23rd respectively, so be on the lookout for an announcement.

Also, save the date: Sunday, May 31st, will be the 29th annual Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade on the Grand Concourse from 192nd street to Van Courtlandt Avenue East. The parade will kick-off at Poe Cottage Park at 10 am so stay tuned!  

#PuertoRicanDayParade #Bronxnews

City Island News BX: Justice Bites Back as Phony Dentist Charged with A...

City Island News BX: Justice Bites Back as Phony Dentist Charged with A...: Justice Bites Back as Phony Dentist Charged with Assaulting Patients She called herself “Dr. Val” –but it’s alleged that Valbona Yze...

Justice Bites Back as Phony Dentist Charged with Assaulting Patients

Justice Bites Back as Phony Dentist Charged with Assaulting Patients

She called herself “Dr. Val” –but it’s alleged that Valbona Yzeiraj is not only not a doctor – but also that the dental procedures she performed harmed her patients. 

Now, the 45-year-old woman faces criminal charges in the Bronx, announces Bronx County District Attorney Robert Johnson, as Yzeiraj was arraigned this week on the Supreme Court indictment which charged: assault in the second degree (Class D Felony, 2 counts); assault in the third degree (Class A Misdemeanor, 2 counts); unauthorized practice (NYS Education Law §6512) (Class E Felony, 5 counts); attempted grand larceny in the third degree (Class E Felony, 1 count) and reckless endangerment in the second degree (Class A Misdemeanor, 3 counts).

It is alleged that Yzeiraj of White Plains, NY, claimed to have had dental training in her home country of Albania, but was neither trained nor licensed in the United States. She is accused of treating patients at the office of Dr. Jeffrey Schoengold, at 3800 Independence Avenue, where she worked as an office manager. Some of her dental procedures, which included root canals, came with a bite – it is alleged that at least one patient got an infection from a botched root canal, and another suffers persistent pain two years after treatment.

The illegal dental practice is alleged to have been conducted between late 2012 and the summer of 2013, out of Dr. Schoengold’s offices, “Dr. Val” seeing patients when he was not there. When the dentist discovered her activities, Yzeiraj was fired. But it is further alleged when she left, she attempted to take money from the practice.

Yzeiraj pled not guilty to the charges before Supreme Court Justice Steven Barrett. Bail was set at $20K bond/$10K cash and her case has been adjourned to May 28^th. Justice Barrett also barred her from working anywhere in regard to dentistry for the duration of her case.

If convicted of the charges, Yzeiraj faces up to seven years behind bars. The charges in this indictment are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

#NYPD #BronxDA #PhonyDentist #Yzeiraj #Bronxnews

City Island News BX: Death Over Parking Space

City Island News BX: Death Over Parking Space: Country Club Man Charged with Beating Neighbor to Death Over Parking Space BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 22- District Attorney Robert J...

Death Over Parking Space

Country Club Man Charged with Beating Neighbor to Death Over Parking Space

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 22- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced the Supreme Court arraignment of Gjok Deda (pron: ZH-AWK DAY-dah) in the death of his downstairs neighbor, 68-year-old Ronald Antonucci, in the parking lot of the apartment building they lived in at 1110 Stadium Avenue in the Country Club section of the Bronx.

Deda, who will turn 41 years old later this week, pled not guilty before Supreme Court Justice George Villegas, to the single charge of manslaughter in the first degree, a Class-B Felony.

The row between the two men occurred in the early morning hours of March 19^th, 2015, when Deda allegedly became enraged because Antonucci was backing out of a parking space he felt was too close to him and his daughters. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Deda is accused of repeatedly punching the older and much smaller 5-foot-8 and 156-pound Antonucci in the head.  Antonucci died shortly after from what the medical examiner described as multiple blunt force trauma to the head.

If convicted of the charges, Deda faces up to 25 years behind bars, and deportation to his home country of Albania. The charges in this indictment are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case against Deda has been adjourned to July 13, 2015 in Part 77, before Justice William Mogulescu, Bronx Supreme Court, 265 E. 161^st Street.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Erin Kelsh of Trial Bureau 20/50.

#NYPD #BronxDA #ParkingSpace #GjokDeda #RonaldAntonucci #CountryClub #Bronxnews

City Island News BX: Softball

City Island News BX: Softball: Rams Sweep St. Joes By Gary Quintal  BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 20- With Atlantic 10 conference play entering its final two weeks, ...

Softball

Rams Sweep St. Joes

By Gary Quintal 

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 20- With Atlantic 10 conference play entering its final two weeks, fourth place Fordham hosted fifth place Saint Joseph's University at Bahoshy Field this weekend.  

The Fordham Rams swept Saint Joseph's in impressive fashion, not only winning all three games, but shutting Saint Joe's out of the entire series, taking the Saturday double header 8-0 twice and finishing Sunday with a 4-0 victory.   

The victories place Fordham into third place in the Atlantic 10 with an 11-5 conference record (25-17 overall), while Saint Joe's falls to seventh place with a record of  21-15 (6-8 conference).  

Fordham returns to the Bronx next weekend to start their final home-stand of the season against A-10 opponent George Washington. 

#Fordham #Softball #SaintJosephsUniversity #Bronxnews

City Island News BX: Soccer

City Island News BX: Soccer: Portland Timbers Edge NYCFC on Late Goal By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 20- On Sunday night, NYCFC hosted its second g...

Soccer

Portland Timbers Edge NYCFC on Late Goal

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 20- On Sunday night, NYCFC hosted its second game at Yankee Stadium within four days as the Portland Timbers travelled nearly 3,000 miles for the first of five road matches in a six week period. Portland and NYC were meeting for the first time, but the Timbers played in New York City 40 years ago. On July 16, 1975, Portland defeated the NY Cosmos, 2‐1, in a NASL game at Randall’s Island. The legendary Pele scored the lone goal for the Cosmos.

NYC was short‐handed (pun intended) as Spanish international star and New York City native Jason Hernandez among others were out with injuries suffered in their previous match, Villa with a hamstring strain and Hernandez with a calf strain.

In addition to the above two starters, Mix Diskerud, who missed the previous match due to playing with the USMNT against Mexico, injured his ankle earlier on Sunday. NYC coach Jason Kreis commented, “We’re really unlucky; five players were unable to play today; that’s a lot.” 

Mix downplayed the importance of the injuries as a factor in the loss, “They [substitute players] came and did a great job.” He felt their gaining game experience is beneficial to the club because “we’re going to need them.” Goalie Josh Saunders agreed, “We have a lot of quality players. We can absorb those losses.”

The match was scoreless until the 79th minute when Dairon Asprilla scored the only goal of the game. It was the first MLS goal for the rookie from Colombia, who signed with Portland in December. The Timbers since 2013 have shown remarkable ability to bounce back after suffering a loss. This was their eighth win after losing. In that period they have three draws and have only lost two straight twice.

Despite it being the fifth consecutive NYCFC match without a win and their third straight game being deprived of points by a late goal, the NYC coach and players spoke very positively of their club’s play. Kreis remarked, “I’m actually very encouraged by our performances in the last two matches. Morale was especially high and that’s encouraging...Right now, the results aren’t going the way we like, but the performances are. We need to look at the positives and build on that.”

Each of the players, who spoke with the media after the contest, spoke similarly. Veteran goalie Josh Saunders, a native of Oregon, who spent several seasons with the Timbers, said, “I think we can walk out of here with our heads held high. I thought our defense played well. They [Timbers] had limited chances. If we keep doing good things, good things are going to happen.” The facts bore out the points he made. NYC had 21 shots on goal while Portland had only 12. The other stats such as number of passes, passing accuracy, duels won and possession of the ball were close, but not connected to a losing contest.

#Soccer #NYCFC #YankeeStadium #PortlandTimbers #Bronxnews

City Island News BX: Health Centers Fill Metro Center

City Island News BX: Health Centers Fill Metro Center: Health Centers Fill Metro Center BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 16- Simone Development Companies announced that Affinity Health Plan, a lead...

Health Centers Fill Metro Center

Health Centers Fill Metro Center

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 16- Simone Development Companies announced that Affinity Health Plan, a leading managed care organization serving more than 267,000 members in the New York metro area, and Fresenius Medical Care North America, a premier health care company focused on delivering quality care to people with renal and other chronic conditions, have taken additional space at Simone's new Metro Center Atrium mixed-use complex in the Bronx, bringing the brand new facility to full occupancy. 

 Metro Center Atrium is a new 370,000-square-foot office/retail/hotel complex at Simone's 42-acre, multi-building Hutchinson Metro Center campus. Retail tenants include LA Fitness, Applebee’s, Duncan Donuts and a Children’s Corner day care center. Just one 2,000 sf retail space remains available at the property, which is also home to the Bronx’s only Marriott hotel. The new building is located less than a mile from five major hospitals, making it an ideal location for medical practices and healthcare companies.

Affinity leased 95,954 sq. ft. at the Metro Center Atrium back in July, consisting of the entire 3^rd floor, a portion of the 2^nd floor and a portion of the 1^st floor for their new headquarters,relocating from 2,500 Halsey Street in the Bronx. In January they expanded into an additional 6,553 sq. ft. on the second floor and last week they signed for another 2,000 sq. ft. of warehouse storage space on the Hutch Metro Center campus.

Fresenius Medical Care Northeast originally signed a lease for approximately 17,105 sq. ft. of space on the ground floor of the Atrium for a dialysis center. They signed a lease for an additional 4,000 sq. ft. on the second floor for the opening of a Home Training Center for Dialysis Patients that instructs patients on how to administer dialysis treatments in the privacy of their own homes.

Other healthcare tenants leasing space at the complex include Montefiore Medical Center, Calvary Hospital, Hanger Prosthetics, Parkchester Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Ophthalmologist Dr. Eric Wolf. 

“We are thrilled to announce these lease transaction that now bring the Metro Center Atrium office portion to full occupancy,” said James D. MacDonald, vice president/director of leasing for Simone Development.  

“The Metro Center Atrium is one of the most successful new commercial real estate developments in the region. This is great news for the Bronx, which is enjoying an unprecedented economic renaissance. The leasing activity that we have experienced has been phenomenal, and the Metro Center Atrium has emerged as the premier location for healthcare companies and medical practices looking for state-of-the-art space in a convenient and central location with first-class amenities. 

 Located within Simone Development’s highly successful Hutchinson Metro Center complex in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx, Metro Center Atrium features three floors of Class A office and medical space, as well as further retail and restaurant opportunities. The architecturally distinctive building features a spectacular glass atrium and lobby and is set in a beautifully landscaped suburban-style campus setting. Abundant parking is provided on-site with more than 1,100 spaces. 

For leasing information, call (718) 518-8600. Conveniently located off the Hutchinson River Parkway, Metro Center Atrium is easily accessible to major highways, bridges and airports. Manhattan is less than 20 minutes away and Westchester County is 10 minutes away. LaGuardia, JFK, and Westchester County airports are less than 30 minutes from the site. 

#HutchinsonMetroCenter #Affinity #Applebees #LAFitness #Bronxnews

City Island News BX: Bridal Guide

City Island News BX: Bridal Guide:  Click here: #BridalGuide #Wedding #CateringHall #Photographers #Bronxnews

Bridal Guide

 Click here:

#BridalGuide #Wedding #CateringHall #Photographers #Bronxnews

City Island News BX: Celebs To Be Inducted Into The Bronx Walk of Fame

City Island News BX: Celebs To Be Inducted Into The Bronx Walk of Fame: Celebs To Be Inducted Into The Bronx Walk of Fame BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 16- Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced that ...

Celebs To Be Inducted Into The Bronx Walk of Fame

Celebs To Be Inducted Into The Bronx Walk of Fame

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 16- Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced that actress, author and television commentator Stacey Dash will be inducted into the 2015 Bronx Walk of Fame.

“We are excited about inducting the charismatic Stacey Dash into the Bronx Walk of Fame,” said Diaz. “Our newest member of The Bronx Walk of Fame is a multi-talented and distinguished Bronxite who represents the fearless spirit of our borough to the fullest, whether it is in movies such as the 1995 classic ‘Clueless,’ or speaking her mind as a television commentator and writer.”

“I am very grateful to have been chosen to be a part of such an important and significant event in the borough of my birth, a place that left an impact in my life and made me who I am – Bronx Strong,” said Dash. “This borough is very special to me and I truly appreciate being inducted into The Bronx Walk of Fame. I want to thank, in particular, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who has made it his mission to transform The Bronx into a better place for all residents, and for his vision in motivating all Bronxites to follow their dreams.”

Stacey knew that she wanted to act, and from an early age appeared in commercials before landing first small-screen role in the 1982 made-for-TV film Farrell for the People. She then went on to playing a recurring role on The Cosby Show, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

She made her feature film debut at 21 years old in Enemy Territory. Since then Dash has led a notable acting career that has spanned more than 20 years. She has appeared in numerous films and television series including roles in Renaissance Man, Mo' Money, and View from the Top.

Her work in Clueless earned her a nomination for a 1995 “Youth in Film Award” for “Best Young Supporting Actress in a Feature Film,” which earned her a role in the television adaptation.

In May 2014, Dash was hired as a contributor for "cultural analysis and commentary" by Fox News, where she voices her opinions and encourages discussion on topics ranging from pop culture to national news and politics across all media platforms.

Her book “There Goes My Social Life”, is scheduled for publication this summer, where Dash discusses how she became a conservative, her upbringing in the South Bronx and her Hollywood career.

Stacey Dash will be officially inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame as part of the 44^th annual Bronx Week, a program of The Bronx Tourism Council.

Diaz Jr. also announced that actor Malik Yoba would be inducted into the 2015 Bronx Walk of Fame.

“It is a good day in the Bronx to know that Malik Yoba, an actor and activist who was born in this great borough, will be honored during Bronx Week, have his name on the Bronx Walk of Fame and be greeted by thousands of Bronxites,” said Diaz.

Born Abdul-Malik Kashie Yoba in the South Bronx, he is most recently known for his role in Fox’s new drama, Empire, a hip-hop drama centers on a music industry heavyweight who is about to take his company, Empire Entertainment, public.

“This is an honor to be inducted into the ‘Bronx Walk of Fame,’ a borough that taught me the values of life and giving back to the community,” said Malik Yoba. “I strive to live a purpose-filled life and I truly want to express my deepest thanks to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for this wonderful recognition.”

His acting career started with a small education film, which lead to starring roles in memorable movies and television shows, including the 1993 Disney classic, Cool Runnings, and the hit Fox television series New York Undercover.

“As a writer, director, producer, musician, educator, and so much more, Malik Yoba truly tackles his daily quest to educate young people in communities across the world and this is the reason why we are shining the light on his name,” Diaz said. “It is individuals like Malik that makes the youth believe that anything is possible.”

Dash and Yoba will be officially inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame as part of the 44^th annual Bronx Week, a program of The Bronx Tourism Council.

Bronx Week 2015 is a highly-anticipated 11-day event where the entire borough, including government, business, and the community-at-large, come together to celebrate “The Best of The Bronx” through festivals, concerts, health fairs, parades, performances and a host of other activities. It will take place from May 8-17. At the end of the 11-day celebration, our hometown heroes like Dash are honored with induction into the Bronx Walk of Fame, where their names are emblazoned on a street sign to reside on the historic Grand Concourse forever.

For more information about Bronx Week 2015, visit www.ilovethebronx.com.

#StaceyDash #Abdul-MalikKashieYoba #EntertainmentNews #FoxNews #Bronxnews

City Island News BX: Cops Seek Roommate in Connection with Super's Deat...

City Island News BX: Cops Seek Roommate in Connection with Super's Deat...: Cops Seek Roommate in Connection with Super's Death (Photo by Andre Rivera) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 15...

Cops Seek Roommate in Connection with Super's Death

Cops Seek Roommate in Connection with Super's Death

(Photo by Andre Rivera)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 15- Police are looking to question the roommate of a longtime super of a University Heights building, after he was found with his throat slashed inside his apartment.

According to police sources, officers from the 46th Precinct were called to 2775 Morris Avenue at East 183 Street, after the victim was discovered by a family member.

Paramedics found the victim Israel "Pedro" Ramos, 55, "unconscious and unresponsive," and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Residents told police that Ramos and the unidentified roommate had been heard arguing the night before.   

#NYPD #Super #Murder #Bronxnews

City Island News BX: Classic Stars Wrestle in the Bronx

City Island News BX: Classic Stars Wrestle in the Bronx: Classic Stars Wrestle in the Bronx (Photos by Robert Press) By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 13- ECPW Wrestling c...

Classic Stars Wrestle in the Bronx

Classic Stars Wrestle in the Bronx

(Photos by Robert Press)

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 13- ECPW Wrestling came to St. Francis Xavier School for the Annual Wrestling event on Saturday. 

It may not have been Hulk Hogan or John Cena, but the wrestlers who fought did their job as good as any other wrestlers. Hacksaw Jim 

Duggan, Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine , and others like 'Crazy Ivan, Ghetto Brown, Frankie Flow, and the tag team 'The Disrespectors to name only a few of the many wrestlers who appeared.

#Wrestling #HacksawJim Duggan, #GregThe HammerValentine #Bronxnews

City Island News BX: Bronx Big Love

City Island News BX: Bronx Big Love: Bronx Big Love Woman has 8 Husbands Most Come from ‘Red Flagged’ Countries BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 10- District Attorney Robert Jo...

Bronx Big Love

Bronx Big Love

Woman has 8 Husbands

Most Come from ‘Red Flagged’ Countries

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 10- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced the Supreme Court indictment of 39-year-old Liana Barrientos on charges of offering false instruments for filing in the first degree (2 counts, Class E Felony).

Those false instruments were an application for a marriage license, and the signed marriage license itself, executed in the springtime of 2010 – stating this was Barrientos’ first and only marriage. The groom was a man named Salle Keita, whom she wed March 4^th, 2010, according to the indictment.

But he was far from the only groom, as it turned out. Barrientos is believed to be currently married to four people, and at one time she was married to eight of them at the same time. The case was brought to the attention of the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Investigation Division. They indicated that seven of the men are from so-called “red-flagged” countries, which included Egypt, Turkey, Georgia, Pakistan, and Mali. In 2006, Groom #8 – Rashid Rajput – was deported to his home country of Pakistan following an investigation by the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

The others whom she is alleged to have married, filing marriage certificates from Westchester to Long Island, and most without benefit of divorce: Mohamed Gebril - Egypt (married November, 1999) filed for Legal Permanent Resident Status (LPR)  1/26/00 using her - divorced 4/29/02; Ahmed Allam - Egypt (married November, 2001) filed for LPR 11/27/01 using her – divorced 11/20/04; Habibur Rahman – Bangladeshi (married November, 2001) - Currently Married; Davit Koridze - Georgia (married February, 2002) – Currently Married;        Duran Goktepe – Turkey (married March, 2002) filed for LPR 3/29/02 using her – divorced 1/10/07; Aliaksandr Paharelau – Czechoslovakia (married March, 2002) – possibly divorced 7/25/05; Vakhtang Dzneladze – Georgia (married May, 2002) filed for LPR 6/14/02 and approved using her and naturalized 11/15/06 – divorced 2/26/07; Rashid Rajput – Pakistan (married July, 2002) filed for LPR 8/21/02 using her – put into removal proceedings after Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation regarding making threatening statements toward the US and deported in 2006 – currently married; Kakhaber Khorbaladze – Georgia (married August, 2002) filed for LPR 8/27/02 and approved using her in 2006 – divorced 8/6/07; Salle Keita – Mali (married March 4, 2010) no valid immigration status – currently married. 

In Supreme Court today, before Justice Steven Barrett, Barrientos pled not guilty to the charges. If she is convicted, the defendant faces up to four years behind bars.

The case against Barrientos is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jessica Lupo of the Bronx D.A. Arson/Auto/Economic Crime Bureau, and the arrest was made by the Detective Investigator Det. Manuel Lara of the Bronx D.A.’s Detective Investigator Squad, led by Chief Frank Chiara, as well as ICE Special Agent Joseph Grimaldi.

The charges in this indictment are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

#8husbands #NYPD #BronxDA #Bronxnews