January 16th Meeting: Planning the HIGH BRIDGE's Reopening and the Harlem River Waterfront

High Bridge and the Harlem River Water Front - next steps with city, state and federal agencies

HARLEM RIVER WORKING GROUP MEETING Date:  Thursday, January 16th, 2014 Time:  6:00 pm   Location: Public School 11 The Highbridge School Address: 1257 Ogden Avenue Transportation:  via car, best parking on Sedgwick Ave. via bus: BX11 or BX13 to 169th Street/Ogden Avenue, walk west on 168th. We will have a tour of the High Bridge construction site and the Sedgwick Steps prior to the meetings beginning at 5pm. Updates from meetings with the Parks Department and Department of Transportation Planning for the High Bridge Celebration for Summer/Fall 2014. Next steps for Greenway Projects as a result of these presentations.

Upcoming Harlem River Meetings

UPCOMING HARLEM RIVER WORKING GROUP MEETINGS Date:  Saturday, February 22nd Time:  11:00 am to 5:00 pm   Location:  Lehman College, as Part of 20th Annual Bronx Parks Speak Up, details to follow Date:  Thursday, March 13th, 2014  Time:  6:00 pm   Location: Highbridge Recreation Center - Tentative Date:  Wednesday, April 9th, 2014  Time:  4:00 pm   Location: TBA   Date:  Thursday, May 15th, 2014  Time:  6:00 pm   Location: TBA Date:  Thursday, June 19th, 2014  Time:  6:00 pm   Location: TBA

RSVP or for Questions: call Chauncy, 646-719-0034 

     

Email:  HarlemRiver@bceq.org

 

Facebook:  facebook.com/harlemriver

 

Upcoming Bronx Chamber of Commerce Events

  

  

  

Please mark your calendars for our upcoming events!

Workshop with the Better Business Bureau 

When: Wednesday, January 15th

12:30 - 2:00 pm

Where: Hutch Metro Center Conference Center

1200 Waters Place, Bronx, NY 10461

* Complimentary Admission - Lunch will be Provided *

RSVP to Michelle@BronxChamber.org

Inauguration of the

Executive Board and Board of Directors

When: Thursday, January 23rd

Cocktail Reception Begins at 6PM

Where: The Schiff Family Great Hall at the Bronx Zoo

*Complimentary Admission to All Current Members*

**MUST RSVP AS SPACE IS LIMITED** 

RSVP to Alexandra@BronxChamber.org

at your earliest convenience !

We look forward to having you attend! 

Mayor de Blasio Meets Wtih Bronx Council Delegation

  In an interview with Capitol New York Bronx Council delegation leader Councilwoman Annabel Palma talks about this latest meeting with Mayor Bill de Blasio to try to sway their votes from Dan Garodnick to Melissa Mark-Viverito for city council speaker. As of now only Councilman Ritchie Torres has committed to voting for Mark-Viverito with the rest of the Bronx delegation committing to Dan Garodnick for speaker when the selection takes place on Thursday January 8th.

  In the interview Councilwoman Palma says "This whole process has been handled through manipulation and threats. People have been called and told they would not get help in their districts when it came to budget time." She added that those who vote against Councilwoman Mark-Viverito for speaker were threatened with primary challenges in future races. In the next council election in the Bronx, the 8th (Mark-Viverito), 13th (Vacca), 17th (Arroyo) and 18th (Palma) will be open seats due to term limits. The 11th (Cohen) and 12th (King) were supported by Mayor Bill de Blasio, while the 15th (Torres) is the lone supporter of Mark-Viverito. That would leave only the 14th (Cabrera) and 16th (Gibson) to worry about having a primary in 2017. Having spoken to several Bronx council delegation members about how they will vote, all who are supporting Garodnick have said they will vote as a block for him. I wonder however if Councilman Fernando Cabrera or Councilman Fernando Hyde from the 14th council district will show up for the vote.

  Councilwoman Palma did not give any specifics as to just who or whom was threatening any Bronx council member, but said "This whole process of the Working Families Party involvement and the unions having such a heavy hand on who gets a speaker is totally disrespectful to the entire Council,"
  Mayor de Blasio declined to comment on the meeting, saying only that it was a "very productive and respectful meeting." You can find the entire article from Capitol New York here.

  

BP DIAZ TO HOST INAUGURATION & BRONX CENTENNIAL KICKOFF

 

On Thursday, January 9, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will be joined by local elected officials as well as business and community leaders for his inauguration ceremony and the official kick off to Bronx County’s year-round centennial celebration.

The ceremony will also feature the swearing-in of the Borough President and the entire Bronx City Council delegation, a historical nod to the first swearing in that took place when Bronx County was created in 1914. During the ceremony, Borough President Diaz and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce will also unveil a commemorative plaque celebrating the centennial.

In addition, the Empire State Building will light up in the colors of the Bronx flag Thursday night to honor the 100^th anniversary celebration of the creation of Bronx County.

When:                         Thursday, January 9, 2014

Where:                       Bronx County Building

Veterans’ Memorial Hall

                                    851 Grand Concourse

Bronx NY 10451

Time:                          6 p.m.

Councilman Andrew Cohen Inauguration

     If one photo says a thousand words, the above photo sums it up as a family swearing in. As you see Andrew Cohen is being sworn in by Judge Edgar Walker. On his right is his wife Heather, and proudly standing next to her father also taking the oath of office is 5 year old Sarah Cohen.

    The weather may have been cold with freezing rain out side, inside the Lovinger Theater at Lehman College was another story however. Hundreds of people gathered to see Mr. Andrew Cohen become Councilman Andrew Cohen. There were dozens of elected officials which included U.S.Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressmen Eliot Engel and Charles Rangel, City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Public Advocate Letitia James, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., State Senators Jeff Klein, Gustavo Rivera, and Adriano Espilliat, Bronx State Assembly members Jeff Dinowitz, Mark Gjonaj, Victor Pichardo and the Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie, Bronx council members Carmen Maria Arroyo, Fernando Cabrera, Vanessa Gibson, Andy King, and Ritchie Torres. Other City Council members in attendance included both candidates for speaker of the council Mellissa Msrk Viverito and Dan Gardoneck, Queens Councilman Mark Werprin, and Manhattan Councilmen Ydanis Rodriguez and Mark Levine. Also many members of Community Board 8 which Councilman Cohen was a member of, and others from Community boards 7 and 12.

     As for the speeches by the elected officials they started off saying we thank former Councilman Oliver Koppell for his 12 years in office, changing to the welcoming of a new Councilman Andrew Cohen, and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz summed it up best by saying "now we will have a councilman that I can work with.

      New City Comptroller Scott Stringer was the first elected official to speak, and he said that he has deep roots to the 11th council district. Stringer went on to say that his mother lives in the district, and he has given her Councilman Cohen's cell phone number. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer Mentioned that he was the congressman for the area that Andrew Cohen went to high school. Senator Jeff Klein mentioned that 18 years ago it was in the same Lovinger Theater that he was sworn in. Congressman Charles Rangel however said it was great to be back in Dewitt Clinton (the nearby high school he had attended). Then there were the others such as Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie who said county leaders are looked at like dictators of foreign countries. Senator Gustavo Rivera tried to joke about the bad weather outside by saying that he had to put on his shoe condoms (better known as rubbers). Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj said that he was looking forward to working with Councilman Cohen. 

     Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said that he has been in office for 20 year now, and Andrew Cohen once worked for him in his office. Dinowitz added that Andrew Cohen was supported by almost every Union and elected official not only in the Bronx but from other boroughs. Dinowitz then called up Judge Edgar Walker and Andrew Cohen for the oath of office. There was a standing ovation from the audience when Mr. Andrew Cohen became Councilman Andrew Cohen. Councilman Cohen then went on to give the longest speech that he has given so far thanking all the people in the audience for coming out in such bad weather. He then mentioned that he was a product of NYC public schools, and that he will be on the forefront of improving the public school system. Cohen went on to mention other areas he will concentrate on such as parks, homelessness and the over saturation of shelters, non-profits and adequate funding for them. Cohen went on to thank individual elected official such as Congressman Engel and Councilman Koppell, former Councilwoman June Eisland, and last but not least his family who supported him all the way through the gruelling campaign for the council seat. Below are some photos of the inauguration. 

Left - Bronx Democratic County Leader talks with Councilman Andy King before the ceremony.

Right - Rabbi Avi Weiss gave the Invocation. After the ceremony Father Richard Gorman gave the Benediction

 

Left - The Celia Cruz High School Chorus sing the Pledge of Allegiance.

Right - Sarah Cohen also says the Pledge of Allegiance.

Left - U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer.

Right - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 

Left - Some of the elected officials that filled the first three rows.

Right That's Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viveritoin the second row on the left, and Councilman Dan Gardonick in the first row. Both are seeking to be the new speaker of the council on Jan. 8th.

Honoring the Legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in The Bronx

Trinity Baptist Church In Conjunction With Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Invites You to Remembering the Legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A Community Interfaith Service  10A.M, Monday                  January 20, 2014   Trinity Baptist Church 808 East 224th St (Between Barnes &  Bronxwood  Avenues)                        Please RSVP to 718.590.3989 or                  smalave@bronxbp.nyc.gov

Carmen Farina to Receive Over $400,000.00 to Run NYC Public Schools

  In an agreement dated January 1st new schools Chancellor Carmen Farina will receive the same pay that her predecessor Dennis Walcott, that being $212,612.00. In addition however Chancellor Farina will continue to receive her pension from the Board of Education of about $200,00.00 which will make her pay top out at over $400,000.00 a year. Joel Klein as schools chancellor received the standard salary of $250,000.00. In addition Farina is eligible to all the perks as chancellor which include a $1,000.00 opt out payment not to choose the health and welfare benefits offered that would duplicate the benefits she already receives as a Board of Education retiree.
  In a statement from Mayor Bill de Blasio's office it was said that Chancellor Farina's base salary was less than the heads of smaller school systems around the country. There is also a car and driver at the disposal of Chancellor Farina.

Small Plane Lands On Major Deegan Highway

photo credit to Daniel Miller Via the Daily News.

  A Piper PA28 airplane originating from Danbury Connecticut to tour New York City and the Statue of Liberty experienced an emergency on board en route back to Danbury, and landed safely on the Major Deegan Highway northbound just south of the East 233rd Street exit. 

  Since there is to be major reconstruction on the Major Deegan Highway at this point (starting very soon) Department of Transportation workers had a lane of the highway closed. The DOT workers then stopped northbound traffic so the plane could glide to a safe landing with none of the three passengers seriously hurt.

  Within a few hours the plane was loaded onto a flat bed truck and taken away. The owner of the plane is reported to be Mr. Michael Schwartz of South Salem in Westchester County. Mr. Schwartz and his two passengers were taken to St. Barnabas Hospital with only minor injuries. 

TOWN HALL MEETING ON SOCCER STADIUM

 

   Residents, soccer fans, merchants, community organizations and elected officials will have a chance to discuss a proposal to build a soccer stadium on River Avenue at 157th Street.

    The 161st Street BID will be hosting a meeting on January 15 at 7:30 PM at 900 Grand Concourse (161st Street) to provide everyone a chance to express themselves on this topic.

   “This is a chance to gather the thoughts and feelings of the community,” noted Dr. Cary Goodman, the BID’s executive director. “The Town Hall Meeting will give opponents and those who want a new stadium a chance to share their opinions and hear others.”

    The meeting is open to the public and free.

    Participating organizations and institutions include The Bronx Museum of the Arts, Community Board 4, Mid-Bronx Senior Citizens Council,The Highbridge Life Center, Bronx Health Reach,  South Bronx United, Hostos Community College and The Bronx Council on Environmental Quality.    

Bronx Republican Party Brunch Feb. 9th

Inauguration Celebration of Council Member Andy King is Postponed

Due to weather conditions, this afternoon's inauguration celebration at Evander Childs High School is postponed, and will be rescheduled. In the meantime, please stay safe and warm. 
Yours in the Spirit of Unity, Council Member Andy King

 

 

Friends of VCP's January 2014 Enewsletter

Happy New Year!  We hope that you and your family have a Healthy and Happy 2014.
The Friends of Van Cortlandt Park are very proud of all that we accomplished last year and thank you for your support allowing us to achieve our Top 10 Accomplishments in 2013. 

We are excited to see what 2014 brings us and the Park and have made 5 Resolutions for the new year! 
 

See you in the Park!

Christina

FVCP is Hiring

The Friends are hiring a Seasonal Trails Project Manager who will work with our high school interns, Volunteer Trails Crew and other volunteers to complete projects in our Trails Plan while ensuring community involvement in these trail rehabilitation efforts.  Interested candidates need to apply by January 17th, 2014.

Treecycle at Mulchfest

Ring in the New Year by recycling your Christmas tree on January 11 and 12, 2014 at NYC Parks' annual MulchFest from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily, at locations citywide. Bring your tree to one of over 80 designated parks, to be recycled into mulch, that will nourish plantings across the city or your own garden. Free mulch collection bags will be provided for your convenience.

There will be 36 chipping sites and 47 drop-off sites throughout the five boroughs. And starting Saturday, January 4th, you can drop off your tree at any designated site.  Remember to remove all lights and decorations before dropping your tree off.

In Van Cortlandt Park, chipping will occur at the VC Golf Course and trees can also be dropped off at Indian Field (no chipping).  For a complete list of sites, visit the MulchFest webpage.

Save the Date: 
20th Annual Bronx Parks Speak Up
Saturday February 22nd, 2014

from 11am to 5pm
This year’s theme is “Bronx Parks: A 20/20 Vision”.  This annual networking conference will be held in the Faculty Dining Room of the Music Building of Lehman College.  For more information visit bronxspeakup.org. 

Wave Hill Events January 17–January 24

  A walk keyed to former, illustrious Wave Hill resident Arturo Toscanini…a rescheduled cooking demonstration…a Family Art Project inspired by Dr. King…the first of our three 2014 Horticultural Lectures…our second Winter Workspace workshop, all balanced by sessions of medication tai chi and yoga: This week demonstrates as well as any how vibrant a season winter is at Wave Hill.

SAT, JANUARY 18    FAMILY ART PROJECT—MAPPING FREEDOM

As was the practice during the era of the Underground Railroad, draw a secret map of the places you want to go. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King—and with a nod toward traditional African American quilts—we’ll transfer the maps to muslin and decorate them with cloth, yarn and felt to embellish your own personal dream of freedom. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JANUARY 18    TAI CHI CHUAN

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class, Irving Yee, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its benefits. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of this session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, JANUARY 18    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: COLLAGE—COLOR IN THE GARDEN
Gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Cheryl Molnar’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. The artist demonstrates how collage can be used to discover the basic principles of color. Then, using found images of plants, flowers, stone and wood, create color combinations for the garden while making mixed-media collages. Art materials are provided, but you may bring their own magazine clippings. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–4PM

SAT, JANUARY 18    GARDEN WALK: TOSCANINI’S TREES

When Arturo Toscanini resided at Wave Hill House in the 1940’s, he would have enjoyed a landscape that included many of the trees that define the garden today. Bundle up for a brisk winter walk with Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day to see some favorite trees from Toscanini’s tenure here. Free with admission to the grounds. Illustrious Residents event.

MEET AT THE PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

SUN, JANUARY 19    FAMILY ART PROJECT—MAPPING FREEDOM

As was the practice during the era of the Underground Railroad, draw a secret map of the places you want to go. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King—and with a nod toward traditional African American quilts—we’ll transfer the maps to muslin and decorate them with cloth, yarn and felt to embellish your own personal dream of freedom. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JANUARY 19    HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of this session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, JANUARY 19    MEDITATION

This fall, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of this session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, JANUARY 19    COOKING DEMO: CULINARY CONIFERS

The versatile conifers (pines, spruces, junipers and their kin) enhance our winter landscape and provide flavorful accents for seasonal dishes. With the Conifer Slope as a backdrop, Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day and a chef from Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances reveal the origin and history of some of our edible conifers. Sample delicious coniferous recipes featuring juniper berries and pine nuts. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

Free with admission to the grounds.

SUN, JANUARY 19   GARDEN & CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, JANUARY 20
Closed to the public.

WED, JANUARY 22    HORTICULTURAL LECTURE #1—LOUIS  BAUER: GREENWOOD GARDENS:

THE TRANSFORMATION OF A COUNTRY HOUSE INTO A PUBLIC PLACE FOR HORTICULTURE

This ongoing series is hosted by Wave Hill’s Friends of Horticulture Committee and is devoted to landscape design and the meaning of our interactions with plants and the natural world, The opening lecture this season is provided by Louis Bauer, Director of Horticulture at Greenwood Gardens. It’s easy to see coincidences between Wave Hill and Greenwood Gardens, both 28 acres and both former estates with dramatic views, though Greenwood looks out on New Jersey’s South Mountain Reservation. Unlike Wave Hill, Greenwood Gardens has been open for less than a year. The parallels provide a base for Bauer, trained as an architect and a devoted community gardener, to explore the ways a garden can be saved, nurtured and reinvented to inspire a new generation. The second in this series takes place February 19. Series: $60/48 Wave Hill Member, Student. Individual lectures:$25/$20 Wave Hill Member, Student. Reservations recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x216.

NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, 170 EAST 70^TH STREET, MANHATTAN, 6PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day on Tuesdays in January. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 3o minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242^nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

 

The 21 New City Council Members

  As of today there are 21 new City Council members who will have a limit of two terms or 8 years to serve their constituents should they get re-elected in 2017. There are 17 men and 4 women, and they are listed in alphabetical order.
  17 of the 21 new council members have replaced 17 council members who have been "term limited" out of office. Only 1 defeated an incumbent council member.

1 - Inez Barrons. District 42 Brooklyn. She takes over for her "term limited" husband Charles who will be running for her vacant assembly seat, and wants to continue in her husbands legacy in the council.

2 - Andrew Cohen. District 11 Bronx. Readers of this blog and my column in the Bronx News should be familiar with Mr. Cohen who takes over for "term limited" Oliver Koppell, and Cohen is looking to get his new office up and running so he can serve his constituents.

3 - Costa Constantinides. District 22 Queens. Succeeded "term limited" Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. He was the Deputy chief of staff, to Councilman James Gennaro of District 24 who was also "term limited" out of office. 

4-  Robert Cornegy Jr. District 36 Brooklyn. Succeeded "term Limited" Councilman Al Vann. He was the District Leader of the 56th Assembly District in Brooklyn, and at 6'10" played college basketball at St. Johns and the University of Alabama.

5- Laurie Cumbo. District 35 Brooklyn. Succeeded Letitia James who went on to become the Public Advocate of the city.

6 - Chaim Deutsch. District 48 Brooklyn. Succeeded "term limited" Councilman Michael Nelson, and was on the staff of Councilman Nelson.

7 - Raphael Espinal. District 37 Brooklyn. Succeeded "term limited" Councilman Erik Martin Dilan, and was the assemblyman from the 54th Assembly district in Brooklyn.

8 - Vanessa Gibson. 16th District Bronx. Succeeded "term limited" Councilwoman Helen Diane Foster, and was the assemblywoman from the 77th Assembly District in the Bronx.

9 - Corey Johnson. District 3 Manhattan. Succeeded "term limited" former City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and was the Chair of Community Board #4 in Manhattan.

10 - Ben Kallos. District 5 Manhattan. Succeeded Councilwoman Jessica Lappin who ran for the vacant seat of Manhattan Borough President. He ran against Micah Kellner for the council seat and won.

11 - Rory Lancman. District 24 Queens. Succeeded "term limited" Councilman James F. Gennaro, and was a member of the state assembly for 6 years from the 25th assembly district.

12 - Mark Levine - District 7 Manhattan. Succeeded "term limited" Councilman Robert Jackson, and was the District Leader from the 71st assembly district.

13 - Alan Maisel. District 46 Brooklyn.  Succeeded :"term limited" Councilman Lew Fidler, and was also a former state assemblyman from the 59th assembly district in Brooklyn.

14 - Steven Matteo. District 50 Staten Island. Succeeded "term limited" Councilman James Oddo who became Staten Island Borough President. Matteo was Oddo's Chief of Staff.

15 - Carlos Menchaca. District 38 Brooklyn. Defeated incumbent Councilwoman Sara Gonzalez in the Democratic primary, and went on to win in the general election. First council member of Mexican heritage.

16 -  Daneek Miller. District 27 Queens. Succeeded "term limited" Councilman Leroy Comrie, and was the President of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1056 and co-chair of the MTA Labor Coalition.

17 - Antonio Reynoso. District 34 Queens. Succeeded "term limited" Councilwoman Diana Reyna, and was her Chief of Staff from 2009. 

18 - Helen Rosenthal. District 6 Manhattan. Succeeded "term limited" Councilwoman Gale Brewer who was elected as Manhattan Borough President. Rosenthal was Chair of Manhattan Community Board #7.

19 - Ritchie Torres. District 15 Bronx. Succeeded "term limited" Councilman Joel Rivera, and served as housing director and chief of staff for Bronx Councilman Jimmy Vacca. 

20 - Mark Treyger. District 47 Brooklyn. Succeeded "term-limited" Councilman Domenic Recchia, and worked for Assemblyman William Colton.

21 - Paul Vallone. District 19 Queens. Succeeded former Councilman Dan Halloran who did not run for re-election amid federal corruption charges. Vallone's father Peter was council Speaker from 1986 to 2001.

 

IT"S OFFICIAL BILL DE BLASIO IS THE NEW MAYOR

  After being sworn in at 12:01 AM January 1st by New York State Attorney General Eric Schniderman, new mayor Bill de Blasio was sworn in officially on the steps of City Hall by former President Bill Clinton at 1:01 PM. De Blasio was sworn in first by NY State Attorney General Eric Schniderman at his home in Brooklyn while his wife Chirlane Mcray held the bible for the new Mayor her husband. Also standing next to the new mayor as he took the oath of office were his two children Dante and Chiara. Both children and his wife became prominent in his campaign especially when his son Dante's Afro was the darling of the media. 

  At City Hall the public swearing in of new City Comptroller Scott Stringer was first. Second was the swearing in of new Public Advocate Letita James, and then came the event everyone was waiting for the swearing in of new Mayor Bill de Blasio by Former President Bill Clinton. Afterwards New Mayor de Blasio either shook hands or hugged several of the dignitaries in the attendance. Those included Hillary Clinton, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Former Mayor David Dinkins to name only a few. Others were invited to meet the new Mayor inside City Hall.