Winner of Vol. 71, No. 22
What’s inside?
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Sen. Alessandra Biaggi is striking out on her own after formally leaving Ben Franklin Reform Dems Club. Page A3
$1.00
Amid protests, budget cuts, crime rises in 5-0 By KIRSTYN BRENDLEN kbrendlen@riverdalepress.com
Benjamin who?
the Pulitzer Prize
It’s usually one of the quietest precincts in the borough, to the point that even when crime rises across the city — or even across the Bronx — the 50th Precinct stays relatively immune. And then, of course, the stay-at-home orders which have plagued most of 2020 so far didn’t hurt. Still, felony assault and burglary are up locally, with grand larceny auto jumping 71 percent
in the past six months compared to the year before. Why? It’s hard to say. In April, precinct commanding officer Capt. Emilio Melendez said the coronavirus pandemic flattened crime rates as businesses shuttered across the city and people hunkered down in their homes. But things have changed dramatically — even in the last month as the city and state slowly begin to reopen. The first weekend in July was a shockingly violent one in the
city, with 11 people killed in 30 shootings. During a July 6 news conference, Jason Wilcox, the New York Police Department’s assistant chief, expressed frustration about those numbers, citing bail reform, releasing at-risk prisoners from Rikers Island at the height of the COVID pandemic, and court slowdowns for why those numbers have increased. “If these tremendous challenges were not enough, New York City had days and days of
anti-police marches that honestly crushed the morale of our cops,” Wilcox said. “And it created a large sense of animosity towards the cops. And I’m not talking about the peaceful protests.” There have been four shooting incidents in the 50th Precinct this year, a 300 percent increase over 2019. Yet, there has been only one homicide this year — and that didn’t involve a gun. Still, in light of the police-involved death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last May, the NYPD
New eating out normal
has changed a bit in recent weeks, with Commissioner Dermot Shea dismantling the department’s plainclothes anti-crime units. “This is 21st century policing,” Shea said during a June 16 news conference. “Intelligence, data, ShotSpotter, video, DNA, and building prosecutable cases.” He said 600 officers would be transitioned to alternate assignments, including within the detective bureau and neighborhood policing. CRIME, page A4
SAR still in middle of fight to expand the CVA By KIRSTYN BRENDLEN kbrendlen@riverdalepress.com
3-D print master Efforts to provide homemade face shields in New Jersey has local connection. Page A8
NOAH BENUS
Customers crowd the sidewalk in front of Salvatores of Soho on Riverdale Avenue in what for many is their first chance to eat outside of their home or work in months. Although indoor dining was supposed to be part of the city’s third phase of reopening following the coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has restricted it for now.
Restaurants stay outside — for now By MAYA KATZ Intern
A live stream An Beal Bocht still can’t welcome its performers, but it doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy them. Page A10
Eating outside was certainly a step up from months of only takeout and delivery. But then again, such an arrangement was expected to be just temporary as part of the second phase of New York’s coronavirus pandemic reopening. But with the third phase starting on schedule Monday, there was one element Gov. Andrew Cuomo decided to take away at the last moment — letting diners enjoy their meals inside restaurants. So that means anyone who wants to eat out, will have to literally eat outside. Restaurants, however, have adapted, taking not only to sidewalks, but even to streets. And some even have gone to some lengths to protect patrons from not only the coronavirus, but also sun and rain. And it’s hard to miss, like at Tibbett Diner in Kingsbridge. After a two-week shutdown at the peak of the pandemic, the popular Tib-
bett Avenue eatery offered deliveries and takeout during much of the stay-at-home orders. But the moment it could serve food on-site again, the diner erected large industrial tents in a lot next to the restaurant, making some wonder if a field hospital was being set up instead. Customers have figured out that it’s indeed there for a great Tibbett Diner NICK burger or omelette. Still, DIAKAKIS business at the restaurant is not like it used to be, owner Nick Diakakis said. “It is nowhere near pre-pandemic levels of business,” he said. “But our community is really passionate about helping all of the small businesses.” Outdoor dining at Tibbett consists of three tents in the parking lot, each with two tables on opposite ends of the tent. Each
table is six feet apart for social distancing purposes. Customers wear masks until they are seated, and then only when their server visits the table. “There is more than enough space for people to sit down and have comfort and privacy,” Diakakis said. But there are other changes as well. Dishes and utensils are now single use, and paper menus are a relic of a pre-pandemic age. Instead, each tent has a billboard with the menu on it. Hand sanitizer is available for customers, and the bathrooms are cleaned multiple times a day. With a hope that customers at some point can return to the restaurant itself, Diakakis has ordered high-efficiency particulate air filters — which Cuomo has promoted as a filter strong enough to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2 indoors — and currently uses air purifiers. When the time comes to let diners back inside, Diakakis says he’ll use a Plexiglas-like material to separate tables. EATING OUT, page A4
Late last summer, thousands of people across New York state were granted something they thought would never be offered: A chance for justice. The Child Victims Act aimed at expanding the number of child sexual assault victims who could seek legal redress against their abusers, whether the source of that abuse came from people or institutions. It did so by not only moving the age cap on victims from 24 to 55, but it also provided a one-year “lookback” period, where victims of any age could file suit against institutions or individuals who they say committed or facilitated sexual abuse against them, no matter how long ago the abuse took place. The lookback window opened Aug. 14, and was originally set to expire next month. However, because of the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Andrew Cuomo extended that window in May. “Because of the reduction in court services, we want to extend that window, and we will extend it an additional five months, until Jan. 14,” Cuomo said at the time. “Because people need access to the courts to make their claim, because justice too long delayed is justice denied.” For some — especially here, closer to home — that justice already had been long deferred. In late 2017, former students emailed allegations about Stanley Rosenfeld, a former teacher and assistant principal at Salanter Akiba Riverdale Academy, to Rabbi Binyamin Krauss, according to a report published by the school. Those allegations prompted the school to hire an outside investigative company to VICTIMS, page A4
Key Food closes — when will it reopen? By RAPHAEL LASSAUZE rlassauze@riverdalepress.com
It’s not like it was free of issues before, but few expected the Key Food supermarket at 5661 Riverdale Ave., to be shuttered on a seemingly random morning. Yet, that’s exactly what happened to the long-embattled North Riverdale grocery store Monday morning when would-be customers were greeted with large banners declaring the store had indeed closed. The Key Food location was battered with complaints over the years, primarily from what seems to be a rapid deterioration of its decades-old strip mall space. Fixing it appeared to be a battle between the location’s owners, the Luna brothers, and
Skyview Shopping Center landlord Braun Management. In fact, Kevin Luna told The Riverdale Press in 2018 he would be interested in doing those renovations himself, if only he had a longer-term deal to stay there. “I’ve expressed an interest in extending the lease, but the landlord might have other intentions, other projects in mind with his property,” Kevin Luna said at the time. “It’s unpredictable right now.” Two years later, however, it seems the Luna brothers are out. “For Key Food, there’s no set date on when it’ll reopen as there’s new ownership,” Luna told The Press on Monday. “We aren’t sure who that might be, though. KEY FOOD, page A4
SOLD 555 Kappock Street, Apt. 21G ELLEN FELD // 917.734.9463
1085095
MICHAEL HINMAN
What’s coming next for the space that until Monday was a Key Food grocery store at Skyview Shopping Center in North Riverdale? Rumors are circulating. But it could also simply be another Key Food.
A2 - THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, July 9, 2020
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Hungry? Try to keep yourself calm It’s not uncommon to get a little hangry — You haven’t eaten in a little while, and your mood turns sour. One man escalated that a little too much inside a Kingsbridge Road Popeye’s restaurant on June 29. While waiting in line to order, the man started complaining about the person in front of him taking too long, police said. He then knocked her phone out of her hands before hitting her in the face and on the arms. During all that, the woman apparently dropped a cash card loaded with $35. Police say the man snatched the card and ran out of the restaurant into a silver BMW. The victim suffered some bruising, police said, but refused medical attention. Officers looked for the angry customer, but couldn’t find him. He’s described as a man with dark skin tone, standing about 6-feet, and weighing 220 pounds.
Just scooting along
A man was simply walking home not far from the 5400 block of Broadway when police say a boy came out of nowhere — and apparently without provocation — to hit him. The attacker is believed to be around 13, and struck the man in the left elbow with his metal scooter before running away. The man refused medical attention at the scene, and police are on the lookout for the teenager and his scooter. Police said the boy is around 5 feet tall, weighing about 100 pounds.
Keep those teeth shiny
At least two people walked into the CVS store at 565 W. 235th St., on June 30 aiming to misbehave, police said. After flashing a knife at an employee, the pair started pulling products from shelves, police said, including eight Colgate Optic Renewal toothpaste tubes — worth about $130 — a Conair hair dryer worth $41, and some Crest toothpaste worth $4. They also pulled a 15-pack of chocolate Ensure bottled drinks off the shelf. Police said one of the thieves was Black or Hispanic, about 30 years old, 5-foot-8 and weighing about 130 pounds with long hair in a ponytail. The other was a white woman around 20 years old, 5-foot-7, about 150 pounds, with long blond hair, also in a ponytail.
a bad omen
June was off to a bad start for one car owner, who parked his 2014 Mercedes-Benz on the corner of Putnam Avenue West and Van Cortlandt Park South on June 1. Sometime before he returned the next day, his front passenger-side window was broken. Police say whoever did the window breaking also took the driver’s Chase bank card, blank checks, a laptop worth about $900, and the bag it came in. There were no witnesses and it’s unclear if any cameras captured the event, police said, but the investigation continues.
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THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, July 9, 2020 - A3
Biaggi, Ben Franklin Club part ways in political divorce By MICHAEL HINMAN mhinman@riverdalepress.com
For years, a sign above the West 231st Street headquarters of the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club has featured the name of elected officials representing the Bronx. It includes names like borough president Ruben Diaz Jr., U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat, and even at the lowest elected levels, Eric Dinowitz and Randi Martos as Democratic district leaders. But there’s change coming to that sign — and it’s not just the pending removal of U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel and Democratic state committeewoman Helen Morik, who lost their respective elections last week. State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi has sent a check to the Ben Franklin Club she says should be more than enough to remove her name from the sign. No, she didn’t lose her primary a couple weeks ago. She’s just officially parting ways with the club. “Over the last year or so, it just become clear that my values are not aligned with the leadership of the club, which is fine,” Biaggi told The Riverdale Press. “So I’m going to start my own club.” The senator has few details on what this new political club would involve, as she’s still gathering people to help her organize it. But one thing is clear, while Biaggi will welcome all members — even if they maintain membership with the Ben Franklin Club — this is going to be a club designed to offer an alternative for Democrats who don’t feel the existing leadership of the Ben Franklin Club is listening. “It’s the early stages, and it’s going to take time to be thoughtful about what it looks like and about what the goals are, and what a modern political club is,” Biaggi said. “But it’s really important that our political infrastructure is reflective of the future.” The Ben Franklin Club was formed in 1959 by Frank Montero, Bob Rubinstein and Stan Cohen to continue the fight already waged by Eleanor Roosevelt’s Lexington Democratic Club against a resurging Tammany Hall political machine. The club was a leader in the borough, with its endorsement coveted, because it meant its membership would travel throughout the Bronx to ensure that candidate got all the votes he or she needed. But in more recent years, the power of the club began to wane. In 2018, when Biaggi originally challenged longtime state senator Jeffrey Klein, many of her supporters tried to join the club to help win its endorsement. They failed, yet Biaggi’s primary win
JULIUS CONSTANTINE MOTAL / File photos
Then state senatorial candidate Alessandra Biaggi takes questions from members of the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club in an effort to gain the group’s endorsement in 2018. Instead, the club chose to side with the incumbent, Jeffrey Klein, who ultimately lost his race against Biaggi. Two years later, Biaggi has withdrawn her membership from the Ben Franklin Club and is ready to start a competing group, putting her at odds once again with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, below. over Klein was decisive despite not getting the Ben Franklin Club’s support. Then this past primary cycle, two candidates endorsed by the club — Engel and Morik — seemingly lost their roles in Congress and as the state committeewoman, respectively. Engel was likely defeated by political newcomer Jamaal Bowman, while Morik looks to be stepping aside for an unknown herself, Zulma Gonzalez. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz — who many critics of the club accuse of being the elected official controlling what they describe as a political machine — isn’t worried about a little bad luck at the polls. “You win some, you lose some. That’s politics,” Dinowitz said. “Other club members and I don’t check which way the wind is blowing when we make an endorsement. Our club holds a secret ballot vote of members based on who they think the best candidate is — not based on whether they will win the election.” In a prepared statement beyond those remarks, Dinowitz took Biaggi to task for never trying to be a part of the political club.
“She attended only two meetings of the club as a state senator,” Dinowitz said. “Last November when she sought the club’s endorsement for her re-election, and on Jan. 29 when she led a failed effort to defeat the entire list of incumbent club officers and executive committee members.” Earlier this year, club president Michael Heller was expecting an easy re-election. That is until a so-called “alternate slate” of candidates was in-
troduced, backed by Biaggi and state Sen. Gustavo Rivera. One member of the Ben Franklin Club leadership, Bruce Feld, told The Press at the time that Rivera’s actions backing the alternate slate in an open election was “disloyal.” Even before Rivera’s involvement in the election became public, word spread enough through about 100 members of the club to almost deny him an endorsement for his senate seat.
Heller and his “primary” slate won in an election that attracted club members from the furthest reaches of the borough, many who never appeared active with the club before. Heller did not return multiple requests for comment. But Dinowitz added his own thoughts, telling The Press that even after her side lost that election, the club collected nearly 60 percent of the signatures needed to get her on the ballot. “I don’t know when she decided that her values didn’t align with ours, but I do know that I value keeping my word and commitment to the people who have believed in me throughout my tenure,” Dinowitz said. While the Ben Franklin Club said it was moving forward, its relationship with Biaggi and Rivera remained icy — even to the point that in an email blast to members just before the primary, the club mentioned all of its endorsements by name, except for the state senators, referring to them only as “incumbents.” “My values are not aligned with what the club’s leadership is representing,” Biaggi said. “So why would I pretend to be part of something that I don’t feel aligned with? It’s totally inauthentic to who I am and what I stand for, and it would be very fake of me to pretend like I want to be part of that club.” Morgan Evers, who ran against Heller for the club leadership, has since started her own political group called Think National, Act Bronx, which she says won’t compete with the Ben Franklin Club, but instead is designed to complement it. Evers told The Press she has not talked to Biaggi about her new club, and didn’t comment further. “I think of the Democratic Party as inclusive,” Biaggi said. “It’s diverse. It’s compassionate. It’s all of the things that we all think about when we’re campaigning, and that we live through when we’re governing. But there isn’t really a place for people to kind of congregate, and that’s important.” Biaggi says she is gathering people who are looking for an alternative to the club to help organize it from the ground level. They can reach her through her campaign page for more information. “How we treat each other really matters in a very big way,” Biaggi said. “I think that the old way of being, like ‘the political boss,’ that’s not a reality that the majority of people are embracing. And it’s not a reality that I’m going to embrace ever. I don’t believe that’s what democracy is.”
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A4 - THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, July 9, 2020
Officials disagree on what is causing crime rise
NOAH BENUS
There was plenty of food — but not necessarily enough seats — for hungry customers in front of the Tortoise & Hare gastropub on Broadway. Hopefully few have issues with eating outside, because that could be the only way they’re eating out for a while.
Dining’s ‘new normal’ for near future EATING OUT from page A1 “Each step forward we go is costing us more as a business,” Diakakis said. “We are trying to do the best that we can, but at the same time, it is taking a step backwards.” Weather can take a toll on the dining experience, like it did this past Monday with thunderstorms that rolled through the city. Although the tents are completely covered, rainy weather has not encouraged customers to come out, Diakakis said. When it is too hot or humid, people just don’t want to sit in the heat. “You have to have that Goldilocks zone of temperature where it’s not too humid and not too muggy,” Diakakis said. “Then people will show up.” Bronx Burger House also has found weather to be a barrier when it comes to outdoor dining. Laura Pinedo, who manages the establishment on the corner of Mosholu Avenue and Broadway, said that even with umbrellas for rainy weather, most customers prefer the takeout option if the weather is not good.
And since it’s summer, mosquitos have also been a nuisance for anyone still choosing to sit outside. Pinedo’s outdoor setup includes six tables spaced six feet apart, as well as string lights hung to add a little ambience. The new menus are laminated and sanitized after each use so that the restaurant is following safety precautions, but also being environmentally smart. Hand sanitizer is readily available for customers to use. Workers always wear masks, but customers don’t have to wear them while seated. Outdoor dining is a step in the right direction, Pinedo said, but still doesn’t compare to business prior to the pandemic. And for good reason. “Our whole atmosphere is inside,” Pinedo said. “It is better than nothing, but it is still a very tough time for small businesses.” Throughout the pandemic, Bronx Burger House offered delivery and takeout. They started using the
third-party delivery app GrubHub — which takes a large commission — but Pinedo feels it still helps. “Having Grubhub creates a new customer base that we’d never had before,” she said. “There are new customers who are now coming for outdoor dining who had their food through GrubHub.” Even during hard times, Bronx Burger House worked to help the community during the pandemic, bringing a hundred meals to nurses, firefighters and police officers. While the intention was to give back to those on the front lines, Pinedo also believes it helped bring in some new customers as well. In turn, the community has worked to help Bronx Burger House during a tough time for restaurants, Pinedo said. Customers have come in to buy food or gift certificates just to keep the doors open. “The amount of support that we have received from the community is unbelievable,” Pinedo said. “The community loves the restaurant, the food, and the staff, and so they want to keep it going.”
Alleged SAR victim hopes to settle case VICTIMS from page A1 interview nearly 40 witnesses and alleged victims. Those investigators concluded Rosenfeld may have sexually abused as many as 12 students during the time he worked at the school between 1974 and 1977, and again for a short time a decade later. One of those students, who asked to remain anonymous, said in an email to The Riverdale Press she felt empowered to file suit herself against SAR after reading a story published last fall about former students — reportedly frustrated by SAR’s response to the allegations — who already filed claims. She said SAR Academy reached out to her and other victims in January 2018, but that was it. “I came forward to heal and with the promises of help from SAR,” she told The Press through her attorney, Sarah Cantos. “But to date, I have not been helped. The information that another student was sexually abused was shocking — I thought it was just me he had abused for all those years. To know that I can stand with other survivors helps me in my quest for justice.” When reached for comment, SAR Academy referred to a statement it used in October 2018, acknowledging it believed Rosenfeld abused students both in school and in his home. It also confirmed that Rabbi Sheldon Schwartz — who worked at SAR until January 2018 — had not only been aware of the abuse, but sometimes facilitated it, claiming he also acted “inappropriately” with students. Cantos’ client said she told Schwartz about Rosenfeld’s behavior and he had failed to act. Because
‘I think justice would look like SAR accepting responsibility and providing some kind of accountability and acknowledgement.’
— Jordan Merson Attorney
JULIUS CONSTANTINE MOTAL / File
Since the passage of the Child Victims Act, several former students have filed civil suits against SAR Academy related to allegations of abuse by Stanley Rosenfeld, who was dismissed from the school in the 1970s, but rehired for a short time in the 1980s. of that, Cantos — from Merson Law in Manhattan — filed suit against the school. While the pair expected to hear back from SAR sometime in July, the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on civil court dockets, she said. Sexual assault is one of the Merson Law’s primary areas of expertise, according to its website. In fact, firm founder Jordan Merson is a member of a steering committee assembled by Judge George Silver, who was overseeing all pre-trial CVA cases in the city. While Cuomo already extended the window for victims to file claims until January, state lawmakers — including one of the CVA’s primary proponents, state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, as well as colleague Brad Hoylman — have
pushed for an extension into late 2021. “From my office, we have heard from at least one survivor who was in the process of filing a claim when the pandemic began,” Biaggi said, “And then was really worried that they would not be able to complete the process before the window was closed.” Ideally, Biaggi said, by Hoylman’s extension bill will have passed before the governor’s own extension expires, giving victims more time to take their alleged abusers to court. Once that lookback window ends, victims won’t have an avenue to pursue legal action against their alleged abusers outside of the new statute of limitations, Cantos and Merson said, no matter when it happened. It’s often
difficult for victims to come to terms with what happened to them and find the strength to come forward, even years later, Merson added. Some who filed cases weren’t ready to do so, but knew they wouldn’t have an opportunity later. “The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do is when you hear on the phone that someone was horribly sexually abused as a child, and they’re just feeling comfortable coming forward now, and I tell them there really isn’t an avenue for them to do so,” Merson said. Cantor’s client filed her suit last October for unspecified damages, and the firm is expecting to get a response from SAR later this month. Ideally, the case will be settled out of court — but the team is prepared to put up a fight. “I think justice would look like SAR accepting responsibility and providing some kind of accountability and acknowledgement,” Merson said. “And if SAR is unwilling to do that, then we are prepared to take this case all the way to trial, and we will obtain that for our client if they won’t acknowledge it on their own.”
CRIME from page A1 “This is a seismic shift in the culture of how the NYPD polices this great city,” Shea said. “It will be felt immediately in the five district attorney’s offices, it will be felt immediately in the communities that we protect.” Gun violence already was up that week prior to the disbanding of the plainclothes unit, Shea said, and criminal justice systems and courts needed to start up again to keep the city safe. Michael Lipetri, the NYPD’s crime control strategies chief, said the last time gun crimes were so high was 1996, and also pointed to bail reform as a factor driving crime up, despite recent rollbacks to the reforms, which added more crimes to the list of baileligible offenses. But that’s an unfair claim, said Eli Northrup, criminal defense policy counsel at the Bronx Defenders, a public defender nonprofit. “If anything, bail reform in the last month has been rolled back,” Northrup said. “I don’t think there’s any evidence that bail reform has anything to do with this. If you look, crime is actually down from their own data overall.” Violent gun crimes are still eligible for bail, Northrup said, and the link between an increase in violence over the weekend and bail reform was tenuous at best. Some of the most common crimes in the northwest Bronx are not eligible for bail, as they’re considered nonviolent. Lipetri said that those nonviolent crimes, like robbery and burglary, were “absolutely” being driven by bail reform. He cited perpetrators of robberies in mom-and-pop stores, or of people walking on the street, as crimes not eligible for bail. Burglary was up in the 5-0 by 41 percent compared to the same time last year, although robbery was down 22 percent. Felony assault was up 17 percent compared to June 2019. During a recent meeting of Community Board 8’s public safety committee, Melendez did cite bail reform as a reason for an increase in crime, according to the meeting’s minutes. Burglaries, which are not eligible for bail, were up 128 percent during the week ending on June 14, compared to the same time period last year. Northrup said that existing solutions for those crimes weren’t really solutions at all. “What we know is that the impulse to arrest, punish, incarcerate, our way out of crime or complex social problems hasn’t worked,” Northrup said. “We push for investing in strong, accessible, culturally competent systems, infrastructure, that center the needs of low-income, Black, Latinx, and communities of color. Social services, public infrastructure, rather than investing money in the police department. Because that hasn’t been working.” During his own July 6 briefing, Mayor Bill de Blasio said violence plaguing the beginning of July must be met with neighborhood policing, including relying on resources outside the NYPD, especially in Upper Manhattan and Harlem, which had a large concentration of the shootings. “It will take the efforts of clergy and block associations and elected officials and civic groups and parents and the Cure Violence movement,” de Blasio said. “We’re going to need all hands on deck to address this issue.”
50th Precinct Crime in 2020 (Compared to 2019)
q
22%
p
18%
p
42%
p
71%
North Riverdale loses popular supermarket KEY FOOD from page A1 Rent is high. I’m sure someone will take it up.” Rumors of Kevin Luna and brother Jaime departing reignited in March — just as the state shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic — in a time when many neighbors said they needed the location the most. Jaime Luna ultimately told Councilman Andrew Cohen, however, that Key Food would “remain open to service our community during this time of need.” Now that the city is in the third phase of reopening on what is hoped to be the other side of the pandemic, it seems for the Luna brothers, enough was finally enough. Rent had recently doubled, Kevin Luna said, finally forcing them out. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz,
whose office fielded a number of calls about the location, said he heard the store will reopen in a week under new ownership. Braun told The Press it’s closed for two more weeks, and declined to comment if the location would remain a Key Food under the new owners. And yet, when Cohen reached out, the property owners provided no timeframe for reopening. That left many questions unanswered, like of whether or not Key Food’s employees would stay on, who the new owners were, and what surrounding neighbors would have to do to get food. There are some nearby choices however, like a C-Town Supermarket at Mosholu Avenue and Fieldston Road, as well as Riverdale Kosher Market in the same plaza as
Key Food. But then again, this level of secrecy from the landlords is nothing new, Cohen said. “Non-communicative, that kind of property owner has no concern for the area,” according to the councilman. “They left people in the lurch, to wake up this weekend and have no idea why their nearest supermarket is closed.” But that wasn’t the end of it. Late Monday, Dinowitz confirmed what The Press already learned from Braun — the store would reopen in two weeks. But not much else. “It is imperative that all of our neighbors have access to affordable, nutritious food,” Dinowitz said, through a spokesman, “Especially as many people continue to stay local to help stop the spread of COVID-19. My
office is continuing to ascertain more information — including about whether the workers will be carried over and maintained as union jobs, and if the location will remain a Key Food.” The lack of a consistent or even clear statement from Braun didn’t sit particularly well with Cohen, who has defended the supermarket on more than one occasion. “Of course, people in the area have cars and can go elsewhere,” Cohen said. “But for the elderly and those with accessibility issues, this is going to be a hardship. It’d be nice if this wasn’t a secret, a surprise to everybody. “I’d like to know what their plans are. Is it being substantially renovated? Is it the same operator? Again, they have no concern for anyone in the community.”
SOURCE: New York Police Department
THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, July 9, 2020 - A5
HOMETOWN HEROES Join us in celebrating the amazing men and women from the front lines of our community’s pandemic response
SHARON PRAIGROD
JACK MARTH PROGRAMS DIRECTOR POTS-Part of the Solution
CLINICAL NURSE SUPERVISOR HEBREW HOME AT RIVERDALE
O
JULIUS CONSTANTINE MOTAL
Hours: Mon-Sat 8 to 8, Sun 8 to 5
1088586
W
hen the coronavirus pandemic hit full force in New York City, people expected some amount of change. But to Sharon Praigrod, the details of her day-to-day responsibilities as a nurse supervisor were what changed most, with more personal protective equipment and more limited interaction with her colleagues. It’s no surprise that most of Praigrod’s interactions at work are with her fellow employees as well as with her patients. But during the pandemic, she was no longer able to speak with her patients’ families, as nursing homes throughout the state closed their campuses to visitors. “A good part of my day (was) often spent talking with residents’ families,” Praigrod says. Because the Hebrew Home at Riverdale no longer allows visitors, its employees are filling in the gaps where they can in terms of providing support and care for their residents. Praigrod noted just how close the caretaker-patient relationship can become, especially in the dire circumstances of a pandemic. “We get very close to our residents, and in some cases, we are their only family,” Praigrod says. “And when someone dies, it affects the staff deeply. Our days are emotionally draining.” While the total number of COVID-19 cases is decreasing and New York City begins to reopen, Praigrod reminds people of their responsibilities to themselves — and to each other. “When you should be wearing a mask, wear it,” she says. “When you should be social distancing, please distance yourselves. Following these rules now will bring us all closer in the future. If you don’t follow the rules, you are putting people’s lives at risk.” — Rose Brennan
ut of everything the coronavirus pandemic put on hold, one thing it couldn’t temporarily stop was hunger. Luckily, people like Jack Marth exist to help fill that need. He’s the programs director at POTS — short for Part of the Solution in the Bronx — and one of the main people on the ground for its emergency food programs, ensuring the organization’s clients don’t go hungry. This isn’t to say emergency food programs were immune from any changes. POTS had to make adjustments here and there to ensure the safety of its employees, volunteers and clients. One of the ways they did so was modifying the food pantry program. They had to retire the “supermarket” model where clients could pick out the items they needed. Instead, the volunteers and employees would prepackage the items for clients to take home. “The silver lining in the cloud is that there’s no way we would see the same number of people in our previous model,” Marth says. “People going through the store and choosing takes much longer than getting several bags of food.” Since the onset of the pandemic, demand for POTS’ emergency food services has risen astronomically. In 2019, POTS served an average of 2,700 daily meals from its food pantry. Since March 20, that average rose to just under 6,800. And it’s gone up yet again since Easter to nearly 8,300. While POTS made the commitment to continue the important work it does for the Bronx — pandemic or not — there is one important piece missing for Marth: extended interaction. “As an organization, we really believe in that face-to-face engagement with our clients,” Marth says. “It made an important difference for us.” — Rose Brennan
A6 - THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, July 9, 2020
Our community deserves to be counted.
Complete the census today. Count everyone in your household so we get our fair share. Billions are at stake for NYC. Your answers cannot be shared with NYCHA, your landlord, or any law enforcement agency.
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THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, July 9, 2020 - A7
Hair salons yet another business needing to adapt By MAYA KATZ Intern
Since closing his salon March 15, Sokol Delaj has had a tough time getting by. The owner of Delaj Hair has spent the past months of the coronavirus pandemic lockdown making a few house calls when he could to certain older clients, styling hair in backyards or even parks. But even that wasn’t enough for Delaj to get by — especially in the long term. But with the start of the city’s second phase of reopening a little more than two weeks ago, Delaj was able to put most of that behind him. Now his West 238th Street doors are open — but the experience is much different than what it was before. And once again, there’s only one thing to blame: the coronavirus. “I am very lucky that I have a great staff, and that they are all coming back,” Delaj said. “We will be doing smaller jobs for clients so that they will not have to stay for so long.” That means no work that requires a long visit, because Delaj only is taking a few clients a day, with just one allowed in the salon at a time. He must sanitize his space before and after each client just to maintain the level of cleanliness required in this “new normal.” Everyone wears masks — both Delaj and his clients. His employees also wear gloves while working. When a client arrives, they have their temperatures checked, looking for fever, although the coronavirus can spread even if someone is not showing primary symptoms like a fever. Earlier this week, New York City
finally entered the third phase of reopening, part of the guidelines established by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to help keep the entire state on the right side of the coronavirus pandemic that’s now ravaging most of the rest of the country. New York City was one of the last regions in the state to begin reopening, which makes sense because of the city’s density, and the fact it accounted for a vast majority of the overall coronavirus cases in the state — and for a few months, the country. According to reopening guidelines established by the state, salons can’t allow more than 50 percent total occupancy, and must maintain six-foot distances — except when actually cutting hair or providing other services. No salon is allowed to have waiting areas, and lines are discouraged. Walk-in customers who can’t be immediately served are sent away, with a time they can return. Delaj has booked his appointments online, and at least in the beginning, it seems most of his clientele are younger than what he’s normally experienced. Angelita Suriel, however, is a little more old-fashioned, preferring appointments by telephone rather than by computer. The owner of Angela Beauty on West 231st Street, Suriel finds talking to her clients on the phone allows her a chance to understand specifically what they want, making it all the faster of getting customers in and out. Like Delaj, Suriel spent some of her time during the shutdown doing house calls where she could, primarily for clients who have been loyal to her for the last two decades. Yet, as convenient as it might have been for these clients to
‘We cannot have a waiting area or a coffee station. These were things that we had for great customer service, but we cannot have them until everything gets better.’
— Angelita Suriel
owner, Angela Beauty
Courtesy of Angelita Suriel
Angelita Suriel styles a customer’s hair before the coronavirus pandemic closed down her shop — a time when getting a haircut was a frequent activity for many. Now that salons are reopening, they are expected to adhere to safety precautions to help prevent the virus from spreading between stylists and customers. have Suriel show up at their door, it just wasn’t something she could keep doing in the long run. “I made these house calls because some of these clients are more than customers,” Suriel said. “They are like
family.” Now back in her salon, Suriel has each station placed six feet apart using dividers. Only one customer is allowed inside at a time, and everyone must wear a mask. As an added level
of safety, Suriel has clients wash their hands the moment they arrive. “We cannot have a waiting area or a coffee station,” Suriel said. “These were things that we had for great customer service, but we cannot have them until everything gets better.” The bathroom at the salon is consistently disinfected, but Suriel discourages anyone from using it unless they must. Staffing has changed quite a bit for Suriel. Last year, the salon started offering spa services like massages, nails and facials. Now she’s unsure when these services will return, even though they’re permitted in the third phase. As of now, however, she’s had to delay bringing in her employees who specifically provide spa services. The “new normal” isn’t a real normal for her yet, Suriel said. But she’s finding it easier and easier to have a more positive outlook as New York progresses forward on the other side of the pandemic. “We are taking things one day at a time to see what happens.”
BUSINESS BRIEFS Home sales decline, but not prices May wasn’t exactly a great month for real estate, with the coronavirus pandemic and all. That is, until reviewing the rise in sales prices of homes — even in the Bronx. Median prices in the borough rose a little less than 10 percent in May compared to the year before, according to the New York State Association of Realtors. That means a typical home sold for $357,500 in the Bronx compared to $326,500 the year before. That was actually better than the state overall, where home
values were flat at $270,000. Yet, it was bad news for new listings — down 41 percent — and closed sales, which fell more than 49 percent to just 62 in May. Statewide, new listings were down nearly 45 percent, while closed sales dropped just 34 percent. The Realtors’ data excludes several regions, including Manhattan. Brooklyn, however, saw new listings drop 63 percent from the previous year in May, although closed sales dipped just 30 percent. Still, median prices there jumped up more than 17 percent to $627,000. The news wasn’t so good for Queens and Staten Island,
however. In Queens, new listings fell 72 percent and closed sales plummeted 70 percent. That pushed median sales prices down 4 percent to $460,000, while adding another month to how long homes are sitting on the market there. On Staten Island, new listings were down 56 percent while closed sales fell 42 percent. Median prices there dipped just 1 percent, however, to $550,000. Real estate professionals have something to look forward to, however. Interest rates on a 30-year fixed mortgage remain near all-time lows at 3.3 percent, according to Freddie
Mac. That could be enough to spur buyer interest across the state, the Realtor association said.
Ventrudo is new director at Woodlawn
Woodlawn Conservancy has welcomed Meg Ventrudo as its new executive director, putting her in charge of the historic Woodlawn Cemetery. She has more than 25 years experience working in art museums, history museums and historic houses. She spent 16 years as executive director of the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art on Staten Island,
where she was responsible for all aspects of museum management, including fundraising, marketing, programming, and the preservation of the museum’s two fieldstone buildings. Before that, she was the assistant director for exhibits and education at the Museum of American Finance on Wall Street. She also worked at Gunston Hall in Fairfax, Virginia, and Mount Clare Mansion in Baltimore. Ventrudo earned her master’s degree in American History from George Mason University in Fairfax, and her bachelor’s in history from Loyola University in Baltimore.
By Michael hinMan State bar responds to Floyd death The New York State Bar Association says it’s forming a task force in light of the police-involved death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May, looking to analyze the criminal justice system and recommend meaningful reforms intended to eliminate what the organization described as the “scourges of racism and disparate treatment” of people. The task force looks to provide greater transparency and better accountability within the police force, as well as more inclusive oversight of police.
PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN NYC! TAKE THESE STEPS:
Stay home if sick
Wear a face covering
Only leave for essential medical care and testing or other essential errands.
You can be contagious without symptoms. Protect those around you by wearing a face covering.
6 ft Keep physical distance
Keep your hands clean
Stay at least 6 feet away from other people.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Get tested: There are COVID-19 testing sites in all five boroughs. To find a site, visit nyc.gov/covidtest or call 311.
Bill de Blasio Mayor
For the latest information, visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.
Oxiris Barbot, MD Commissioner 1095578
If you are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, you should still stay home as much as possible. Those at increased risk are adults age 50 or older (adults 65 and older are at the highest risk), and those who have other health conditions.
A8 - THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, July 9, 2020
Big tech, even bigger heart, provides shields to Hatzalah By KIRSTYN BRENDLEN kbrendlen@riverdalepress.com
As New York experienced the worst of the COVID-19 crisis, one image that became all too familiar on the news and social media was that of a health care professional struggling to sanitize and reuse masks, scrubs, and gowns — otherwise would have been used only once — as supplies of personal protective equipment ran low. With no end and no help in sight, health care professionals started to feel desperate. That included first responders at Riverdale Hatzalah, a volunteer Jewish ambulance service. Except the local service’s co-head coordinator — Jeffery Moerdler — found help within his own family. Even if it was across state lines. In northern New Jersey, Jeff’s nephew Bernie Moerdler was reading the news just like everybody else. One thing set him apart, though. Moerdler, at 19, already has worked with Microsoft and, at the beginning of the pandemic, had to fly home from Israel, where he was studying at Bar-Ilan University near Tel Aviv, and working on artificial intelligence programming he hoped would someday detect cancer. Once home, Moerdler knew he’d want to help — so he found a pattern for 3-D printing reusable plastic face shields — which are typically used alongside masks to protect health care workers from the coughing and sneezing of sick (and contagious) patients. “I had a bar mitzvah, and I actually asked my parents for a 3-D printer,” Moerdler said. “I heard about it as an emerging technology, and I thought, ‘Wow, I’d really like to see what that’s all about.’” That first printer was one of the first commercially available, he said, and wasn’t particularly functional. Over the years, he moved through two
more models, and was excited to see the technology get better. “When I came back, I said to myself, ‘There’s nobody doing this, really, in New Jersey,’” he said. “I have the scale, and the printers, and the support and the connections, and I could probably do it pretty easily.” Moerdler mentioned the idea to his friend, Daniel Mezhiborsky, and the project took on a life of its own. The company that released the design for the shields was the same one who sold Moerdler his printer, and he had worked with them previously testing products. Right now, Fair Lawn Face Shields — the name of Moerdler’s project — can print around 22 shields per day on five 3-D printers and a laser cutter, which they use to cut down and shape large sheets of plastic into the curved final product. “We have these large pieces of plastic which we then cut down, we cut them down to about the size of a piece of a paper,” Moerdler said. “And then use the laser cutter to cut that down to the actual shape of the shield. Then the other items — including our elastic, which we use in the shields — and a chin piece, which is a support piece, which is also 3-D printed, go into the clean room.” Mezhiborsky and Moerdler started crowdfunding online to raise money to keep the project going, he said, raising just shy of $4,000 by the end of June. The pieces are washed in a bleach solution for two minutes, left to dry, and then sealed into plastic bags and shipped off, Moerdler said, trying to keep everything “as clean as possible” for the emergency responders and hospitals receiving them. Jeffrey Moerdler was one of the first people Bernie reached out to about the shields, he said, knowing that he and the Hatzalah crew were
So, what is 3-D printing?
Courtesy of Bernard Moerdler
Bernard Moerdler, nephew of Riverdale community leader Charles Moerdler, has put his 3-D printing know-how to work by creating face shields for hospitals and emergency workers not only in his neck of the woods of northern New Jersey, but with more local Riverdale Hatzalah ambulance service members, too. responding to calls every day. “I said to him, like, I’m thinking of doing this, would you guys need any?’” Bernie Moerdler said. “He jumped on it, once we got started, he was put in the system for orders.” They’ve also delivered to St. Barnabas hospital in Belmont, although the bulk of their business has been to fire departments, nurses and EMS departments in New Jersey. New York and New Jersey are slowly beginning to reopen as COVID cases and hospitalizations continue to
drop, although spikes across the country are keeping everyone on their toes for the oft-discussed “second wave” of the virus. To that end, Moerdler said, production of the shields has slowed down somewhat. “We aren’t stopping anything, so we’re just going to keep building as much as we can, as long as the GoFundMe continues and things like that,” he said. “We’ll just keep on producing as much as we can.” If there is a second wave after
Rapid prototyping, or 3-D printing, is exactly as it sounds. A device serves as a printer of sorts, transforming something designed on a computer into something one could actually hold in their hand. A 3-D printer shapes molten plastic into specific shapes and designs, all controlled by a computer. It uses a nozzle that creates the object one layer at a time, starting the next layer once the previous one dries. While creating items on printers can be a fraction of the cost of building it otherwise, the printers themselves aren’t cheap — sometimes running between $25,000 and $50,000, according to reports. However, there are lower-end machines that can be purchased for hundreds of dollars, although quality might not be the same. production indeed stops, they’ll be prepared to boot the operation up again and start churning out shields. They’re not disposable, Moerdler said, but can be sanitized and reused, which might reduce some of the need for new equipment in the face of future infections. “We want to just help out as many people as possible,” Moerdler said. “I guess the most important thing is that if anyone knows anyone — whether it be a nursing home or a first responder’s group or anything — that’s in need, to really just send them to fill out that form.” That form, by the way, can be found at BMoerdler.com/faceshields.
POLITICAL ARENA Dinowitz calls for election reform Voting has certainly changed a lot in New York over the past year. But Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz says it hasn’t changed enough. With votes still being counted from the June 23 primary — where the state saw a record number of absentee ballots cast because of the coronavirus pandemic — Dinowitz says state lawmakers need to act now to make sure these problems are
By Michael hinMan
fixed in time for the Nov. 3 general election. Dinowitz is calling for a series of changes to the process, which he outlined in a recent newsletter to constituents. Those changes include allowing all registered voters to once again vote by absentee ballot if they fear contracting or spreading the coronavirus. Beyond that, he’s calling for absentee ballot tracking so voters can see how their particular ballot is making its way through the system (and is ulti-
mately counted). He also wants to require all elections boards to include postage-paid return envelopes for absentee ballots and applications. He also wants to restore voting rights to parolees, as well as authorize full-time college and university students to serve as pollworkers in the location where their school is located. “There are many more reforms needed, and we are midway through securing some significant changes,” Dinowitz said in his newsletter. That in-
cludes a state constitutional amendment that would allow “no excuse” absentee voting for all elections. “We have to continue working hard to improve our elections,” Dinowitz added, “because they are the hallmark of our democracy.”
Reps push for more block grant money U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel has joined some of his congressional colleagues in a letter to
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and minority leader Kevin McCarthy urging them to push for more funding for the Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, which supports health care programs for vulnerable communities in the state. “The ongoing coronavirus outbreak, which has engulfed my district, has reduced access to critical health care programs for women and children,” Engel said, in a release. “The reality is that this impacts vulnerable communities, especially com-
munities of color, far more than others due to economic and social barriers.” Engel signed the letter with Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette, Indiana Rep. Susan Brooks and Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick along with 77 other members of the House. In the past two years, New York has received $38 million each year to block grant support for a wide range of programs, including home visiting services and school-based health centers.
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THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, July 9, 2020 - A9
MICHAEL HINMAN / File
For anyone who might have been enjoying near-empty subway rides during the pandemic, Mayor Bill de Blasio estimates as many as 50,000 more people returned to work in the city’s third phase of reopening — many of them choosing mass transit over cars.
NYC enters third phase, but no outdoor dining still mhinman@riverdalepress.com
Hopefully those who are enjoying a chance to finally eat out don’t mind that the state will continue taking that term quite literally. New York City entered the third phase of its coronavirus reopening on Monday, but it did so with restaurants only being allowed to offer outdoor dining. And it might continue that way for the foreseeable future — even though New York is a polar opposite of the rest of the country when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic. “New York City is a crowded, dense urban area and — until recently — was the global epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said, in a release. “Out of an abundance of caution, and after seeing other states’ experiences with indoor dining, we will wait to reopen it as the city moves to Phase III” on Monday. As of Monday, New York City has a positive test rate for SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 — at 1.2 percent on a seven-day rolling average. While that makes it even with most of the rest of the state, it’s still reporting more than five cases per 100,000, according to state data. The only other region that comes even close to that is the Finger Lakes region, which has 3.8 cases per 100,000. Other concerns include only 27 percent of overall hospital beds available in the city — be-
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A10 - THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, July 9, 2020
With bars closed to live music, performers migrate online An Beal Bocht has yet to return to live performances, but that’s where tech comes into play
‘I’ve never done a sort of ‘live from my house’ thing. But I tried it after seeing Johnny Seven put together a time to play online, and you know what? I found a lot I could do with this setup.’
By RAPHAEL LASSAUZE rlassauze@riverdalepress.com
T
he best bars and cafes have live music. Greenwich Village’s Café Wha?, Au Café de Paris in the French capital’s Pigalle neighborhood, The New York Palace Café in Budapest, and, naturally, An Beal Bocht Café on West 238th Street. If a musician starts a consistent schedule at An Beal, their names become community fixtures. The regulars have clinked glasses with them. Newcomers find the performers’ names oddly familiar. And the last Friday night straggler hums the music from earlier that night as they slowly don their jacket and depart. But like all non-essential businesses during the pandemic, the bar has closed. Like all great cafes, the dance floor is dark and silent, and the sets have been canceled. For career musicians like John Pinamonti, being stuck at home with no one to play for — or with — was a genuine trial. “I was in a zone where I wasn’t reading and wasn’t playing music,” Pinamonti said. “It felt like there was nothing for me to do. I kept thinking about the night before the Beal Bocht closed.” That was March 16. Pinamonti wondered that evening when he’d play a live set ever again. As one week became two of musical inactivity, Pinamonti rose from his stupor after a visit to Facebook. He noticed his fellow musicians — including James Margolis, Fausto Bozza, Rob McMahon and Johnny Seven — were livestreaming entire solo sets. “I’d never done a sort of ‘live from my house’ thing,” Pinamonti said. “I’d heard people’s videos of my live sets, and they sounded awful, and before all this I’d never wanted to do that. But I tried it after seeing Johnny Seven put together a time to play online, and you know what? I found a lot I could do with this setup.” While Pinamonti described his first stream as less than perfect, he kept at it, dedicating every Tuesday evening at 7:30 to a half-hour set. He purchased a new microphone, experimented with cameras, and busted out different instruments and
— John Pinamonte
JULIUS CONSTANTINE MOTAL / File
Irish musician and longtime An Beal Bocht Cafe performer Mary Courtney has adapted to statewide stay-at-home orders implemented at the height of the New York state outbreak by taking her songs to Facebook, where patrons who’ve come to know Courtney’s work can interact with her in a more direct manner. It wasn’t easy for John Pinamonti, at right, to figure out how to stream a half-hour set of music on Facebook, but was glad to interact with friends new and old — even through a computer screen. new tunes reflective of his Americana rock style. “I want it to look good and sound good,” Pinamonti said. “The best thing is playing music for the same people I’d play for at the Bocht, seeing their comments as I play.” Pinamonti wasn’t the only one who noticed his fellow musicians livestreaming. Manhattan College alumnus, musician and 15-year patron of An Beal Chris McShane had logged on to listen to old friends play music since the start of the state shutdown. “We used to have a regular schedule at the Bocht for when people
Courtesy of John Pinamonti
everyone should be able to hear each other right now.” James Margolis wasn’t on the first list, but was on the second before he knew it. After a livestream with the Astoria Music Collective, he got a call from a friend from An Beal. “When all this started, my gigs got canceled,” Margolis said. “I’m furloughed from my job as a sound guy. I was wondering how to stay afloat, and so I started livestreaming. Every little bit helps.” Margolis began his first stream for
would play,” McShane said. “So, I thought letting the community know when their favorite musicians were playing would help everyone out.” McShane and fellow musician Adam Wisnieski set about designing a poster, and so, “The Beal Bocht Streamers” set list was born. Unlike a poster found on the railing of the stone steps on West 238th, however, this wasn’t permanent. “If anyone played at the Beal Bocht, we’d like to add them to the listing,” McShane said. “We think
the Beal Bocht Streamers at the start of May. His focus, like Pinamonti’s, has since been on music and the people beyond the screen. “A lot’s going to change from all this,” Margolis said. “Can’t wait to go back to get a drink with a friend that got postponed, but we’ve got to be safe right now.” Margolis, Pinamonti, and many others were able to start livestreaming their music from the get-go. Not so for Mary Courtney, who, in good health, has performed at An Beal Bocht since 1993. But not so in bad health. “I got real sick long before this all started happening,” Courtney said. “I had terrible inflammation, taking too many Aleves, and before I knew it, I collapsed on stage in College Point. By the time I was good enough to be discharged from the hospital, this had started.” After watching her line of gigs fall away as the state rapidly shut down, Courtney contacted her old friends from the Bocht before hearing a suggestion that, at first, she didn’t love. “I get so anxious about technology,” Courtney said, laughing. “And I was trying to figure all that out. But I did, eventually. I got back onto my old time for 6 on Friday evenings. I’m so happy to sing and play.” Courtney refers to An Beal Bocht Café as a sort of dance hall or community hub, similar to the one her parents owned in Ireland’s County Kerry. She, like her fellow musicians — as well as its patrons — cannot return to the dance hall anytime soon. For now, they cheer each other on and listen to each other’s music from the safety of their own homes. “All the people listening and the old friends from the Bocht send money and kind messages, and it’s just so kind,” Courtney said. “My neighbors and my friends are doing their best right now to help each other out in any way we can. That’s so heartwarming to me.”
WHAT’S IN
By RAPHAEL LASSAUZE
Musical healing with RSS The Flume Ensemble, a string group composed of students from Riverdale Country School, teams up with RSSRiverdale Senior Services for a free virtual concert Sunday, July 26 at 6 p.m. The group will perform pop culture pieces such as “Yesterday” by The Beatles, “You Are My Sunshine” from Johnny Cash, and more via the Zoom online videoconferencing app. For more information, visit RSSNY.org.
tive diagnosis of COVID-19 or are currently on self-quarantine restrictions. For more information, visit NYBC.org.
Neighborhood House comes to your door
Community Board 8 continues to meet via the Zoom online videoconferencing app. For links or how to access those meetings, visit NYC.org/CB8. Upcoming meetings include: • A special committee on Thursday, July 9 at 7 p.m.
The Riverdale Neighborhood House is now providing remote programs and classes to keep what has become a quarantined community engaged and prepared. Classes include: • An after-school program for families with children 10 and younger • Remote support for families transitioning to online courses and activities For more information, visit RiverdaleOnline.org.
Blood drive at Manhattan College
Hometown art gallery reopens
NYC parks reveal new opportunities
Manhattan College, 4513 Manhattan College Parkway, hosts a blood drive in the Smith Auditorium on Thursday, July 9 at 6 p.m. Those hoping to donate must wear a face mask at all times, will have their temperature taken, must be free of COVID-19 symptoms, and may not donate if they have had a posi-
Elisa Contemporary Art Gallery, 5622 Mosholu Ave., reopens with safety measures in place to present its “Dive In 2020” art exhibit through Wednesday, Sept. 2. Artists include Carol Bennet and Martha Hughes. For more information, visit ElisaContemporaryArtGallery. com.
The Urban Park Rangers have joined with various New York City parks to provide a series of virtual tours, meditation, fitness and art classes, and children’s activities. Classes and activities include: • Mondays: Motivational fitness • Tuesdays: Live tour with
CB8 keeps meetings rolling online
the rangers • Wednesdays: Live walks in a park • Thursdays: Public arts and culture programs • Fridays: Meditation For more information, visit NYC.gov/parks.
Wave Hill brings birds, comics home Wave Hill has brought its garden activities to the virtual world including biomimicry comic strip workshops and community science bird counts, along with other family activities. For more information, visit WaveHill.org.
Gallery turns interactive The Lehman College Art Gallery continues its family fun day online, expanding its list of programs, which now include: • Interactive tours and art workshops focusing on pieces currently on display at the gallery
• Online classes about the use and experimentation of color with a focus on the work of Georgia O’Keeffe • 2-D animation courses for students 18 and younger • Cityscape and portraiture collage classes For more information or to book a class, email lcageeducation@gmail.com.
Art created in pandemic The Riverdale Art Association presents its new online art gallery in the form of a video, “Art in a Time of Quarantine,” featuring work by Doris Cordero, Maria Formoso, Thomas Maceranka, and others. For more information, visit RiverdaleArtAssociation.org.
Pelham art knocks on door The Pelham Art Center hosts art projects and classes via its website. Programs include: • A drawing techniques
class with Dhanashree Gadiyar on Thursday, August 6 at 1 p.m. via the Zoom online videoconferencing app. Admission is $120. Visit PelhamArtCenter.com.
Ready, set, film Community film initiative Bronx Film 48 hosts its indoor film challenge for anyone in the Bronx on Friday, July 10 at 5 p.m. via the Zoom online videoconferencing app. For more information, visit BronxFilm48.com.
Family arts available in trying times Artist Nina Velazquez presents “Come Draw With Me,” a daily drawing activity via her Facebook page. Families can sit down together and create their own versions of Velazquez’s drawings, and are encouraged to post their new versions when complete. Visit tinyurl.com/CommunityDraws.
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THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, July 9, 2020 - A11
Tackling systemic racism takes center stage Should Manhattan College distance itself from the likes of Raymond Kelly?
By MICHAEL HINMAN House committee hears suicide bill
By ROSE BRENNAN of The Riverdale Press
The death of George Floyd sparked what is now recognized as one of the largest movements for civil rights since the marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in the 1960s. And several organizations at Manhattan College are leading the charge locally, hoping to make the school more welcoming to students and faculty who identify as Black, Indigenous and people of color — also known as BIPOC. In the midst of the protests, on June 12, the college’s newly instituted critical race and ethnic studies department released a statement opposing institutional racism. The statement outlined nine steps for the college to take to address what it described as white supremacy on campus. At the top of the list was the “removal of symbols of white supremacy on campus,” including renaming the student commons, named after Manhattan alum and former New York police commissioner Raymond Kelly because of what they said is his role in popularizing stopand-frisk — a practice which they say disproportionately targeted BIPOC — during his tenure as commissioner. The statement also called for the removal of photographs and portraits of both Kelly and former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, a fellow Manhattan College alum and proponent of stop-andfrisk, who has made news more recently as an unofficial surrogate for President Donald Trump. Another item called for the college to embrace the Bronx community in which it operates, including changing the college’s tendency to market its location as “Riverdale” instead of the Bronx. Five of the most popular college search websites — College Board, College Insight, Chegg, College Confidential and the National Center for Education Statistics — all list Manhattan College’s location as “Riverdale, New York.” David Witzling — an English professor who also is director of the critical race and ethnic studies minor at the school — says he thinks using the term “Riverdale” to describe the college’s location can be exclusionary. “Riverdale is a lovely neighborhood, and distinctive, but we feel that there’s really a lot to be gained by Manhattan College embracing its connections to all of the Bronx,” Witzling said. It’s “been understood for a very long time by people outside of the neighborhood that when people claim to be from Riverdale — rather than from the Bronx — that they’re closing themselves off.” The statement also called for the college to “make its relationship with (the) local police precinct fully transparent to the entire community,” citing the Uni-
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
MARISOL DIAZ / File
Former New York Police Department commissioner Raymond Kelly gets a standing ovation from Gov. Andrew Cuomo along with others at the 2014 dedication of the Raymond Kelly Student Commons at Manhattan College. Students, however, are now pushing to have Kelly’s name removed because of his involvement in the NYPD’s controversial stop-and-frisk program. The Black Student Union also supports renaming the student commons, especially since it was named after someone who popularized a practice they say disproportionately targeted Black people. “It resonates with us because that doesn’t provide us with that safe haven — that sanctuary — for the BSU,” said Pauly Paulicap, a graduate student and president of the Black Student Union. Although there have been no institutional responses to either the critical race and ethnic studies department’s statement or the Black Student Union’s list of demands, the college’s administration is attempting to address issues of discrimination on campus through other means. In a college-wide email delivered on June 4, college president Brennan O’Donnell announced the formation of the school’s inaugural diversity council, which he said will endeavor to “promote dialogue, seek meaningful change, and build a truly inclusive educational environment” at Manhattan College. Manhattan’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion Sheetal Kale will serve as one of three co-chairs of the diversity council. According to her, such a council was in the works since she joined the college in 2018. The original plan was for the diversity council to kick off in the upcoming fall semester. But given the current racial climate, they felt it was necessary to announce its formation sooner rather than later. “We needed an urgent response,” Kale said. “We needed a space to discuss the murder (of George Floyd) and how
versity of Minnesota’s decision to cut ties with the Minneapolis Police Department following Floyd’s death. “That was a gesture to say, ‘Hey, if (we) want to solve this problem of racialized police brutality, and if we don’t want members of our own community to be subject to that, first, we should try to understand how the college works with the local precinct,’” Witzling said. Other groups on campus are also fighting for racial equity, like the Black Student Union. The group recently released a series of demands for the college to better serve its Black students — who accounted for about 6 percent of the total student population during the 2017-18 academic year. One of the primary demands of the Black Student Union is for funding. For the past two years, the group operated as part of the college’s Multicultural Center. Now, having recently become an independent group, they have no funding, and must wait until both the college’s student engagement office and its student government approve a budget. After Floyd’s death, the Black Student Union hosted two events called “Tell Me How You Really Feel” via the Zoom online videoconferencing app. According to Mamady Ballo, a rising junior and the vice president of the Black Student Union, the first forum provided a safe space for BIPOC students to share how they’ve been affected by racism. “Students were just giving their opinions and (sharing) their experiences of racial injustice and how they felt,” she said, “whether it was on campus or offcampus.”
MICHAEL HINMAN
Manhattan College didn’t always market itself as a school in Riverdale. This 1964 advertisement in The Riverdale Press lists the college’s address as the Bronx. that made people feel about their own treatment here, and how to create more equity and inclusion at the college.” While some say there are clearly issues of racial injustice still present at the college, people from organizations across campus have made the commitment to short- and long-term change. “The goal is to make equitable inclusion and belonging an integral part of the college,” Kale said. “We want to make sure that it’s embedded in our institutions and offices, and it outlasts the people who work in those offices.”
U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel wants to ensure there’s more help for those who are considered a high risk for suicide, recently attending a House committee hearing on a bill he authored addressing that very issue. H.R. 4861, also known as the Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act, would allocate $100 million over a fiveyear period to support emergency departments to prevent suicides, according to a release from Engel’s office. Specifically, the bill endeavors to train emergency department clinicians to identify patients with an elevated risk of suicide, develop programs to coordinate the care and followup of those with an elevated risk of suicide, support the recruitment and retaining of behavioral health professionals who specialize in treating individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, and incentivizing the development of new approaches — such as telehealth — to help those at a high risk of suicide. “Before the coronavirus pandemic, suicide rates were rising in New York and across the country, making them the 10th leading cause of death,” Engel said, in a release. “There is a growing consensus among public health experts that the pandemic — which has torn families apart, taken livelihoods, and inflicted untold economic hardship — could lead to more suicides. My bipartisan legislation would equip our nation’s emergency departments to fight this epidemic.” The bill has been endorsed by more than 40 mental health advocacy groups, Engel added.
Cabrera still riding high on e-bikes bill It took a couple years, but Councilman Fernando Cabrera is still celebrating the passage of his city legislation legalizing e-bikes, e-scooters and even authorizing an e-scooter share pilot program. “It’s time to recognize and act on solutions to transit inequity, social injustice and transit alternatives that take cars off the road and decrease air pollution,” Cabrera said, in a release. “This is extremely important, especially in communities like my district, with some of the highest rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses in the state.”
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A12 - THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, July 9, 2020
Opinion
The Riverdale Press maintains an open submission policy. Opinions expressed in this section do not necessarily represent those of this publication. Submissions can be made to letters@riverdalepress.com.
Editorial
COVID-19 lessons, from the Lone Ranger to A.J. Parkinson
D
onald Trump had a change of heart last week when it came to face masks. While he still doesn’t understand why requiring masks to be worn should be mandatory, he did admit he’d wear one in a “tight situation,” adding that when he wears one, he looks like the Lone Ranger. There are a number of things wrong with that statement, beginning with the fact if he does indeed look like the iconic law enforcement character, he’s not wearing the mask right at all. Trump has taken the coronavirus situation lightly. And while that might have been somewhat forgivable in late February — when the number of American cases could be counted on one hand — 2.8 million positive cases and 130,000 deaths later, the president should be leading the medical army to finally stop this pandemic, not allowing it to ravage the country. Despite much of the state being in the latter parts of a general reopening strategy, New York has such low levels of infections, hospitalizations and deaths, Gov. Andrew Cuomo stopped doing a daily press briefing. But we’re not out of the woods yet — especially since we can’t close our borders to other states who weren’t as smart when it came to controlling the spread. And that’s enough to make us even more angry. Millions of people got sick, tens of thousands died, and not even Republicans can shame Donald Trump into some sort of action. On the campaign trail, former vice president Joe Biden said fighting a pandemic should be led by Washington, creating a uniform plan so that states
don’t have to be afraid of other states. It wasn’t long ago when simply mentioning New York would make people want to run and get tested. Now there’s fear that someone from somewhere else will track the virus back into the city and force us to go all through this again. But that’s not the only thing we have to worry about. Because the virus was beaten down so well here, many feel it’s time to relax social distancing. To no longer wear the mask. To not fear that person we’re spending time with could indeed be infected. We can’t let our guard down. Not right now. New York’s crisis exploded in just a matter of weeks. But coming down from those highs took months. Literally months. And even as New York City gets set for the third stage of reopening, there’s a good chance we could find ourselves back to where we were in March. April. May. And most of June. Trump hopes that by ignoring the virus, it will simply go away. But SARSCoV-2 isn’t a bully — it’s a killer. And while it might not claim the lives of you — or us — it will come after those we love dearly, who don’t deserve to be victimized by a disease we could have prevented. Wear your mask. Stay six feet away from everyone. Don’t go out unless you have to. A.J. Parkinson once said “today we must consider an outbreak anywhere is an outbreak everywhere.” Parkinson might be a fictional philosopher created by the Cuomo family, but he’s right. We need vigilance, not complacency. Or we’ll find ourselves doing this all over again.
Condos & Co-ops Corner
Condos, co-ops are their own entity, not an afterthought
By STEPHEN BUDIHAS
D
espite all of the other obvious pressures at the time, there is a need for our elected representatives to address a recurrent problem with which the co-op/condo community is too often burdened. Each of the lawmaking bodies — local, state and federal — from time to time addresses an issue and passes regulations that appear to serve a wide spectrum of our population, that in the final written drafts of the laws are presumed to be universal in application. Sometimes legislation that is passed imposes restrictions, guidelines or revisions. Other times, new rulings provide for funding and fiscal support. But frequently, the rulings are fuzzy in regard to co-ops and condominiums. These two forms of residence are usually not specifically addressed, one way or the other. They often are not included and nor are they excluded from the intended audience. The state’s Housing Stability and Protection Act, Federal Emergency Management Agency enactments following Hurricane Sandy, the city’s Climate Mobilization Act, and most recently the payroll protection plan are just a few examples. The result is a morass of confusion among the tens of thousands of local residents that reside in co-ops and condos, their boards of directors, and building managers who would all simply welcome clear and specific guidelines that either apply or do not apply to them. The guidelines and lack of guidelines and controls in the current payroll protection plan from Washington made it virtually impossible for co-ops and condos to receive funding that was (probably) meant to include them. Too often in response to my inquiries to our elected officials. attorneys and well-informed others, I have been told to “let the lawyers battle it out” or “sooner or later, the courts will
decide.” Both of these statements, at times, have become reality — but too often during the interim, the lack of clear guidance written into the laws not only confuses the majority constituency in the neighborhoods served by the Association of Riverdale Cooperatives & Condominiums and elsewhere, but frequently causes local residents to miss out on the opportunity for financial support or relief, as has been the case with the payroll protection program. Co-ops and condos historically have been erroneously grouped with small businesses, rental properties, large businesses, single-home owners, two-family home owners, multi-apartment buildings, property owners, etc. — when they are distinct entities under the law, and should be specifically regarded as such when legislation that may impact this special sector of our population is considered. Failure to do so suggests indifference to a vast portion of the electorate and their families when laws are ultimately passed that negatively impact (or fail to specifically embrace) co-ops and condos with the assumption that someone else may figure out what is meant by them sometime down the road. In summary, despite all of the pressures and concerns presented by COVID-19, reflecting (this time) on the current payroll protection program morass and the avalanche of concern from our neighbors that ARC has been addressing, it is critical that whatever legislation is considered that even might impact those living in co-operative residences or in condominiums, that these important segments of the population are specifically addressed by our representatives, and not unnecessarily left to others for the letter of the law to me interpreted — and misinterpreted. The author is president of the Association of Riverdale Cooperatives & Condominiums.
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Letters to the editor
Malaysian lives are important To the editor:
(re: “COVID shut down your Malaysian plant? Call Engel,” May 14)
I experienced feelings of deep dismay in reading your recent story in The Riverdale Press. In a nutshell, the story describes the push in early April to secure a kind of disposable mask that would help keep COVID-affected patients’ airways open while they waited for scarce ventilators. A Florida company informed Albany that it could manufacture the masks and ship them to New York, but that the order could not be filled because a factory in Malaysia that made key components of the masks had shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. The head of the Florida company got his congressman to lean on the Malaysian government, which relented and opened the factory to 50 percent capacity. Not satisfied that that would result in sufficiently rapid supply of the needed parts, the Florida congressman asked House Foreign Affairs chair Eliot Engel to use his influence. Engel, in turn, pressured the Malaysian government, leading to the factory being told to operate at 100 percent capacity. This, an Engel spokesperson conceded, required the Malaysian factory workers to work “in close conditions.” Soon, the Florida factory received the parts it needed, completed the masks, shipped them to New York, where due to social distancing and other emergency measures, they were not as critically needed as they had been. Gov. Cuomo thanked the Florida company anyway. This tale is told as a happy one of American political influence leading to Asian workers helping to solve life-and-death health care shortages in New York. What is missing from the piece —
and I find this chilling — is any account of the toll on the Malaysian factory workers forced, because of pressure from an American CEO and two American representatives, to work at full capacity “in close conditions” because their work was “essential” for New Yorkers. New York’s needs led to the Malaysian workers being deemed essential. How nice. How important the Malaysian workers must have felt (sarcasm). But were they also deemed expendable? What were the conditions in the plant? Did the workers have sufficient personal protective equipment and other physical and economic protection? Did the working conditions in the plant lead to an increase in COVID contagion in Kuala Lumpur and other parts of Malaysia? The story contains a lot of self-congratulations and good feeling on the part of Engel and his aides, of Gov. Cuomo, and the CEO of the Florida medical plant. The headline speaks volumes: “COVID shut down your Malaysian plant? Call Engel.” To me, it displays a naked neo-colonialism and disregard for working people that is no less ugly for being unconscious. In the United States, essential workers in industry after industry are rising up, striking, demanding hazard pay, paid sick leave, safe working conditions, and acknowledgement that if they are essential, they are not sacrificial. Let’s support those workers everywhere, including health care workers who are courageously protesting against the for-profit health care system that disregards their needs. And let us not expert our peril to workers in other nations. A Malaysian life is as precious as American life, isn’t it? Jennifer ScarloTT
Take these crimes very seriously To the editor: There is so much sad and terrible news these days that some of you may have missed the news of a recent local event. You may have missed the June 19 piece in Gothamist about report of nooses in Van Cortlandt Park met with indifference. A couple, out for a stroll in the park near West 242nd Street, came upon several rope nooses hanging from trees. They were disturbed and alarmed by this on the evening of Juneteenth. The police, who responded to the scene, did not
open an investigation, and the people there were told that the hanging ropes were part of celebrations with piñatas. This letter is to urge our community, elected officials and New York Police Department officers to take events such as these far more seriously. We are living in a time when the President of the United States and his enablers use hate and division to cynically manipulate American voters. The socalled “dog whistles” to white supremacists in this country have become loud and clear.
In the end — whether it’s a swastika scrawled on a local synagogue, a Confederate flag waving, or nooses swinging from our beautiful Bronx trees — now is the time to respond. Let everyone know that, here in New York — in the Bronx, and in Riverdale — hate has no home. We demand a full investigation. Silvia BlumenfelD The author is a member of the Northwest Bronx Indivisible Steering Committee.
Just admire how lucky we all are To the editor: ProPublica is an interesting is an interesting television news/documentary organization that mostly airs on PBS every week — unfortunately, somewhat late, at about 10 p.m. A recent documentary, “Two Coasts. One Virus. How New York Suffered nearly 10 Times the Number of Deaths as California” was a very interesting piece about how two states handled the same problem differently. Although slightly more liberal in its viewpoint, like The Atlantic magazine, I respect good journalism, whether it comes from either liberal or conservative journals such as the National Review or the American Spectator. Just like the few well-made, practical, sensible car models produced every year, they — along with The Wall Street Journal, Christian Science Monitor, Bloomberg, BBC News and Scientific American remain reliable sources of news and information in a world now polluted with dozens of fanatical shock jock commentators and sensationalistic news readers. This documentary was on how the governors of the east and west coast states have handled the pandemic differently. It must never be forgotten that as far as the so-called SARS-CoV-2 timeline is concerned when China finally became aware of their serious problem, they waited weeks to inform the World Health Organization of its findings. And even more disturbing is the fact that this virus has been proven to have spread to Europe as early as Dec. 27, two days after the Christmas holiday. So perhaps the Chinese health care system is not as advanced or reliable as has been assumed by the world’s medical community. As concerns the response to this pandemic from our federal, state and local (big city) gov-
ernment, it appears that our politicos have made some very bad — and very good decisions — with mixed results. However, it must be remembered that since World War I and the horrific 1918 flu pandemic, our nation has been, for more than a century, safe, secure and hygienized. Unlike the Europeans following World War II, our citizens are not dealing with massive homelessness, a destroyed infrastructure, famine, and other longterm illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, physical disability, and other psychological trauma. So with these thoughts in mind, I am now caustically laughing when I think that, only three months ago, we average Americans, commentators, journalists, and not-so-comedic late-night television hosts seemed to be content complaining about the most trivial of things — every hour, every day, week after week. Not one of them actually thinking about how lucky and spoiled we American people are. That, of course, was just before this very dangerous and threatening pandemic invaded and attacked our homeland. So now we all belatedly know what it’s like to live in an impoverished Third World country, where deadly diseases lurk in the water and air, in tainted food, and are spread by airborne bloodsucking insects. We have finally relearned that natural forces still have the power to instantly destroy us, cripple our advanced society, and bring us death and destruction with unabated and unmerciful force. Hopefully we will ascertain information from this recent epidemic, gain new respect for science and nature, and learn to appreciate the limited time given to us to love, respect, admire our loved one and beautiful blue planet. lou Deholczer
THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, July 9, 2020 - A13
Op-Ed
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Point of view
W
hen advertisements for CUNY boast that they’re “the greatest engine for social mobility in the world,” I try to believe it. Now in my fifth year at CUNY, I have dedicated my time maintaining my grades and conducting independent research thanks to the world-class professors who choose to teach at public colleges. As a working class kid from the Bronx, I consider this education an immense privilege. Like so many CUNY students, I am an “essential” worker. Working at a tech store, I have come into contact with hundreds of people near the heart of the pandemic, risking my health and the health of my loved ones. At least three of my coworkers have confirmed cases of the coronavirus. We still go to work, not out of a love for the minimum wage we make, but because there is still rent and prescriptions to pay for. In the most expensive city in America, life goes on, frustratingly, as normal. My situation is not unique, and can be repeated by thousands of CUNY students across the city. So why, during a pandemic, does Gov. Cuomo think it is necessary to gut funding for the “greatest engine for social mobility”? In preparation of federal funding not coming through to fill the gap, CUNY’s colleges are making drastic cuts, leaving adjuncts without jobs and health insurance. Hundreds of classes have been dropped, leaving class sizes even bigger in the fall, and leaving students the trouble of fulfilling course requirements to graduate. Brooklyn College is cutting 25 percent of its course offerings. John Jay is laying off 40 percent of its faculty. And all colleges are being told that they need to make at least 10 percent cuts to each department. While students admire and need our adjuncts, Cuomo is using them as a bargaining chip under the pretense that, because there won’t be in-person classes in the fall, he can make these cuts. Of course, even if classes were to resume in-person, he would want to make these cuts anyone. Instead, he’s creating the false pretense for a blackmail: Look, you can either have your adjuncts or safety, but you can’t have both. (Of course we could have both.) For CUNY students, this is nothing new. The steady cuts to CUNY over the years
Don’t give up on America By MICHAEL GOLD
A
n exploding pandemic, nationwide street protests against police killings of African American men, a cratering economy, and not least of all, a president who is aggressively trying to destroy democracy and install himself as absolute dictator for life — All mark America as a nation suffering from multiple fundamental crises. But I’m not giving up on America. Why? Because America is more than a country. It’s an idea, and a promise. A Jewish concept from the Book of Isaiah is the foundation of the American idea: “Come let us reason together.” To apply that to our modern moment, don’t let tribal passions divide us. Let’s talk about our differences of opinion and see if we can try to compromise to find a solution. At the core of our founding documents are two ideas that America is still struggling with. But at least we’re struggling with them. One, all men are created equal. Two, we have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. America is obviously far from perfect. But the country has never settled for mere tribalism, which makes it different from most other countries. It’s important to mention what we all know — that white people decimated the continent’s Native Americans and stole their lands, a historical tragedy. And white people enslaved, tortured and tormented Africans by the hundreds of thousands, a 400-year Black holocaust. I think about these terrible crimes virtually every day, in terms of how we can find justice for the wounded descendants and victims of conquest, enslavement and continuing racism. There always have been countervailing voices exercising their free speech rights to say that these awful things were — and are — terribly evil, and must be combated and alleviated. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is reason enough to fight for our nation, guaranteeing us freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion. Despite all the terrors of the present moment, America still holds promise. That people of different religions, skin colors and cultures can co-exist and even thrive together. Right now, Donald Trump is the biggest threat to this promise. When, in 2017, white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia, shouted in cadence, “The Jews will not replace us!” it flooded me with horror and disgust at their prejudice and paranoia. Trump said there were “very fine people” on both sides of the Charlottesville protests. I don’t think so! Also, let’s not forget what Trump recently
said about the notorious anti-Semite Henry Ford: He had “good bloodlines.” That’s not a dog whistle. That’s a trumpet call to the Trump troops. (Come on, Donald, why not go all the way and proclaim white people the master race, as Adolf Hitler did?) To combat Trump, in my mind, I find myself searching back through time for the words of George Washington, who wrote a letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island in 1790, as the American nation was just finding its feet. “For happily the government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.” To see this idea, the promise of America — encapsulated in just one place — consider a humble public school classroom in the Bronx as an example of what America is and can be. I work as an elementary school teacher in the northeastern part of the borough. Over the 18 years I have been a teacher, many of my students have been African American. Some are immigrants — from Jamaica and the Caribbean — and a few from Ghana and Kenya. But most are native-born. Many of my students also have been Muslim, mostly from Bangladesh, and a few from Yemen. I have taught children whose parents emigrated from all over Central and South America, from Mexico to Peru and Ecuador. In my classroom, I have seen students who parents left China, Africa, India and even Eastern Europe, to come to America. So here we have a Jewish teacher, whose grandparents left Russia and Poland more than 100 years ago, fleeing persecution from governments that treated them as less than human, working with a veritable United Nations of children to educate them in phonics, reading, mathematics, science, social studies, and the rules of citizenship, for a country I love. This wonderful mix of people, this mélange, is America. These kids are poor. But their parents are determined to make it in America, and they have instilled in their children that ethic, a classic immigrant story. The vast majority of my students work hard. They have a drive inculcated in them by their parents. It’s difficult to teach that. I’m not counting these kids out, and neither should you. I will tell anyone else that they shouldn’t count out America. Democracy has been at risk in America every since Trump was elected president. I’m not giving up on either democracy or America. They’re both worth a fight, possibly the most difficult fight of our lives.
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1083619
(re: “CUNY union fights adjunct job cuts,” June 4)
have left buildings with ceilings caving in, broken elevators, and classrooms moldy and overcrowded. You can conjure up visions of plucky students and professors from broken neighborhoods, beating the odds and still succeeding. But the successes are largely in spite of Cuomo’s decisions, and at some point, the fantasy can’t block out the reality that things were already bad before the coronavirus. Whenever I hear people say they want to return to the way things were “before” the pandemic, I wince. “Before” was a utopia for the well off or ignorant. In reality, “before” was bearable for essential people who made the city run, and the students who believed in that “engine” to a better future. This is why Cuomo’s vision for New York should be frightening. It’s an accelerant for the worst elements of the past. Outside of CUNY’s budget, Cuomo’s plan for New York is one where private companies play a larger role in the government’s functioning while public services get the austerity treatment. In the same budget, funding for public hospitals (which are now on theRiverdale Press brink of collapse), Medicaid, localities (which choose to 1/ 8page slash youth programs instead of bloated police budgets), and transportation were slashed. Partnership deals that are “public-private” (like the one currently under way with Bloomberg, Microsoft and Google to “reimagine New York”) and up benefiting the “private” way more than the “public.” So you will have to excuse me and fellow CUNY students — many of who have taken to the streets recently — when we do not share the same thrill for Cuomo (whose approval numbers have soared in the past few months), or any other New York establishment figure, when our chances at a better life are snatched from our hands. At the level of budget policy, we cannot look at the pandemic as an aberration in history. The coronavirus and the political response to it has proven once again that in times of crisis and upheaval, the suffering of the powerless is the rule, not the exception. The lack of concern for CUNY is a very clear and painful message to the students of New York: poor, Black, Latino, queer and working class futures should remain precarious, while those at the top can have their futures secured. I dedicate this Point of View to the faculty and students of CUNY who have died due to the coronavirus pandemic.
NOTICE OF A JOINT PUBLIC HEARING of the Franchise and Concession Review Committee and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation ("NYC Parks") to be held remotely via a WebEx dial-in on July 6, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. relative to: INTENT TO AWARD as a concession for the Renovation, Operation and Maintenance of a Restaurant and the Option to Operate One (1) Mobile Food Concession at Keltch Park, Bronx, for one (1) fifteen Year term, to BXC Park LLC. Compensation to the City will be as follows: Operating Year
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$30,970 $32,518 $34,144 $35,851 $37,644 $39,526 $41,502 $43,578 $45,756 $48,044 $50,446 $52,969 $55,617 $58,398
Plus a Percentage of Annual Gross Receipts 2% of Gross between $1,150,000 to $1,249,999 and 5% of Gross $1,250,000 and above Same as Above Same as Above Same as Above Same as Above Same as Above Same as Above Same as Above Same as Above Same as Above Same as Above Same as Above Same as Above Same as Above Same as Above
The public may participate in the public hearing by calling the dial-in number below. Written testimony may be submitted in advance of the hearing electronically to Gregg.alleyne@mocs.nyc.gov. All written testimony must be received by July 2, 2020. In addition, the public may also testify during the hearing by calling the dial-in number. The dial-in information is below: Dial-in #: +1-408-418-9388 Access Code: 129 698 1088 Press # on further prompts A draft copy of the agreement may be obtained at no cost by any of the following ways: 1) Submitting a written request to NYC Parks at concessions@parks.nyc.gov from June 15, 2020 through July 6, 2020. 2) Download from June 15, 2020 through July 6, 2020 on Parks’ website. To download a draft copy of the agreement, visit https://www.nycgovparks.org/opportunities/concessions/rfps-rfbs-rfeis. 3) by submitting a written request by mail to NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, Revenue Division, 830 Fifth Avenue, Revenue Division, Room 407, New York, NY 10065. Written requests must be received by June 26, 2020. For mail-in request, please include your name, return address, and License # X58-R. A transcript of the hearing will be posted on the FCRC website at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/mocs/reporting/agendas.page. For further information on accessibility or to make a request for accommodations, such as sign language interpretation services, please contact the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS) via e-mail at DisabilityAffairs@mocs.nyc.gov or via phone at (646) 872-0231. Any person requiring reasonable accommodation for the public hearing should contact MOCS at least five (5) business days in advance of the hearing to ensure availability.
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A14 - THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, July 9, 2020
Phone/fax ads in: ☎ 718-543-6200 ☎ 718-548-4038 E-mail: ø classified@riverdalepress.com Our address is: 5676 Riverdale Ave, Ste 311, Bronx, NY 10471
Real Estate Apartments for rent
Apartments for rent
Vacation rentals & property
Out of town real estate
3017 Riverdale Ave. Renovated 2BR,1 bath. Beautiful apartment. $2200. Broker 646-345-0347
Lg 3BR, 2BTH unit on 2nd fl of pvt hse. LR (14x20), DR (14x14), Kitch (13x7), Mstr BR (15x11), 2nd BR (12x8), 3rd BR (9x11). Total 1100/sf. All new S/S appls. Laundry facility in bsmnt. NO smoking or Pets. Avail August 1st. Call Eddie for more info 718.549.7636. Saxon Ave off Sedgwick Ave.
OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of full/partial week rentals. Call for FREE color Brochure. Holiday Real Estate, Inc: 1-800-638-2102 Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com. $50 discount - new rentals. Code: "WelcomeBack" (Expires 2020-09-01)
LAND AUCTION: 16 1-3 acre lots Gated Communities, Haywood County, NC. 151-acre mountain tract, springs, lake sites, 3/2 Home. ERA Sunburst Realty www.sunburstauctions.net. NCA Lic#10376. Randy Flanigan, NCAL6421, NCRE274318. 706-207-9436
Riverdale. 3 bdrm apartment in corner private house. Near shops and transit. Please call owner 347-663-0010.
W. 261 St and Fieldston Rd. 4 bdrm, 2 bth deluxe 1800 sf. apt. W/D, D/W in pvt home. Very bright with high ceilings. $2750. 917-572-8982.
Place your ad online RiverdalePress.com or call an account executive 718-543-6065 ext. 3
Parking space available 3220 Fairfield Ave Indoor parking $195 plus tax 212-721-3144
Real Estate Brokers, Agents and Management Companies Brown Harris Stevens, ..........................212.317.7746 Tobias B. Schapiro...........................917.846.9846 Douglas Elliman...................................718.884.5815 Fieldston Properties.............................718.601.1000 Foxworth Realty, Eugenia Foxworth ...212.368.4902 Halstead Property Riverdale.................718.878.1700 HSC Management Corporation...........718.543.2800 or....................................................914.237.1600 Hudsoncreast Properties Inc, Gil Perez...................... 718.796.5022 ext. 215......www.GmcRealty.com McDonagh Properties, Inc....................718.548.2828
New Bedford Management Corp.........646.453.5279 John Edwards Real Estate...........929.474.6900 x101 OOAKB&F Inc......................................347.686.0825 Robert E. Hill, Inc ................................718.884.2200 Sherman NYC......................................718.884.0011 Stillman Brokerage, Angie Chin...........914.813.1923 Stillman Property Management……...914.813.1900 Trebach Realty ....................................718.543.7174 Veritas Property Management, LLC.......................... Carl Borenstein...............................212.799.2365 Vivian J. Oleen ....................................917.538.9639
Realtors: To purchase a space in this listing, please call Cheryl Ortiz at 718.543.6200 ext. 379
Phone/fax ads in: ☎ 718-543-6200 ☎ 718-548-4038 E-mail: ø classified@riverdalepress.com Our address is: 5676 Riverdale Ave, Ste 311, Bronx, NY 10471
Classified
Online and in print — Riverdale Press classifieds get results
Education COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Now offering a $10,000 scholarship for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)
Contact us:
Place an ad:
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Our Ad-visors are available Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help you word your ad.
1-5 WEEKS: $4.30 per line, per week
Call: 718 543 6200 Fax: 718 548 4038
Help wanted
E-mail: classified@riverdalepress.com
JOB OPPORTUNITY $18.50 P/H NYC $16 P/H LI $13.50 P/H UPSTATE NY CDPAP Caregiver Hourly Pay Rate! Under NYS CDPAP Medicaid program you can hire your family or friends for your care. Phone: 347-713-3553
Send mail or stop by 5676 Riverdale Ave, Ste 311 Bronx, NY 10471
Contact us by Monday at noon and your ad will be in that week’s paper. Please make cancellations or changes by the preceding Friday at 4 p.m. The longer you run your ad, the cheaper it will be.
Help wanted
Elder care offered
Elder care offered
Relief Porter/Doorperson Luxury Riverdale Coop Exp. Helpful Not Required Email Resume gstaudt@alliedpartners.com Equal Opportunity Employer
A 50 year old mature female is seeking a caregiver position. Live in or Live out. Please call Judith at 404-484-8817
Flexible and reliable lady seeks full/part time job. Good refs . Elizabeth 347-920-3561 or 914-258-2459
Service Guide Miscellaneous Handyman
Miscellaneous Home Improvement
Miscellaneous Home Improvement
Miscellaneous Jewelers
Painting, Plastering, Scraping a/c installation & Handyman work. Licensed and Insured. Reasonable prices. Call for estimates. 646-526-4144
B.K. Waterproofing and Roofing Brickpointing, concrete work, roofing, windows, retaining walls, painting, sheetrock, powerwashing & gutter work. Free estimates & consultation Call 917-566-8147 Ask for Bobby www.bkwaterproofing.com
New Heights Construction, LLC Siding, Roofing, Painting, Basements, Decks and more. NYC Lic. #1191201 Call 800-525-5102 or 718-767-0044
BROWN'S JEWELERS
Miscellaneous Home Improvement BATHROOM RENOS. EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free inhome consult: 888-657-9488
DISH TV $59.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-800-943-0838
It’s easy to place your ad online, by phone, by fax, by mail or e-mail and reach thousands of readers in next week’s paper — or instantly on our website.
TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440. (M-F 8am-6pm ET)
Licensed Real Estate salesperson with car is needed for Riverdale area. High earning potential. Hands on training is being offered by Real Estate Broker with over 25 years experience. Call John Edwards Real Estate 718-755-6515
Miscellaneous
THE RIVERDALE PRESS HAS IT ALL! Restaurants, painters, sports, news and more!
Miscellaneous Home Renovation Lorence NY Contracting Corp. We specialize in Kitchen & bath renovs. NYC 646-407-3913 Lic. #2091374-DCA.
Quality jewelry, watch batteries and bands. Expert repairs. 5690 Riverdale Avenue 718-549-2730
Terms: The Riverdale Press, LLC, a subsidiary of Richner Communications, Inc. reserves the right to reclassify, revise or reject any classified advertisement. Please check your advertisement each time it appears and if you find an error, report it to the classified advertising department immediately by calling 718-543-6200 or e-mailing classified@ riverdalepress.com. The Riverdale Press, LLC shall not be liable for errors or omissions in any advertisement, for which it may be responsible, beyond cost of actual space occupied or to have been occupied by item in which error or omission occurred. The Riverdale Press, LLC shall not be liable for failure, for any cause, to insert an advertisement. All claims for errors, omissions, etc. in advertising must be made within seven days of publication and claims for such will be allowed only for the first insertion. All changes and cancellations made before Monday at noon will become effective with the following publication.
5-9 WEEKS: $3.85 per line, per week 10-25 WEEKS: $3.30 per line, per week 26+ WEEKS: $3.05 per line, per week Minimum order is 5 lines for one week.
Computer services Computer Repair, Upgrade & Troubleshooting Call James 646-281-4475 or 718-324-4332
Get DIRECTV! ONLY $35/mo! 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies On Demand (w/SELECT All Included Package.) PLUS Stream on Up to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
Legal notices BOY SCOUT COMPENSATION FUND - Anyone that was inappropriately touched by a Scout leader deserves justice and financial compensation. Victims may be eligible for a significant cash settlement. Time to file is limited. Call Now. 844-587-2494
Wanted to buy
Miscellaneous
Freon Wanted: We pay CA$H for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-361-0601 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com
VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! Call Today: 800-404-0244
Recently Diagnosed w/Lung Cancer or Mesothelioma? Exposed to Asbestos Pre-1980 at Work or Navy? You May Be Entitled to a Significant Cash Award! Smoking History Okay! 888-912-3150
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The Riverdale Press, the community medium of the northwest Bronx, is looking for inside and outside account executives to help local businesses — from mom ’n’ pop stores to national chains — shape their marketing and advertising plans, in print and online. Salary plus commision and an excellent benefits package. E-mail resume to: advertising@RiverdalePress.com No phone calls or walk-ins accepted.
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Legal Notices Legal Notice
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Aurora Commons LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/05/2020. Office location: Bronx County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: 1 Fordham Hill Oval 2C, Bronx, NY 10468. The principal business address of the LLC is: 1 Fordham Hill Oval 2C, Bronx, NY 10468. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. 3269
Legal Notice
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF MXM Management LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on February 28, 2020. Office location: Bronx County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/ her is MCM Management LLC, 1031 E 212 St, Bronx, NY 10469. The principal business address of the LLC is 1031 E 212 St, Bronx, NY 10469. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. 3270
Legal Notice
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Edgar Pimentel, Family Medicine, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/30/2020. Office location: Bronx County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the PLLC served upon him/her is: Edgar Pimentel 143 Reville Street, Bronx, NY 10464. The principal business address of the PLLC is: 143 Reville Street, Bronx, NY 10464. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. 3271
Legal Notice
Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Bronx County on 3/9/2020, bearing Index Number NC-000117-20/BX, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451, grants me the right to assume the name of (First) Hephzibah (Last) Vicente. My present name is (First) Anel (Middle) Judith (Last) Vicente AKA Anel J Vicente, AKA Anel Vicente. The city and state of my present address are Bronx, NY. My place of birth is Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The month and year of my birth are October 1986. 3272
THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, July 9, 2020 - A15
Home of the Week John Edwards of John Edwards Real Estate
A classical home perfect for modern Fieldston living
L The homes of
VillanoVa heighTs*
ike all true classics, this exceptional stucco-and-brick home with a slate roof and a long, private driveway transcends the boundaries of time and style. Located in the Fieldston historic district, this elegant beauty — built in 1920 — features five bedrooms, three full bathrooms, two half-bathrooms, with a finished attic and basement. The entry foyer flows to a spacious living room with wood-burning fireplace, lovely hardwood floors, south-facing sun room, a formal dining room, kitchen with breakfast room, a powder room, large rear patio and a grassy lawn.
The second floor is where all five bedrooms can be found as well as a stairway to a large finished attic. The finished basement comes with a recreation room, half-bathroom and laundry room, with access to the garage. Located at 4621 Fieldston Road, this home is conveniently located within close proximity to private schools like Riverdale Country School, Horace Mann School, Ethical Culture Fieldston School and SAR Academy, as well as Van Cortlandt Park. Does it sounds like the perfect home for you? Then stake your claim while you still can for a listed price of $2.45 million.
AvAilAble After lAbor DAy fully furnisheD 5021 Grosvenor Avenue
9 bedrooms/ 6 full baths/ 1 half bath/ Elevator/ Pool
homes available for early september occupancy
5041 Goodridge Avenue
10 bedrooms/ 6 full baths/ 1 half bath/ Elevator/ Pool
John E. FitzgErald • 914.613.5510
(Brokers ProTecTed)
VisiT our weBsiTe for floor Plans and PhoTos of all homes
call us or your Broker for aVailaBiliTy of homes and renTal raTes w w w .V i lla n oVa h ei g h t s . co m
*Villanova Heights is a rental community of fine homes on 25,000 Sq. Ft. lots. We periodically feature all of our homes in these ads, whether or not currently available.
Call for rental prices and dates of availability.
Note: Each week’s featured home is chosen at random from among houses and apartments offered by Riverdale Press advertisers. The opinions expressed are those of the advertiser and not The Riverdale Press news department. For further information, write to advertising@riverdalepress.com.
A16 - THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, July 9, 2020
TrebachRealty.com
718.543.7174
Family Owned & Operated Since 1972
NeW exclusive
NeW exclusive
West oF parKWay Web #880 Grand bucolic beauty and open space classic 6-bdrm, 5.5-bath mansion with wraparound porch on over one acre with grassy lawns. Large center hall, living room with WBF, formal dining room with fireplace and eat-in kitchen. $5,290,000
FieldstoN Web #881 Classic and Spacious 6-bdrm, 3-full and 2-half bath Craftsman-Sytle house with sunroom, patio and garden. Entry hall flows to a spacious living room with WBFP, formal dining room adjacent to spacious kitchen with a breakfast nook. $2,375,000
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exclusive FieldstoN Web #839 Stylish and bright 4-bdrm, 3-bath solar modern home with patio and garden. Living room with WBFP, dining room with pass-through to an eat-in kitchen with peninsula. Loft like 2nd floor, family room and office. C/A/C and central vacuum. $1,750,000
NeW exclusive
NeW exclusive West oF parKWay Web #873 4-bdrm, 3-bath Tudor-Style house on double lot with grassy yard and river views on private cul-de-sac. $1,575,000
FieldstoN Web #877 Renovated bright and airy 6-bdrm, 5.5-bath house with spacious grounds. Features entry hall, living room with fireplace, spacious and inviting eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, sunroom with radiant-heat floors and finished basement. $3,450,000
NeW exclusive
NeW exclusive
West oF the parKWay Web #886 Charming and renovated 3-bdrm, 2-bath with center hall, living rm with WBFP, dining area and eat-in kitch. $1,450,000
south riverdale Web #871 Spacious 4-bdrm, 2.5-bath house with living room with WBFP, formal dining room and eat-in kitchen. $1,595,000
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exclusive North riverdale Web #888 Sunny and spacious 3-bdrm, 3.5-bath with sunken living room, dining room with bay windows and deck. $969,000
exclusive
NeW exclusive
NeW exclusive
NeW exclusive
south riverdale Web #872 Three vacant lots with R2 Zoning and Single-family 4-bdrm, 2.5-bath, stucco, Tudor-style house. $3,000,000
West oF parKWay Web #883 Renovated and countrified 4-bdrm, 3-bath house with patio and level grassy backyard. Features an entry hall, living room, formal dining room with WBFP, skylighted eat-in kitchen and family room. Central a/c, tool shed and driveways. $2,150,000
south riverdale Web #884 Renov 6-bdrm, 2-full and 2-half bath brick house. Tiled entry foyer, formal dining rm & renov kitchen. $1,395,000
West oF parKWay Web #882 Vacant site of approx 0.37 acres is a rare opportunity to build a home with commanding views of river. $1,495,000
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exclusive ceNtral riverdale Web #859 4-bdrm, 3-bath detached brick house with high ceilings, living room with brick WBFP & formal dining room. $925,000
exclusive
exclusive
co-exclusive
West oF parKWay Web #846 Spacious 3-bdrm, 2.5-bath house features a living room with bay windows and marble WBF, dining room with sliding glass doors to large level backyard, eat-in kitchen, MBR suite & den with a wet bar. 2-car garage plus plenty of off street parking. $1,549,000
vaN cortlaNdt crest Web #869 Spacious 7-bdrm, 3-full and 2 half bath Tudor-Style house with grassy yard on double lot along tree lined st. $825,000
NeW exclusive West oF the parKWay Web #856 Classic 3-bdrm, 2.5-bath house features a center hall, living rm with WBF, formal dining rm and eat-in kitch. $1,200,000
exclusive ceNtral riverdale Web #865 New Construction: 2-Family Townhouse w/ 4-bdrm duplex over 1-bdrm w/ deck & level, grassy backyard. $1,275,000
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North riverdale Web #887 Secluded single level side by side twofamily house with porch, deck and grassy front yard on Cul-de-Sac. $850,000
exclusive KiNGsbridGe Web #879 Fully renovated 3-bdrm, 1.5-bath house with entry foyer, dining rm, front porch, patio, garden & 3-car garage. $895,000
exclusive
exclusive
FieldstoN Web #848 Rare opportunity vacant land of over a third of an acre with R1-2 Zoning to build exactly the house you need. $1,200,000
exclusive
FieldstoN Web #844 Classic & Elegant 4-bdrm, 3.5-bath with abundant French doors leading out to expansive front terrace, a stone patio, an open, shady side porch and a level grassy yard. Living room with WBFP, formal dining room and eat-in kitchen. $1,895,000
south riverdale Web #858 Stone and Stucco house with 4-bdrms, 3 full & 2 half baths, WBFP in LR, FDR and renovated kitchen. $1,195,000
exclusive estate area Web #855 7-bdrm, 5.5-bath newly built house with open-plan living rm, dining rm, centerisland kitchen and patios. $2,295,000
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co-ops, condos and REntals
NeW coNdo exclusive
NeW exclusive
NeW exclusive
NeW exclusive
NeW exclusive
NeW coNdo exclusive
445 West 240th st Web #cc637 Postwar 2-bdrm condo with large entry foyer, living room, windowed kitchen, dining area and hrdwd flrs. $399,000
3875 Waldo aveNue Web #cc640 Charming and updated Jr4 with large dining foyer, sunken living room and windowed dining room. $249,000
5715 mosholu aveNue Web #cc635 Bright L-shaped 2-bdrm postwar co-op. Hrdwd flrs, South & West expos. Top flr corner unit. $219,000
3515 heNry hudsoN prKWy #cc638 Spacious 3-bdrm, 2-bath corner unit w/ large entry foyer, renovated kitchen, parquet floors and balcony. $649,000
ceNtral riverdale Web #cc642 Bright 2-bdrm, 2-bath co-op with balcony and doorman. Professionally soundproofed music room. $439,000
ceNtral riverdale Web #cc643 Contemporary Condo with balcony, modern kitchen, laundry in unit, DM and indoor parking. $695,000
of d Ac ce
NeW exclusive
3875 Waldo ave cc639 Spacious and charming Jr4 corner unit w/ lrg dining foyer and widowed dining area. $249K
house For reNt
FieldstoN vic. rr641 8-bdrm, 6.5-bath, 10,700+ sq. ft. Multiple porches, swimming pool. 4-car garage. $21,000/mo
house For reNt
FieldstoN vic. rr877 7-bdrm, 7-full & 3 half-bth 11,000 sq. ft. house w/ lrg entry hall & FDR. $21,000/mo
house For reNt
FieldstoN vic. rr642 6-bdrm, 3.5-bath, 7,500 sq. ft. house w/ Expansive wraparound porch & pool. $22,500/mo
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exclusive 290 West 232Nd st cc631 Spacious 3-bdrm, 1.5-bth corner unit with open views, living rm & kitchen. $425K
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No Fee reNtals
West oF parKWay - Luxury 2-bdrm, 2-bath with balcony, doorman, tennis courts and fitness room. $3,595/mo West oF parKWay - Luxury renovated 2-bdrm, 2-bath with doorman, tennis courts and fitness room. $3,395/mo West oF parKWay - Luxury spacious Jr4, balcony, 24-hr doorman, health club w/ pool. 1 month free rent $2,925/mo West oF parKWay - Luxury 2-bdrm, 2-bath, 24-hr doorman, pool & tennis courts. 1 month free rent $2,795/mo West oF parKWay - Luxury large 1-bdrm with river views. 24-hr doorman, gym w/ pool. 1 month free rent $2,725/mo West oF parKWay - Luxury 1-bdrm with balcony, door$2,295/mo man, tennis courts and fitness room. West oF parKWay - Luxury studio in 24-hr doorman building with pool and tennis courts. 1 month free rent $1,850/mo
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No board approval
West oF parKWay - 3-bdrm, 2-bath, w/ balcony, L-shaped LR/DR area, DM, fitness room, private playground and childrens recreation room. Dogs OK. Indoor parking available. $515K West oF parKWay - 2-bdrm, 1.5-bath, w/ balcony, L-shaped LR/DR area, DM, fitness room, private playground and childrens recreation room. Dogs OK. Indoor parking available. $420K sold - North riverdale - Renov Jr-4 with entry foyer NeW exclusive living rm, dining rm and windowed eat-in kitchen. $299K 3636 FieldstoN rd cc641 sold - ceNtral riverdale - Newly renov studio with Updated studio on second hrdwd flrs, seperate kitchen and sleeping area. $185K floor with separate kitchen and sleeping area. $175K
NeW exclusive
NeW exclusive
exclusive
555 KappocK st cc605 Bright 1-bdrm with dining area, C/A/C, Hudson River view and 24-hr DM. $179K
290 West 232Nd st cc626 2-bdrm with entry foyer, living room, kitchen, dining area and balcony. $329K
3601 JohNsoN ave. cc587 Walk-in level doctor’s office with seperate entrance and reception area. $295K
house For reNt
FieldstoN vic. rr878 8-bdrm, 6.5-bath w/ entry vestibule, living room w/ frplc, eat-in kitchen. $18,500/mo
house For reNt
FieldstoN vic. rr655 Grand 8-bdrm, 6.5-bath, 10,700+ sq. ft. Private swimming pool. 3-car garage. $17,500/mo
house For reNt
West oF parKWay rr704 Charming 4-bdrm, 3-bth. Living room w/ fireplace, eat-in kitch & finished basement. $6,900/mo
proFessioNal & oFFice space
exclusive
4455-65 douGlas cc622 3755 hh pKWay - the imperial - Walk-in level doctor’s Spacious Townhouse with office with reception area and 2 exam rooms. $360K 3-bdrms, 3.5bths, sunken North riverdale - Office Space Available. $1,500/mo LR, WBFP & patio. $1.699K
exclusive
NeW exclusive
exclusive
3530 hh parKWay cc628 Huge 3-bdrm conv 4, 2-bath at Parkway House. Low floor, high ceilings. $649K
3875 Waldo ave. cc636 Charming 1-bdrm with entry foyer, sunken living rm & windowed kitchen. $295K
3755 hh parKWay cc623 Spacious 1-bdrm with entry foyer, living room, renov kitch & dining area. $199K
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pet-FrieNdly reNtals GreystoNe aveNue - 3-bdrm, 1.5-bath with dining area and yard in multi-family house. $2,800/mo reNted - West oF parKWay - 2-bdrm, 2-bath, sunset balcony, doorman & fitness room. Dogs OK. $2,400/mo reNted - West oF parKWay - 1-bdrm, windowed kitchen, dining area, doorman & fitness room. Dogs OK. $1,900/mo
exclusive
exclusive 5355 hh parKWay Updated Jr-4 with balcony, living rm, rm and eat-in kitch.
cc634 sunrise dining $279K
5355 hh parKWay cc629 Renovated Jr-4, living room, dining room & eat-in kitch. No board approval. $299K
Trebach Realty, Inc. • 3801 Greystone Avenue, Riverdale Open 7 Days • www.TrebachRealty.com