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Volume XXI • Number 12 • March 20-26, 2014 •
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Klein forces Montefiore review In this year’s Senate onehouse budget resolution, Senator Jeff Klein (D- Bronx/Westchester) successfully fought for the inclusion of a provision that would increase state government oversight over the location of health care facilities in New York City. Specifically, the provision would call for a statewide review of the geographic appropriateness of a health facility when approving plans for one. The provision would apply to all new projects, in addition
to projects “undertaken within the last State fiscal year,” meaning that the controversial Montefiore project on Oxford Avenue would be subject to a new assessment and approval process. Senator Klein said: “Montefiore’s proposed development never should have gotten this far. That’s why I’m fighting to change the law, create a new review process for project’s like Montefiore’s, and stop this development in its tracks. The Riverdale community has
raised a number of completely valid concerns about the projects location, size and scale, and I am pleased that I could bring these these concerns to Albany and make real progress on a process that could prevent unwanted projects like this one--and others--from being foisted upon Riverdale ever again.”
The language in the one house budget resolution reads: “The Senate maintains that in cities with a population of one million or more, the appropriateness of locating a health facility in a geographic area must be taken into consideration in the process of project planning, including projects undertaken within the last State fiscal year.”
This inclusion in the budget goes to show that when a community like Riverdale has demonstrated grave concerns over the appropriateness of this health facility, Senator Klein listens. The Senate one-house budget resolution was approved Thursday. The 2013-14 must be approved by April 1st.
Local artist celebrates Bronx centennial
Manhattan College seeded as Lucky 13 in NCAA tourney By CHRIS CIRILLO and DANIEL YNFANTE Manhattan head coach Steve Masiello was all smiles as he sat next to his team’s Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference trophy on Sunday evening in a packed Café 1853 on the Riverdale campus, waiting to see whom his team would play in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Nearly 25 minutes into the “Selection Show,” that smile turned into a frown as Masiello found out his team would be a 13 seed going up against a surprising, yet familiar fourth seed: the Louisville Cardinals. Masiello, who was an assistant under Rick Pitino for six years at Louisville, put his hand to his face in disbelief. All he could do was shake his head.
“I’m in shock,” Masiello said. “I’m shocked as I have ever been that they are a four seed.” Manhattan is coming off its first MAAC championship in 10 years, but will face an uphill battle when they meet the defending national champions in Orlando on Thursday night. Many believed the Cardinals – who won the American Athletic Conference after beating Connecticut on Saturday – were a borderline No. 1 seed. “They should be one or two [seed],” said guard George Beamon. “I don’t even understand that, but the bracket works out in any type of way.” “They should be a number one seed,” said point guard Mike Alvarado. “It’s crazy that they Continued on Page 2
The Jaspers will return the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2004. Photo taken by Chris Cirillo.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and artist Daniel Hauben, a resident of Van Cortlandt Village, survey Hauben’s “Bronx Vortex” at the Borough President’s office. The piece is part of an ongoing art exhibit celebrating the centennial of Bronx County. View the photo at http://www.flickr. com/photos/bronxbp/12954760053/. As one of the many events celebrating the centennial of Bronx County, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has announced that his office will showcase the artwork of lifelong Bronx resident Daniel Hauben throughout 2014. Daniel Hauben, a resident of Van Cortlandt Village who has been acclaimed as perhaps the Borough’s most versatile and prolific painter, has been painting for the past 25 years. Mr. Hauben, known for being a landscape painter, works with oil paint and chalk pastels to depict what it means to live in this world though his artwork. As a painter he has traveled to numerous countries and parts of the United States to capture both the beauty and fragility in both a natural and urban environment.
Daniel Hauben will be showcasing his exhibit, titled ‘Bronx Works,’ at the executive office of the Bronx Borough President throughout 2014. The exhibit includes a full scale reproduction on canvas of his famous 17-foot homage to the Bronx entitled “Bronx Vortex.” This enormous painting captures a panoramic view and the essence of the Bronx’s Fordham Road and Grand Concourse. At this exhibit you will also find other paintings by that artist that illustrates the Bronx in its everyday life. “Daniel Hauben is a true artist. The Bronx is full of life and diversity and Daniel Hauben captures that spirit in his art,” said Borough President Diaz. “One of my favorite paintings from his ‘Bronx
Works’ exhibit is titled ‘Bronx Vortex’ which is a panoramic view of the well known Fordham Road and Grand Concourse intersection. I invite everyone to stop by my office to view Mr. Hauben’s extraordinary work.” “It is an honor to have my work displayed on the walls of The Bronx Borough President’s office as part of the Bronx’s year long centennial celebration,” said Daniel Hauben. “The Bronx is such a beautiful, colorful place that it’s easy to make come to life on my canvas.” To view Daniel Hauben’s exhibit, “Bronx Works,” please visit our office located at 851 Grand Concourse, Room 301, Bronx, NY 10451. More information about the artist can be found at his website, www.danielhauben.com.