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Volume XX • Number 17 • April 25 - May 1, 2013 •
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Kingsbridge Armory: No longer on thin ice
By HAYDEE CAMACHO New York Rangers hockey legend Mark Messier and Olympic Figure Skating Gold Medalist Sarah Hughes added star power to Mayor Bloomberg’s announcement today to transform the landmark Kingsbridge Armory into the world’s largest indoor ice facility. The 750,000 square foot facility will be known as Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) and will feature nine yearround indoor regulation sized ice rinks, including a rink that can seat approximately 5,000 people and be used to host national and international ice hockey tournaments, figure and speed skating competitions and ice shows. It will also include two sled-compatible rinks for people with disabilities. The design also includes 50,000 square feet of space designated for community uses. The facility is expected to draw more than 2 million visitors a year. The project is an economic boon to the borough and represents a $275 million private investment which is expected to generate 890 construction jobs and 267 permanent jobs. Also joining Bloomberg were Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert K. Steel, New York City Economic Development Corporation President
Seth W. Pinsky, KNIC Partners LLC Founder Kevin Parker, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and City Council Member Fernando Cabrera. “Through this redevelopment the Kingsbridge Armory will now have an interior program befitting its iconic exterior architecture,” said Bloomberg. “We are sending a clear message that the revitalization of the Bronx is moving forward. It will be great for New York City because this new addition to our sports and cultural community will help us continue to draw millions of visitors and enhance our economy, quality of life and create hundreds of jobs for the local community. This plan is proof that working together we can put aside our differences and do what’s best for the city.” “This project is further proof that the Bronx continues to be a magnet for business and that our plans to bring economic investment to the neighborhood are paying dividends,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert K. Steel. “Soon this building, which has been vacant for more than a decade, will be brought back to life through hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment, becoming a destination for millions of visitors each year.”
Jubilant officials announce the forthcoming construction of skating center in Kingsbridge Armory. Of the nine ice rinks, five will be located on the main floor and four will be constructed on a platform elevated approximately
40 feet above the main floor. The facility is expected to be 365 days a years from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and from 6 a.m. to 10
p.m. on weekends. In addition to the ice rinks, the facility will feature: a wellContinued on Page 15
Joyous spirit pervades Bronx Israel Independence Day Festival By HAYDEE CAMACHO A joyous spirit and love of Israel pervaded the Bronx Israel Independence Day Festival held at The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale on Tuesday, April 16th. The event marked the 65th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel and featured live music, vendors and outdoor games and activities. This contrasted with the somber mood in Israel, which marked the day amid increased security and worries over terrorist attacks by Palestinians which have been on the rise in the last 7 months. Attendees to the event spoke of the strong connection between America and Israel. “It’s always a great day to celebrate Israel’s birthday,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz. ”We are sending a signal in re-affirming our long lasting bond and relationship with Israel.” Diaz recalled his initial disappointment when the Democratic Convention dropped the assertion that Jerusalem was the capital of the Jewish state from the party’s platform at their convention last September, but was pleased “that the yeses prevailed” and the language restored. The specter of the bombing at the Boston Marathon was also on his mind. “We are concerned and upset and understand that in places along the Gaza Strip they go through what Boston went through frequently. We want to make sure Israel remains safe, free and democratic.” He thanked Rabbis Avi Weiss and Sarah Horotwitz of The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, as well as The Riverdale
Review for sponsoring the event. For Toby Weiss, wife of Rabbi Weiss, the day was one in solidarity with loved ones in Israel who were also celebrating. “I just spoke to my daughter and they are having a barbeque with 75 people in their home. We don’t have the same excitement that they do, but we try to bring a little of that here. It’s a very special day.” Stanley Kurtzman recently moved back to Riverdale after living in Inwood for 35 years. “This is a happy
occasion,” he said. “We remembered the trauma of the 6 million deaths earlier in the week and now end with the establishment of Israel, our second home.” Ginger Michaels calls herself a “transplant from Brooklyn” who has lived in Riverdale for 10 years. “It’s very important to stop during the day and take a breath and feel that connection to Israel. I think that is something that people of all generations feel—a strong connection with Israel.” Continued on Page 8
Arrests in W. 235th St. car chase and crash
By PAULETTE SCHNEIDER Two men involved in a car chase and crash in front of St. Gabriel School on West 235th Street last Friday were arrested, charged with criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of marijuana. Police officers from the 50th Precinct arrived minutes after several eyewitnesses called 911 to report reckless driving, Deputy Inspector Kevin Burke said. The men appeared to have been involved in some sort of dispute. Footage from a nearby surveillance camera shows a black BMW and a silver Audi driving erratically on West 235th Street until the BMW crashes into a parked car, News 12 reported. Immediately thereafter, the passenger in the BMW, holding a bag, leaves the car and runs in the direction of the school. The driver then leaves the car, reaches for a
bag in the back seat and runs toward the school as well. One was quickly apprehended in the parking lot shared by the school and St. Gabriel’s Church, located around the corner on Arlington Avenue. The other was found inside the church. The man who barged into the church did not intend to steal anything or harm anyone—he sought refuge there “to get away from us,” Burke said. “They were running away from the police. They had marijuana on them. They had a firearm.” The men were arraigned the morning of the incident. St. Gabriel School principal Deborah Pitula reported that at no time were the students in any danger, although the school was briefly locked down and parents were asked to pick up their children.