NEWS RAIL SERVICE FOR EAST BRONX GAINING STEAM
BY DANIEL BEEKMAN (NYDN)
Imagine a brand new passenger rail line built over the next decade for $1 billion less than the No. 7 subway extension.
It may sound like fantasy, but a game-changing Bronx rail project is on track and gaining steam, transit insiders insist.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Bronx leaders are all aboard a plan to bring Metro-North service to the East Bronx for the first time.
NATIONAL CYCLING ASSOCIATION REVEALS ARMORY VELODROME PLAN
BY DANIEL BEEKMAN (NYDN)
The National Cycling Association unveiled its plan on Thursday to build a world-class velodrome and BMX park in the Bronx’s long-vacant Kingsbridge Armory.
CEO Jack Simes of NCA revealed that the group hopes to rent the landmark building from the city for eight weeks next spring to host a demonstration project, including youth programs and a six-day bicycle race.
CABLEVISION AND KNICKS MOGUL PLAYS BALL WITH BRONXNET
BY DANIEL BEEKMAN (NYDN)
New York Knicks and Cablevision mogul James Dolan has finally decided to play ball with the Bronx’s public access network.
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. brokered an 11th-hour deal between the Dolan family cable company and Bronxnet last Friday, following more than two years of bitter negotiations over funding for the network.
MTA UNDER FIRE FOR DIRTY BRONX SUBWAY STATIONS
BY DANIEL BEEKMAN (NYDN)
Under fire from borough straphangers and subway advocates, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is vowing to clean up its act in the Bronx.
Charles Moerdler, an MTA board member from the Bronx, railed at the agency Monday for its “second-class” treatment of the borough’s subway system. Citing new MTA figures, Moerdler said Bronx subway stations are the worst-kept in the city, covered with dirt and grime, while Bronx trains rank last in terms of on-time performance and delays.
BRONX BOROUGH PREZ DOLES OUT $12 MILLION PLUS IN PORK
BY DANIEL BEEKMAN (NYDN)
The Bronx beep is doling out big bucks for local schools, housing projects, parks and community centers.
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced yesterday he plans to allocate $12.85 million in earmarks over the next year.
BORO PREZ THREATENS TO SUE BLOOMBERG ADMIN OVER BASE
BY DANIEL BEEKMAN (NYDN)
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is threatening to sue the Bloomberg administration over the fate of a Bronx military base.
BRONX PARENTS PUSH FOR KINGSBRIDGE ARMORY SCHOOLS
BY DANIEL BEEKMAN (NYDN)
Bronx parents who want books, not bombs at the Kingsbridge Armory are on pins and needles Wednesday.
They packed a public hearing last week to beg the Bloomberg administration to boot National and state Guard units from the armory annex on W. 195th St. in favor of building new schools there.
But the administration is on the verge of turning the parents down, with a decision expected Thursday on the fate of a proposed new home for the Guard.
FUTURE OF VACANT BRONX MILITARY BASES HOTLY CONTESTED
BY DANIEL BEEKMAN (NYDN)
Battles over vacant military buildings are breaking out all over the Bronx.
KINGSBRIDGE ARMORY COULD BECOME MEGACHURCH, ICE HOCKEY ARENA
BY DANIEL BEEKMAN (NYDN)
Hockey players, chefs and a televangelist could vie for space at the Bronx’s long-vacant Kingsbridge Armory.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will outline the ideas for the site in a 300-page report this week and call on the Bloomberg administration to pick the best plan.
HISTORIC BRONX ARMORY COULD BECOME CYCLING PALACE
BY DANIEL BEEKMAN (NYDN)
The Bronx’s long-vacant, hotly disputed Kingsbridge Armory could become a massive cycling palace, housing a velodrome and a BMX course.
A proposal submitted this spring to the borough president’s task force calls for the rundown, fortresslike building to host international racing events and free programs for kids. The armory’s large 600-by-300-foot drill floor makes it especially appealing, said would-be developer Michael Green, former president of the Century Road Club Association.
