Bronx

Cablevision, BronxNet Strike Long-Awaited Deal

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Television giant Cablevision and local public access network BronxNet finally came to a contract agreement this week after months of negotiations, two years after a previous deal expired.Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.’s office sent out a press release on Monday announcing the agreement, which he helped broker and which will result in extra funding for BronxNet to update it’s technology (federal law require that cable companies provide support for local public channels).”This agreement gives BronxNet the tools to greatly expand their ability to serve our borough while also showcasing Cablevision’s commitment to serving the people of the Bronx as a good corporate citizen,” Diaz said in a statement “This new agreement is a victory for all involved.”BronxNet runs out of facilities on the Lehman College campus and broadcasts programs like “BronxTalk,” Gary Axelbank’s weekly talk show “BronxTalk,” and the local food-focused “Bronx Flavor,” among others. The station plans to make some technological upgrades, like moving to high-definition broadcasts, and, according to the Daily News, open a second production studio somewhere in the South Bronx or further east in the borough.”The Bronx deserves up to date studios with accessible community programming, and BronxNet will be able to continue to provide that,” BronxNet chairman Paul Gentile said. “This agreement with Cablevision is fair and will allow us to move forward.”

Bronx

Meeting to Discuss Bronx New School Relocation, Thursday, Aug. 18 at Bronx Science

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There will be a community meeting to discuss the closing of the Bronx New School building and the school’s relocation on Thursday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Bronx High School of Science auditorium, 75 W. 205th St., between Paul and Goulden avenues.High levels of trichloroethylene contamination was found in the Bedford Park elementary school earlier this year. The DOE only recently told parents about the contamination and relocation to an unknown destination in a letter last week. For more background, click here and here.

Bronx

Bronx Events: Flamenco, Pickles and More at the Botanical Garden

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Enjoy beautiful music in the tranquil surroundings of The New York Botanical Garden during the latest edition of the Waterlily Concert Series, tomorrow night at 7 p.m. (Before it starts, head over early to experience an extended viewing of the Garden’s popular exhibition, Spanish Paradise: Gardens of the Alhambra.)Tomorrow’s performance will feature a Flamenco Ensemble and the music will range from traditional flamenco to more contemporary jazz-infused compositions, combining old and new.

Bronx

Bronx News Roundup, Aug. 10

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Weather: A lovely one in the Bronx today, filled with sunshine and warm-but-not-stifling temperatures (low 80s). Enjoy. On to your Bronx News!A dramatic scene from Parkchester yesterday, as an irate man held a knife to his crying baby boy during a brief standoff with police in the pouring rain. Russel Rivera Jr., 30, was arrested and the boy was later returned, unharmed, to his mother.According to City Hall News, Bronx Sen. Gustavo Rivera is the first State legislator to join the social media site Foursquare-where users “check in” to locations to let followers know where they are and what they’re doing in real life. Rivera is using the site to promote community events, his spokeswoman said.Mott Haven pizzeria Yolanda’s celebrated its 50th anniversary this week.As Dominique Strauss-Kahn accuser Nafissatou Diallo takes her case to Bronx Civil Court, legal experts predict she’ll benefit from the so-called “Bronx effect,” the idea that jurors here tend to be more sympathetic and generous with plaintiffs.