As the district manager of Community Board 2 Rafael Salamanca was an energetic advocate for Hunts Point and Longwood. He was a visible presence at neighborhood meetings that addressed concerns about traffic on the area’s truck-burdened streets and issues of health and housing.
Joann Otero, who was chief of staff for Maria del Carmen Arroyo during Arroyo’s 10 years as city councilwoman, is hoping her decade of service will help carry her into office to replace her mentor in the Feb. 23 special election.
City Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo has announced that she will resign at the end of the year, after ten years representing Hunts Point and Mott Haven.
Environmental activists are trying to stop a Port Morris power plant from obtaining a renewal for its permit to operate, arguing that the company’s emissions violate state standards and contribute to the area’s famously poor air quality.
A form of synthetic marijuana known as K2 has made inroads in the Hub, worrying many that if it is not addressed quickly, the problem could spiral out of control.
A multi-year initiative calling for new green space in Mott Haven and Port Morris, is expected to include the creation of a park on the eastern edge of 132nd Street, and another a few blocks away.
FreshDirect and its government backers celebrated the start of construction in Port Morris, but protesters remain hopeful the city and the state will withhold financing for the project.
Irate residents and city officials leveled withering criticism at four representatives of medical waste treatment giant Stericycle in a public meeting on Oct. 7 at Hostos Community College, saying they would urge the state to shut down its Port Morris facility.
