BLUEPRINT FOR THE BRONX: Breaking Ground, Building Together!!

Bronx Residents Call the Community to Action to Demand a Voice in Responsible Development at the Kingsbridge Armory and Address Increasing Poverty, Overcrowded Schools, and Loss of Affordable Housing, Healthcare and Immigrant Rights

(Bronx, NY) –The Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC) will convene more than 1000 residents, from faith based congregations, community groups, schools, and tenant associations to address the challenge of creating living wage jobs, schools, affordable housing, and social policies that benefit working families. Bronx elected officials will hear the concerns and present their plans to the community. Bronx residents want to begin to layout a blueprint for building a Bronx that is a powerful, vibrant, diverse community where everyone has the opportunity to participate in decision making, contribute to building the future and benefit from the growth and development of this great borough. Some of our specific demands include a community benefits agreement and good living wage jobs at the Kingsbridge Armory, four small schools to be built on the North Side of the Armory and affordable health care for all.

What: Blueprint for the Bronx- Community Action to Win Change for the Northwest Bronx

When: Sunday Oct. 25, 2009- 3pm

Who: Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, Invited Elected Officials: Congressman Jose Serrano, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.; City Council Members G. Oliver Koppell, Joel Rivera, Maria Baez, Helen Diane Foster, and James Vacca; State Assembly Members Jose Rivera, Naomi Rivera, Nelson Castro, and Jeff Dinowitz; State Senators Pedro Espada and Jeff Klein. Additional elected officials and their staff representatives are expected to attend.

Where: St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church
2345 University Avenue at Fordham Road
Bronx, NY 10468 (entrance at Andrews Avenue)

Why: “To demand that the people have a say in community development, that a people’s blueprint for the Bronx is respected.” Ronn Jordan, Vice President, NWBCCC

Visuals: Hundreds of residents waving flags for the “Blueprint”, multimedia animated map of Bronx issues, Anti Bank band and Mary Mitchell African Dancers