The Manhattan Times

Community News

Northern Manhattan

Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez cuts the ribbon on new district office

A new doormat that reads “Welcome home” got plenty of use during the inauguration of newly elected District 10 Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez’ district office.

The Sun., Dec. 13 open house at 618 W. 177th St. and Wadsworth Avenue – the Council member’s freshly renovated former campaign headquarters – was packed with well wishers and community leaders. Forced inside by an all-day downpour, guests squeezed against the walls to clear the way for Rodriguez to cut the ribbon in the main reception area. He was joined by his girlfriend Christina Melendez, and their 3-year-old Yarisa Christina Rodriguez Melendez, as well as Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Assembly Member Herman “Denny” Farrell, and Comptroller-elect John Liu.

Before snipping the bright red ribbon, Rodriguez introduced his new five-member team:

Janice Minott, legislative and budget director; Megan Salloni, administrative assistant; Yokrina Duarte, community liaison; and Rita Vasilia Gomez and Leslie Almanzar,  constituent services.

Inwood

Gunman steals $1,300 from Dyckman Street Bank of America branch

Police are searching for a man who robbed the Bank of America branch on Dyckman Street and Broadway on Wed., Dec. 16.

At approximately 9:40 a.m. a black male in his 20s approached the teller window, slipped a note to an employee, took it back, and then displayed a firearm. The employee handed over the $1,300 in the drawer and the robber fled the bank.

A source close to the investigation said police have looked at the surveillance video of the McDonald’s restaurant next door. The robber apparently had a meal before sticking up the bank.

Dec. 20 winter festival planned

Building on the success of her Halloween parade, Inwood resident Alison Stamas and her Web site Manhattan Kids Guide, are hosting a Winter Festival on Dec. 20 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the YM&YWHA at 54 Nagle Ave.
The free, non-denominational event for families and the young at heart will include complimentary refreshments, a free raffle for family prizes and toys for the kids all donated by community businesses.

Families who wish to attend should call 212-252-3636 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Washington Heights

34th Police Precinct’s Tony Trinidad retires

After 20 years serving Northern Manhattan, Police Officer Tony Trinidad is hanging up his badge. Trinidad, one of the more recognizable faces in the 34th Police Precinct, is burning through a few weeks of vacation owed to him before his permanent vacation starts. His community affairs position passes to Police Officer Christian Perez, who has served in Northern Manhattan for 11 years. Trinidad, who lives in the Bronx, has no immediate plans for his retirement, but hinted at some plans for his apartment.

Washington Heights BID sets goals for Pride of the Heights 2010

The Washington Heights Business Improvement District hosted local business owners and community and government leaders at a Dec. 8 dinner to unveil its new Pride of the Heights initiatives.

“It’s our idea and gift to the Heights,” said BID Executive Director George Sanchez. The Web site is a resource for the neighborhood to publish information and news about the neighborhood, as well as to highlight businesses within the district.

“It allows our members who are property owners to give back,” Sanchez said. “[And] it allows us to celebrate the people in our community that make us proud.”

Programs on tap for 2010 in conjunction with the Web site include a business roundtable series, a series of street closures and events called “Sundays on St. Nick” that will replace the BID’s annual Children’s Heath Fair, and a new Pride of the Heights award dinner to recognize businesses and members of the community.

Other notable changes for 2010 include a Washington Heights light pole banner program and an English literacy program.