Growing up in The Bronx, "Da Block" was the place to hang, chill, converse, gossip, witness an occasional brawl, and have a good time. This page is dedicated to areas of the Boogie Down that WE at TBIB have personally visited. Granted we can't visit every spot on "Da Block" so if you have a place to recommend or a new business to experience... Let us know!
Date: November 9, 2009
"Da Block": Yankee Stadium
Website: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com
TBIB Experience: The Bronx Bombers are the World Champs for the 27th Time!
Game Date: November 4, 2009
Score: 7-3 winning over the Philadelphia Phillies
I had an early call time for a shoot the following day, and was not able to join in on any festivities pre and post the Yankees winning the World Series. However, I felt like I had the best view from my couch!
The original Yankee Stadium aka “The House that Babe Ruth Built” is historically known for the first 26 championships. The new Yankee Stadium was blessed with its first World Series title (#27). What timing! It was a historical night for the team, and the fans. Hideki Matsui was the man in the spotlight, earning the MVP (Most Valuable Player) Award. Andy Pettitte gave the Phillies’ batters a run for their money, throwing 5 2/3 innings earning his 18th playoff wins, and Mariano Rivera got the last five outs.
Ticker Tape Parade:
Chris Dadap and friends went to document Friday’s (November 6th) ticker tape parade. Unfortunately, all they were able to really capture were a sea of heads, and a small glimpse of Matsui and the floats.
Before the new Yankee Stadium opened:
Below are some photos I took in 2008 during the construction of the new Yankee Stadium.
Date: September 14, 2009
"Da Block": Goulden, Reservoir and Sedgwick Aves.
Names: Jerome Park Reservoir and Harris Park
Website: (About Jerome Park and Jerome Park Reservoir) http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/historical_signs/hs_historical_sign.php?id=11042
TBIB Experience: I recently learned that this reservoir was once a racetrack. Opened on September 25, 1866, the former name was Jerome Park Racetrack. It held the inaugural Belmont Stakes, "one of the three major horse races that constitute the Triple Crown". In 1890, the racetrack was closed, condemned and bought by New York City to make this location into a reservoir.
Fast forward, construction workers are building a water treatment plant. This reservoir is no longer filled with water. Right now, it's an immense, empty space, with occasional puddles of rain that layer some of the foundation. Lehman College, Dewitt Clinton High School, and Bronx School of Science are located within the vicinity. Also, Harris Park is being completely renovated. Some of the coming attractions are a soccer/football field, two little league/softball fields, a playground, seating areas, a spray shower, and adult exercise equipment.
Date: September 7, 2009
"Da Block": East Kingsbridge Road and the Grand Concourse
Names: Poe Park Visitor Center and the Tree Museum at Poe Park
Websites: http://www.pieaia.org/pie/projects/113/ and http://www.treemuseum.org
TBIB Experience: Built in 1812, Edgar Allan Poe's Cottage was home to one of America's greatest writers, Edgar Allan Poe. The new Poe Park Visitor Center is scheduled to be finished on December, 2009. It will serve as an exhibition space, and information desk (directing visitors to the original Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, and public bathrooms.) Using inspiration from Poe's poem "The Raven", is symbolic and incorporates a bit of history into a new idea. Very refreshing!
You can read more information on architect Toshiko Mori at her official website: http://www.tmarch.com/
Exhibiting along the Grand Concourse (from June 21, 2009-October 12, 2009), is a project called the Tree Museum. Creator - Katie Holten, developed this project to memorialize the communities ecosystem, honor the centennial of the Grand Concourse, and most interestingly for the general public to listen to the "stories and sounds of 100 trees that give voice to 100 perspectives." Some of the guest speakers on the audio guide are: TATS CRU, Bernie Williams, Toshiko Mori, Cheryl Blaylock, Jessica Arcate, Jose Ortz, Klaus Lackner, and Clarisel Gonzalez.
Call 718-408-2501 for the audio guide. You can find a complete list of trees and guest speakers on the Tree Museum's official website listed above.
Date: September 5, 2009
"Da Block": Westchester Avenue
Subway Directions from Waterpod™ Project's website: Take the 6 train Uptown/The Bronx to Whitlock Avenue. Take a right on Westchester Avenue, walk over the overpass, take a right onto Edgewater Road and enter Concrete Plant Park, Bronx, NY.
Name: Waterpod™ Project is currently located at the Concrete Plant Park (until September 14, 2009)
Website: www.thewaterpod.org
TBIB Experience: I am thrilled about this initiative! Big thanks to Mr. Edwin Alexander, Science Teacher at CUNY Prep for inviting me yesterday! This is a very exciting not-for-profit project, that emphasizes the importance of the environment and art. It was my first visit to the Concrete Plant Park, and it couldn't be better timing. I had the opportunity to listen to Ian Daniel (curator, permaculturalist and filmmaker), and Mary Mattingly (photographer and sculptor) introduce themselves during a workshop/open discussion about experiments in sustainability, living conditions, and how to educate people in making a change.
There are four artists living on this beautiful barge (Ian and Mary being two of the four). Some of the resources available are, live chickens which produce about 4 eggs per day, a mobile garden, and water pipes. I was able to briefly introduce myself and TBIB to Ian and Mary. I spoke about the goals of this project and proposed some ideas . I don't want to give too much away just yet, but do expect more on the Waterpod™ from TBIB. Woo Hoo!
Also please visit the Waterpod™ before it leaves on September 14th, 2009. I found out yesterday that a tugboat relocates the barge to a different destination. Pretty cool! Next stop for this project is going to be in Queens. If you want to help support the Waterpod™, go to the official website listed above. Get involved!
Date: September 3, 2009
"Da Block": Tiffany Street and Viele Avenue
Name: Barretto Point Park
Website: www.nycgovparks.org/parks/barrettopointpark
TBIB Experience: Barretto Point Park is not the easiest to get to, but it's worth the trip. I took the #6 Train and got off at Hunts Point. There is a gas station near the train exit. On that side of the street is a bus stop that mentions "pool shuttle". This is the only shuttle bus (to my knowledge) that goes directly to Barretto Point Park. Avoid getting on the regular #6 bus, because it will not take you to your destination (the shuttle bus runs about every 30 minutes).
Enjoy it while you can! This park doesn't have a permanent pool, and it's uncertain how long the floating pool will be at this location. In 2007, the floating pool was located in Brooklyn, NY. There are other attractions at this park: a basketball court, a volleyball net, a playground, great picnicking spots, and a pier where fishers can go fishing.
If you look across the East River into Manhattan, you will see two small islands. They are the North and South Brother Islands. The North Brother Island is the closest to Barretto Point Park, and documents the historic and tragic maritime General Slocum disaster in 1904. According to the information sign: "On June 15, 1904, the General Slocum, a paddle boat excursion vessel, turned into a floating inferno. Most of the 1,358 passengers on the ship that day were women and children. The Captain was 68-year old William H. Van Schaick."
Note: The shuttle bus to Barretto Point Park is not free.
Date: September 2nd, 2009
"Da Block": West 249th Street and Independence Avenue (front gate), Bronx, NY 10471-2899
Name: Wave Hill
Website: www.wavehill.org (Admission varies)
TBIB Experience: Wave Hill is a magical environment. It's a place to escape New York City without traveling too far. This tranquil setting is perfect to relax, appreciate artwork, nature, and become inspired with life's smallest details and vibrant colors. Wave Hill has a cultural center, ongoing art/public exhibitions, a café (a bit pricey), events, and a spectacular 28-acre public garden.
Date: August 31, 2009
"Da Block": 216 West 238th Street, Bronx, NY 10463
Name: Bronx Alehouse
Website: www.bronxalehouse.com
TBIB Experience: This place is brand new to the neighborhood. There is an array of beer selections, including my personal favorite Belgium beer "Three Philosophers". For all of you sports lovers, you have eight flat screen televisions that cater to different games. The service is great, the staff is accommodating and at the same time they don't constantly ask if you want to order anything else....and we are not even getting paid to promote them! But seriously for all those new or old to The Bronx, stop by and check out Bronx Alehouse. Remember you must be 21 years of age or older. Drink responsibly!
