Education, mail are focus points at town hall meeting

By Denae Brewer
Editor in Chief

On a damp dreary evening in May, Highbridge residents gathered to meet their neighbors and share concerns about their community.

In their first ever town hall meeting, Highbridgians tackled ongoing topics like affordable housing and youth services. "There are a ton of issues that need to be discussed," said long-time resident Thelma Jackson. "I'm just glad someone gave us the opportunity to do so."

Highbridge Community Life Center (HCLC) sponsored the meeting. Over the years, leaders at the community-based organization have worked alongside residents to help them take ownership of their neighborhood. The town hall meeting was designed to further that endeavor. "We wanted to get a clear assessment of community issues from community residents, said Marcus Walton, an organizer at HCLC. "We also wanted to offer a forum for elected officials to hear their constituents."

Assemblywoman Aurelia Greene and Councilwoman Helen Foster was there while Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion sent an aide. "Mr. Carrion feels that it is pivotal for him to be involved in community issues," said Queen Opoku, spokesperson for the borogh president. "Although not in attendance, he is concerned with the issues in all 61 neighborhoods of the Bronx."

In Highbridge, two topics riled the crowd, education and the often-unreliable postal service.

Speaking on behalf of education Frances Calderon, a concerned parent and a member of the United Parents of Highbridge - a parent-organizing group that is concerned with the state of District 9 schools - highlighted the need for more parental involvement. "We must unite and fight for our children's education. I may no longer have a child in a District 9 school, but I know the importance of a quality education."

City Councilmember Helen Foster agreed. Underlining the disparity in services in education she said, "They are spending more to incarcerate a child than to educate a one," Generating a stirring round of applause she went on to stress the importance of all community residents getting involved "Let's tell the mayor that we oppose the cuts in education. Let's stand up for our children and make sure they get new books, and supplies. Let's put money back instead of taking more away."

On the post front, representatives from Highbridge's postal committees put Inwood station manager John Vincenzi on the hot seat. Citing years of unsatisfactory service - misdelivered, late and often non-delivered mail - committee member Yvonne Simmons asked, "Why is our mail constantly put in the wrong boxes? How long must we put up with this bad service?"

Mr. Vincenzi countered with, "There's no excuse for bad service. The staff and myself are working hard to rectify the problems." However, he pointed out the necessity for the community's help. "Whenever you experience a problem you must call our office," supplying the number, 588-7654 he added, "that is the best way we can measure our mistakes."

The two-hour meeting took place in C.E.S. 73's auditorium. The large room, which seats over 400, was far from filled.

"I am disappointed by the turnout," said Highbridgian Liliana Rivera through a translator. "There are thousands in this community and only a handful took the time to come."

That sentiment was expressed throughout the meeting. With only 98 residents in attendance, many speculated the bad weather played a role. "Rain or shine they should have been here!" exclaimed Ms. Jackson. "This is their community too. Everybody wants to complain, but when it's time to do something they are always too busy."

Despite the turnout, the meeting pleased Mr. Walton, " In my opinion, the proportion of active residents in attendance determines the success of a meeting and a majority of the residents were involved."