Citizens Plead for Action in District 8

New York City Councilmember Diana Ayala might not have to worry about the upcoming election since she is the only candidate on the ticket ballot. But, she does need to worry about the satisfaction of her constituents. In Longwood and Mott Haven neighborhoods in the Bronx, citizens plead for the call to action on issues they feel have been ignored. 

“I’m a single mother, and in the eyes of the government I can’t get assistance because I don’t make below the poverty line,” Nicole Fana said. The 30-year-old working mother, who lives in the neighborhood of Longwood, said mothers in her situation need more help. Fana juggles working with parenting her two children, eight-year-old Adrian and six-year-old Marianne. She would like to see more after-school programs. “There is already one in place, but the places are very limited and fill up too fast and since I work until 5 pm I’m never able to sign up on time,” she said. “So I always have to pay for my kids, and I need help. There should be help for everyone that needs it because we all need it.” 

In the same neighborhood, Michael Hernandez, 25, is upset about the roads. He wants his tax dollars to be used to fix the streets. He said, “There has been construction on the Bruckner for at least five years now. They are creating more traffic and just focusing on that road. They’re not looking at the individual streets. I’m constantly having to swerve my car to avoid the holes and broken streets. Everyone tries to avoid them and this causes accidents. I can even name a few streets. Hunts Point Avenue is full of potholes and broken streets. Beck Avenue towards Leggett has a massive hole. I need to see my money.” 

He is one of many who share this sentiment. In front of J&W Food Center, a group of older men sit and spend the afternoon together. Teodoro Rivas, 57, said, “I’ve had to change the mortiguadores [shock absorbers] in my car multiple times because of the holes in this neighborhood. There is not one street you drive in that is completely hole free.” He spoke for the other four gentlemen, who nodded as Rivas spoke. 

Nearby, Rafael Santana, 60, has lived in Mott Haven since he moved from Puerto Rico in his early 20s. He says the drug problem at 149th St and 3rd Avenue has been there for years and has not been dealt with. “The people who represent us are aware of this issue. These people live in the street, They do whatever they want. They get high in front of kids and stand upside down without ever falling because of how high they are. Our neighborhood is not safe, and everyone ignores the problem,” Hernandez said.  He is pleading with the council member and others to find places that help individuals rehabilitate themselves. 

Also in Mott Haven, Amir Jalloh, 23, worries about jobs. “I have three jobs in order to support myself. School was not completely covered in my financial aid, so I had to drop out of school. I live with three roommates because I can’t afford to live by myself. The pay that I get from my jobs cover the bills. I had to get another one to be able to buy the things I need and have some money to do activities,” he said.

Residents of District 8 hope that Councilmember Ayala is listening. Her staff didn’t return our email requests for comment.