Free Wi-Fi in NYC Parks This Summer
Mayor Michael Bloomberg and AT&T Chairman Randall Stephenson announced Thursday that there will be five years of free Internet service in 26 locations of 20 parks throughout the five boroughs. As part of the city’s “Road Map for the Digital City” plan announced in May, the Wi-Fi will be available to park goers with no cost to taxpayers, courtesy of AT&T. Some locations have already gotten the Wi-Fi service, and others will get it throughout the summer.
Three Injured in Bronx Shootings
A shooting on Friday night on Grand Avenue resulted in two injuries. Five or six shots were fired, and a 5-year-old boy and a man in his 30s were shot in the leg. A woman was also grazed by a stray bullet, but the police said she did not need medical attention. According to NY1, the man and the boy were rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, which said the victims would be okay. On Saturday, only a few blocks away from Friday’s shooting, a 15-year-old girl was shot in the head. She was rushed to the hospital and is in critical condition. The police have not made any arrests, and the shooters’ identities are still under investigation.
Man Drowns While Saving Stepson
The body of Edwin Barahona washed ashore in Long Island Sound early Saturday. Barahona, his wife, and his 10-year-old stepson were on the shores of Wading River Friday night. According to NY Daily News, the boy had been playing close to shore in normally calm waters. Around 8 p.m., the mother saw that he was struggling and screamed for help. Barahona dove after him with an inflatable device, but only the boy returned. Jim LoScalzo and Bob Leech, residents of the beach community, used their canoe to rescue the boy, who was hanging on to the inflatable device. After half an hour of searching, they could not find Barahona.
Marshall Urges Groups to Apply for Green Grants
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall announced that there will be a workshop on June 22 at Borough Hall to help environmental groups apply for grants. The Environmental Justice Community Impact Grant ranges from $2,500 to $50,000; the deadline is Sept. 9. Eligible groups include organizations that increase public awareness of environmental contamination, green infrastructure abatement, and air and water quality monitoring. Having 501(c)(3) status is not required. “This workshop will provide valuable information about how applicants can win grants from the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation’s Office of Environmental Justice,” Marshall said.
