A citywide government program called Participatory Budgeting allows citizens to vote on how the local council member will spend part of his money – up to $1 million — in the district.

Reaction has been fierce in Mott Haven, where residents have said they will fight the city’s plan to build a jail on the site of an NYPD tow pound.

Borough president says new Bronx jail site must be decided locally In his State of the Borough address this afternoon, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. kept Mayor Bill de Blasio on notice that he will stand firm against the city’s plan to build a new jail in Mott Haven withoutRead More

City Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr. was named to chair the City Council’s influential Land Use Committee, where he will be responsible for working to shape zoning measures, development and affordable housing across the city.

Even though no Bronx Republican has won a seat on the New York City Council in two decades, the party’s candidates in the 8th and 17th Council districts are not giving up on tomorrow’s general election without a fight.

The Herald conducted an informal poll of Mott Haven residents who said they had no plans on voting in the 8th City Council District Democratic primary. Although the primary winner Diana Ayala won, dark horse candidate Tamika Mapp finished a close second, drawing interest for her proposal to raise the minimum wage to $20 per hour and to prioritize NYCHA repairs over subsidizing new construction.

Robert J. Rodriguez has conceded to Melissa Mark-Viverito staffer Diana Ayala, making her the Democrat who will run in the general election on Nov. 7. If she wins, as widely expected, Ayala will replace her term-limited boss as representative for the 8th City Council District.

Incumbent Rafael Salamanca Jr. cruised to victory in the Sept. 12 Democratic primary, defeating retired health care administrator Helen Hines, his only opponent, to continue representing Hunts Point, Longwood and Melrose in the 17th City Council District.