Councilman Jimmy Vacca has secured funding for a new Northeast Bronx Senior Center van to transport members between home and the center.
A ribbon cutting to officially unveil the new van was held at the center on Wednesday, April 17.
The van financing came from a NYC Council member item within the city’s annual budget of local projects. In June 2006 the Department of Aging purchased the vehicle with a $50,000 allocation.
While the grant was significantly more money than was given to other local senior centers this year, the unique need for the particularly expensive van was the reason for the sizable funding.
Residents are thrilled. “It drives well,” says Evelyn Jabs of the sparkling new white van. “Its beautiful.”
Anita Solano, who lives at Quincy and Miles avenues, describes the backaches and shoulder aches she would experience after sitting through the bumpy ride of the old van. “It was bouncing, bouncing, throwing you around!” she described. “And God forbid the speed humps!”
“The other van was in the shop once a month; once, for a whole week!” said Silvia Ponce, the executive director of the center. “This is a breath of fresh air.”
Vacca, a longtime champion of senior centers and elder law issues, said “I know senior citizens have transportation concerns. I’m glad to have helped to secure this badly needed van.”
Citing the health benefits for seniors associated with companionship and social programming at organizations like St. Benedict’s, the councilman added that, “Senior citizens with physical impairments need to have access to senior center programs.”
“Because the residents come from different geographic areas, this bus is a god send,” Vacca continued.
Lucy Bonardo lives on Seminole Avenue near Pelham Parkway and can’t get to the center when the old van wasn’t drivable. “The van was in the garage a lot,” Bonardo said. “Sometimes we couldn’t come into the center.”
As residents met with the elected official to ogle the new wheels, Sollino walked up to the councilman and said, “You have no idea how happy I am.”
