Rafael Salamanca, Jr., a candidate for Bronx Borough President, joined Mona Davids of LittleAfrica News to discuss his vision for the future of New York City. In an exclusive interview, he outlined his plans for improving the Bronx, focusing on affordable housing, supporting small businesses, enhancing public safety, and addressing the needs of the borough’s youth.
Affordable Housing
Salamanca discussed the importance of creating housing that meets the needs of local communities. He pointed out that the current method of calculating affordable housing based on the city’s average median income (AMI) does not fully reflect the economic realities of Bronx residents. He proposed advocating for a more community-focused approach, suggesting using local median income as a more accurate measure for determining housing affordability. Salamanca believes housing should be built with the specific incomes of local communities in mind, ensuring that rents align with the financial realities of Bronx residents and making housing truly affordable.
Supporting Small Businesses
On small business support, Salamanca highlighted his efforts to visit various business improvement districts (BIDs) across the Bronx. He shared his experiences speaking with local business owners and hearing about their challenges. One common concern that emerged during his visits was the over-enforcement of regulations by city agencies such as the Department of Sanitation, Department of Health, and Consumer Affairs. Salamanca emphasized the need for an educational approach to regulatory compliance, where businesses are taught how to meet regulations rather than facing immediate fines or violations. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that companies know grant opportunities and available programs to support them.
Salamanca reiterated his commitment to helping small businesses by providing resources and support. He noted successful partnerships, including one with the Third Avenue BID and Acacia Network, focused on addressing the opioid crisis in the area. He mentioned that over $5 million has been allocated in the past eight years to help the community. Additionally, he discussed his office’s efforts to support harm-reduction initiatives, including needle pickup programs and outreach to individuals facing addiction challenges.
Public Safety
Public safety was another central topic of discussion. Salamanca advocated for greater cooperation between the borough president’s office and the NYPD to address crime in the Bronx. He proposed monthly meetings with the police commissioner to discuss ongoing concerns and additional funding to install surveillance cameras and implement gun buyback programs. He emphasized the need to remove firearms from the streets. Furthermore, he suggested creating more community centers in collaboration with the NYPD to provide safe spaces for youth and foster positive relationships between young people and law enforcement.
Youth Development
Salamanca discussed his vision for youth development, which he views as vital to the future of the Bronx. He proposed creating a Deputy Borough President position dedicated to youth development and education. He emphasized the importance of equipping young people in the borough with the resources they need to succeed and avoid involvement in criminal activities.
Conclusion
In his closing remarks, Salamanca highlighted the need for leadership that understands the diverse challenges of neighborhoods across the Bronx. He pledged to address the concerns of each community and ensure a dedicated team of deputy borough presidents focused on issues such as public safety, economic development, and senior services. He acknowledged the significant role of the African community in driving the Bronx’s economy, education, and culture, affirming his commitment to working closely with the community in Borough Hall. Salamanca’s vision for the Bronx revolves around improving residents’ quality of life through strategic investments and strong community partnerships. For more information, visit his website at salamanca4thebronx.com.
