The councilwoman concluded her message saying, “I’m so incredibly thankful for my family’s loving support, for my team’s commitment to and love for our community – Sam, Kadeem, Sharon, Adrian, Shanell, Cerimar and María! You all rock. And for our doula @KaybeeVillage who helped us navigate a complex and hugely disempowering healthcare system. A system we are and will continue to fight to improve to be more respectful and empowering of women and birthing persons (more on this later). Speak soon!”

 

We understand the new arrival is the council member’s first baby. It has been a jam-packed first year in office for the rookie councilwoman and former White House staffer under President Barack Obama, and one of the many first-time female candidates who now make up the majority of the City Council. She started the year off dealing with the Omicron surge, and a number of fires in her district, among other tragedies, including the fatal shooting of 61-year-old female bystander.

 

She was also involved in the recovery efforts after the Twin Parks fire, though this fell into District 15, represented by Councilman Oswald Feliz, and later supported the Council’s May 19th vote on the first package of fire safety legislation to pass in response to the Jan. 9 fire tragedy. She later co-sponsored and introduced a further bill which aims to to expand the city’s Heat Sensor Program (HSP). The program identifies buildings with recurring heat violations for enhanced monitoring and enforcement.

 

She recently attended the groundbreaking of a new Starhill affordable housing complex located in the Morris Heights section of The Bronx, as reported, later postponing another event during which she was due to provide an update on the next steps on the long-awaited Kingsbridge Armory development, a topic which has been covered extensively by Norwood News over the years. This has now been postponed to September.

 

Sanchez has also been involved in discussions on the new billion dollar Fordham Landing development in University Heights, as reported. On July 30, she hosted a community block party on Morris Avenue, between 181st Street and Burnside Avenue, on the border of Fordham Heights and University Heights during which she announced a number of investments in the district.

 

Meanwhile, she recently spoke to graduates at the Bronx Community College commencement, her alma mater and where she chose to be inaugurated. A basketball tournament was held with anti-gun violence interrupters, Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (B.R.A.G.), a program of the Good Shepherd Services nonprofit  on Saturday, Aug 6 at P.S. 279, 2100 Walton Avenue, in Fordham Heights.

 

Our latest health check provides tips on breastfeeding as August celebrates National Breastfeeding Awareness month. You can check it out here.

 

Norwood News sends our best wishes and congratulations to Councilwoman Sanchez and her family!