Morningside Park (New York City) on September 16, 1776. Year later, during the War of 1812 three blockhouse fortifications were built on the land. The park was first proposed by the Central Park Commissioners in 1867, after Andrew Haswell Green, Commissioner and Comptroller of Central Park, proposed that a park be built in Morningside Heights to avoid the expense of expanding the Manhattan street grid across difficult terrain. In 1870, the City of New York obtained jurisdiction of the property. The original design for the park, submitted by Parks Engineer-in-Chief M.A. Kellogg in 1871, was rejected by the Board of Commissioners for Public Parks. In
2013 New York City Borough President elections 2013 New York City Borough President elections The 2013 elections for Borough Presidents were held on November 5, 2013 and coincided with elections for Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, and members of the New York City Council. Primary elections were held on September 10, 2013. Incumbent Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz, Jr. (D) is seeking reelection. Díaz was first elected Bronx Borough President in 2009. Besides the Democratic and Republican parties, the Conservative, Green, Independence and Working Families parties are qualified New York parties. These parties have automatic ballot access. Mark Escoffery-Bey Diaz won the election with 89.4% of the vote.