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ORWOODQ EWSQ FREE NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 Vol 30, No 14 • PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION •JULY 6-19, 2017 ORWOODQ EWSQ NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014

INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: SEE PHOTOS: STATE OF AMERICA | PG. 4 OPEN HOUSE AT FIVE-TWO | PG. 9 DOWNZONING FINDINGS REVEALED G&T Report Out | pg 2 Report fi nds Bedford Park and Kingsbridge Heights can be downzoned

Kingsbridge Step Gets $6M Fix pg 7

Police Up Patrols at St. James Park | pg 11 Photo by Adi Talwar JOHN REILLY AND his wife Lois Harr stand across the street from their private home at East 202nd Street in Bedford Park (left). The couple hopes a report supporting downzoning of the neighborhood can prevent construction of a much taller building two houses down (right).

By DAVID CRUZ be assessed before submitting clip in Bedford Park had espe- board convenes again. Even At its June 14 meeting, them to the city. cially prompted the study. then the city would have to Community Board 7’s Land For Lois Harr, a resident “Time is running out,” give final approval of any zon- Use/Zoning & Housing Com- in Bedford Park, the motion Jean Hill, committee chair, ing changes, which could take mittee approved the findings represented a victory in pre- said at the meeting. “So we months. This offers a window of an independent study that venting further construction need to jump on it.” for developers to continue its would limit height restric- of high-rise properties in Bed- But even as the commit- sweep of Bedford Park and tions on new buildings in two Park and Kingsbridge tee approved the results, it Kingsbridge Heights, neigh- Bronx neighborhoods, despite Heights, the two neighbor- still needs the full board’s borhoods where two-story the study’s author recom- hoods studied. Concerns of approval, which won’t hap- homes abound. pg 14 mending more neighborhoods overdevelopment at a rapid pen until September when the (continued on page 15) 2 •July 6-19, 2017 • Norwood News IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST Vol. 30, No. 14 Vol. 27, No. 10 NorwoodVol. 27,News 27, No. No.is 10published 10 bi-weekly on Thursdays by Bronx BP Releases Report on G&T Inequity Fix MosholuNorwoodNorwood Preservation NewsNews is Corporation ispublished published (MPC) Norwood3400 Reservoir News Ovalis published East bi-weeklybi-weekly on on Thursdays Thursdays by by bi-weeklyBronx, New on YorkThursdays 10467 by MosholuMosholuPhone: Preservation 718 324 Corporation 4998 Corporation Mosholu Preservation Corporation 34003400Fax: Reservoir 718 324 Oval Oval2917 East East E-mail: [email protected], Reservoir 10467Oval , New York 10467 Web.:Bronx, www.norwoodnews.org New York 10467 Phone: 718 324 4998 Fax: 718 324 2917 Publisher Phone: 718 324 4998 E-mail: [email protected]: 718 324 4998 Mosholu PreservationFax: 718 324 Corporation 2917 Web:Fax: www.norwoodnews.org 718 324 2917 ExecutiveE-mail: [email protected] Director of MPC E-mail:Web: [email protected] www.norwoodnews.org Melissa CebolleroWeb: www.norwoodnews.org Editor-in-Chief,Publisher NorwoodCEO, Mosholu News DavidMosholu Cruz, Preservation [email protected] 3UHVHUYDWLRQ Corporation Corporation PublisherAccounts Receivable CEO, Mosholu PublisherEditor-in-Chief RobertoCEO, S. Mosholu Garcia MosholuDawn McEvoy Preservation 3UHVHUYDWLRQ MosholuDavid Cruz Preservation Corporation Corporation3UHVHUYDWLRQ ProofreaderCorporation Corporation Editor-in-ChiefJudy&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ Noy Roberto S. Garcia Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia DavidRegularDawn Cruz McEvoy Contributors David Cruz David$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH Greene, Adi Talwar Dawn McEvoy &ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJContributors Proofreader DawnMiriam&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ McEvoy Quinones, Deborah Cruz, ReggieDawnJudy McEvoyNoy Francois, Devin Dae Tucker $FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH3URGXFWLRQ Dawn$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOHNeil McEvoydeMause Dawn McEvoy BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT RUBEN Diaz Jr. (at podium) standing alongside Borough President Eric Adams (l), Proofreader5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUVFor Display Advertising David Greene, Adi Talwar outlines recommendations to fi x the Gifted & Talented program within the public school system. JudyProofreader Noy JudyInterns NoyCall (718) 324-4998 3URGXFWLRQShayla Love, Paolo Mossetti, Justin McCallum, By DAVID CRUZ having fewer G&T programs in minority the mandate that gets all students tested Neil3URGXFWLRQand deMause Chelsea George SupportNeil deMause Your Roughly a week before the Albany neighborhoods when compared to afflu- by pre-kindergarten. “I think it’s an in- 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUVFor display advertising, call (718) 324-4998. Legislature would vote for mayoral ent, predominantly white, communities. justice that while the DOE has opened DavidCommunity5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV Greene, Adi Newspaper! Talwar control, Bronx Borough President Ru- G&T programs are often seen as a gate- more G&T programs in some districts, TheDavidSupport Norwood Greene, News Your Adi is aTalwar not-for-profi t publication Internsand relies upon the support of its advertisers ben Diaz Jr. and his Brooklyn counter- way toward specialized high schools, of- many students have to wait for a third ShaylaInternsCommunity Love, Paolo Newspaper! Mossetti, Justin McCallum, andShaylaThe readers Norwood Love, to PaoloNews produceLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE Mossetti, a quality Justin community -McCallum, part released a report outlining ways to fering even greater education and aca- grade seat,” she said. “This means stu- andnewspaper. Chelsea To George support your paper, become andlication Chelsea and relies George upon the support of its equalize the public school system’s gifted demic advancement to students. dents who would benefit from a G&T a memberadvertisers and and receivereaders to a produce subscription a quality for one and talented program (G&T), claiming it The de Blasio Administration has at- program starting in kindergarten will Foryear.community display advertising, newspaper. To call support (718) your 324-4998. paper, Forbecome display a member advertising, and receive call (718)a subscription 324-4998. grossly excludes minority students. tempted to give greater access to the G&T not be challenged or receive the rigor- Simply mail check or money order for $40 to: for one year. At a news conference alongside system, though the report called the re- ous and project-based academics they SupportNorwood News, Your 3400 Reservoir Oval East, Support Your Brooklyn Borough President Eric Ad- cent implementation “small steps.” should receive.” CommunityBronx,Simply NY mail 10467. check Newspaper! or money order for $40 Communityto: Norwood News, Newspaper! 3400 Reservoir Oval East, ams, Diaz urged the De- Nine recommendations were made Diaz had predicted the Albany Leg- TheNorwood Norwood News News is notLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE responsible for - TheBronx, Norwood NY 10467. News LVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE- partment of Education (DOE), which has to fix the inequity, which includes guar- islature would extend mayoral control licationtypographical and relies errors. upon Opinions the support expressed of its in lication and relies upon the support of its advertiserssignedNorwood letters News and and isreaders not bylined responsible to producecolumns for typo a represent- quality implemented the advanced academic anteeing a G&T spot to any qualifying of schools, a policy effected during the communitytheadvertisersgraphical sole opinion errors. newspaper.and readersOpinionsof the authorTo expressedto supportproduce and in your aresigned a quality not paper, program, to “fix the pipeline so we can student within their community, free Bloomberg Administration. The pol- necessarilycommunityletters and bylinednewspaper.those columnsof Mosholu To represent support Preservation the your sole paper, become a member and receive a subscription have more and more diversity.” test prep service expansion, and free icy shifted control away from borough Corporationbecomeopinion aof memberthe or author Montefi and arereceiveore not Medical necessarily a subscription Center. for thoseone year.of Mosholu Preservation Corporations The pair’s report lists ways to repair public transportation fare provided by presidents, charged with assigning two Editorialsfor one year. represent the views of the editor only.RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS The newspaper reserves the right- what has long been a nagging problem: the DOE. members to the defunct Board of Educa- Simplyto resentlimit mailor the refuse views check of advertising theor moneyeditor and/or orderit deems publisher for $40 G&T programs that keep black and His- Diaz and Adams collected the find- tion. Opponents of the Board of Educa- to:objectionable.Simply only.Norwood The mail newspaper checkNews, Advertisements or3400 reserves money Reservoir the order right appearing toforOval limit $40 East, or refuse advertising it deems objectionable. panic students out of them despite com- ings through their G&T Task Force they tion long argued the power shift towards Bronx,into: this Norwood paperNY 10467. News,cannot 3400 be used Reservoir without Oval East, theBronx,Advertisements written NY 10467.permission appearing of in the this Norwoodpaper cannot prising a combined 70 percent of the launched earlier in the year. The group, that body would create corruption and News.be used Letters without to the the written editor permission are subject of Nor -to Norwoodwood News. News Letters is not to theresponsible editor are subject for typo - public school system’s student body. made up of educators and parent advo- chaos within the public school system, condensationNorwood News and is notediting. responsible Writers forshould typo - graphicalincludeto condensation their errors. affi and liationOpinions editing. or Writersexpressedspecial should interest in signed if The disparity is prevalent in . cates, collected testimony from parents pointing to several such cases before its graphicalLQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ errors. Opinions expressed in signed lettersany. Anonymous and bylined letters columns are representnot published the sole Overall, there are only 10 District G&T that was later used to develop the recom- demise in 2002. butlettersAnonymous your and name bylined letters can are columnsbe not withheld published represent upon but your the sole opinionname canof the be withheldauthor andif requested. are not necessarily classes offered in the Bronx, compared mendations. A spokesman for the DOE had told request.opinion of the author and are not necessarily those of Mosholu Preservation Corporations to 16 in Manhattan, 27 in Brooklyn, 29 in Among those who testified was The- the Norwood News in an article covering RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHSthose of Mosholu Preservation Corporations- , and eight in . Stu- odore James, a Bronx parent, who said the March 20 hearing that it has made it resentRU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS the views of the editor and/or publisher- Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a dents from kindergarten through third at a March 20 hearing that taking his a point to send out mailers explaining only.resent The the newspaper views of the reserves editor and/or the right publisher to limit only.QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH The newspaper reserves the right to limit grade take the test in January and get daughter to a Manhattan G&T program the G&T program in multiple languages. or refuseMedical advertisingCenter. it deems objectionable. Advertisementsor refuse advertising appearing it deems in this objectionable. paper cannot their results in April. Should a student posed a logistical problem. “And we “[G]ifted and specialized programs are beMosholuAdvertisements used without Preservation theappearing written Corporation inpermission this paper is a of non-cannot Nor- score a 90 or above, they are eligible for a didn’t have the funds to pay for a private one option for students and their fami- profibe used t support without corporation the written permissionof Montefi oreof Nor- wood News. Letters to the editor are subject G&T class and must register by June to bus so we had to pass on that opportu- lies. There is much more work to do to Medicalwood News. Center. Letters to the editor are subject to condensation and editing. Writers should begin classes in September. nity,” James said. to condensation and editing. Writers should ensure equity and excellence at every LQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ G&T programs, offering more robust Norwood resident Yajaira public school in New York City,” the AnonymousLQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ letters are not published but your instruction to elementary and middle Adorno who also testified at the March spokesman said. nameAnonymous can be letters withheld are if not requested. published but your name can be withheld if requested. school students than regular academics, hearing, said the recommendations Editor’s Note: The report can be has been viewed as promoting a bias by were practical, pointing especially to found at http://on.nyc.gov/2sQkL84.

Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUHMosholu Preservation Corporation is a MedicalQRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH Center. Medical Center. July 6-19, 2017 • Norwood News • 3 Affordable Housing for Rent 2264 Morris 62 NEWLY CONSTRUCTED UNITS AT 2264 Morris Avenue Bronx, NY 10453 Fordham

Amenities: On-site resident superintendent, laundry facilities, energy efficient appliances, sleek modern kitchens and baths, hardwood floors and limited parking available (for additional monthly fees) Transit: Trains: B, D, 4; Buses: BX1, BX2, BX32 No application fee • No broker’s fee • Smoke-free building

This building is being constructed through the Extremely Low & Low-Income Affordability (ELLA) program of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

Who Should Individuals or households who meet the income  A percentage of units is set aside for applicants with Apply? and household size requirements listed in the disabilities: mobility (5%) and vision/hearing (2%). table below may apply. Qualified applicants will  Preference for a percentage of units goes to: be required to meet additional selection criteria.  Residents of Bronx Community Board 5 Applicants who live in New York City receive a (50%) general preference for apartments.  Municipal employees (5%) AVAILABLE UNITS AND INCOME REQUIREMENTS

Annual Household Annual Household Monthly Units House-hold 3 Monthly Units House-hold 3 Unit Size 1 2 Income 1 2 Income Rent Avail-able Size Rent Avail-able Size Minimum – Maximum4 Minimum – Maximum4

1 1 person $32,195 - $40,080 1 person $44,948 - $66,800 $882 19 → $1,254 4 → bedroom 2 people $32,195 - $45,840 2 people $44,948 - $76,400 2 people $38,503 - $45,840 2 people $53,795 - $76,400 2 $1,065 19 → 3 people $38,503 - $51,540 $1,511 6 → 3 people $53,795 - $85,900 bedroom 4 people $38,503 - $57,240 4 people $53,795 - $95,400 $44,538 – $51,540 $62,229 -$85,900 3 people 3 people

3 4 people $44,538 – $57,240 4 people $62,229 - $95,400 $1,224 10 → $1,740 4 → bedroom 5 people $44,538 - $61,860 5 people $62,229 - $103,100 0% AREA MEDIAN INCOME (AMI) UNITS (AMI) INCOME MEDIAN 0% AREA 0% AREA MEDIAN INCOME (AMI) UNITS (AMI) INCOME MEDIAN 0% AREA 6 6 people $44,538 - $66,420 10 6 people $62,229 - $110,700 1 Rent includes gas for cooking. 2 Household size includes everyone who will live with you, including parents and children. Subject to occupancy criteria. 3 Household earnings include salary, hourly wages, tips, Social Security, child support, and other income. Income guidelines subject to change. 4 Minimum income listed may not apply to applicants with Section 8 or other qualifying rental subsidies. Asset limits also apply. How Do You Apply? Apply online or through mail. To apply online, please go to nyc.gov/housingconnect. To request an application by mail, send a self- addressed envelope to: 2264 Morris Avenue: c/o Bronx Pro Group 1605 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Bronx, NY 10453. Only send one application per development. Do not submit duplicate applications. Do not apply online and also send in a paper application. Applicants who submit more than one application may be disqualified. When is the Deadline? Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than September 5, 2017. Late applications will not be considered. What Happens After You Submit an Application? After the deadline, applications are selected for review through a lottery process. If yours is selected and you appear to qualify, you will be invited to an interview to continue the process of determining your eligibility. Interviews are usually scheduled from 2 to 10 months after the application deadline. You will be asked to bring documents that verify your household size, identity of members of your household, and your household income.

Español Presente una solicitud en línea en nyc.gov/housingconnect. Para recibir una traducción de español de este anuncio y la solicitud impresa, envíe un sobre con la dirección a: 2264 Morris Avenue: c/o Bronx Pro Group 1605 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Bronx, NY 10453. En el reverso del sobre, escriba en inglés la palabra “SPANISH.” Las solicitudes se deben enviar en línea o con sello postal antes 5 de septiembre 2017. 简体中文 访问 nyc.gov/housingconnect 在线申请。如要获取本广告及书面申请表的简体中文版，请将您的回邮信封寄送至：2264 Morris Avenue: c/o Bronx Pro Group 1605 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Bronx, NY 10453. 信封背面请用英语注明 “CHINESE”。必须在以下日期之前在线提交申请或邮寄书面申请 2017 年 9 月 5 日.

Русский Чтобы подать заявление через интернет, зайдите на сайт: nyc.gov/housingconnect. Для получения данного объявления и заявления на русском языке отправьте конверт с обратным адресом по адресу 2264 Morris Avenue: c/o Bronx Pro Group 1605 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Bronx, NY 10453. На задней стороне конверта напишите слово “RUSSIAN” на английском языке. Заявки должны быть поданы онлайн или отправлены по почте (согласно дате на почтовом штемпеле) не позднее 5 сентябрь 2017. 한국어 nyc.gov/housingconnect 에서 온라인으로 신청하십시오. 이 광고문과 신청서에 대한 한국어 번역본을 받아보시려면 반송용 봉투를 2264 Morris Avenue: c/o Bronx Pro Group 1605 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Bronx, NY 10453 으로 보내주십시오. 봉투 뒷면에 “KOREAN” 이라고 영어로 적어주십시오. 2017 년 9 월 5 일까지 온라인 신청서를 제출하거나 소인이 찍힌 신청서를 보내야 합니다. Kreyòl Aplike sou entènèt sou sitwèb nyc.gov/housingconnect. Pou resevwa yon tradiksyon anons sa a nan lang Kreyòl Ayisyen ak aplikasyon an Ayisyien sou papye, voye anvlòp ki gen adrès pou retounen li nan: 2264 Morris Avenue: c/o Bronx Pro Group 1605 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Bronx, NY 10453. Nan dèyè anvlòp la, ekri mo “HATIAN CREOLE” an Anglè. Ou dwe remèt aplikasyon yo sou entènèt oswa ou dwe tenbre yo anvan dat septanm 5, 2017. ﺗﻘﺩﻡ ﺑﻁﻠﺏ ﻋﻥ ﻁﺭﻳﻕ ﺍﻹﻧﺗﺭﻧﺕ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻣﻭﻗﻊ ﺍﻹﻟﻛﺗﺭﻭﻧﻲ nyc.gov/housingconnect. ﻟﻠﺣﺻﻭﻝ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺗﺭﺟﻣﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻠﻐﺔ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻟﻬﺫﺍ ﺍﻹﻋﻼﻥ ﻭﻟﻧﻣﻭﺫﺝ ﺍﻟﻁﻠﺏ ﺍﻟﻭﺭﻗﻲ، ﺃﺭﺳﻝ ﻣﻅﺭﻭﻑ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻳﺣﻣﻝ ﺍﺳﻣﻙ ﻭﻋﻧﻭﺍﻧﻙ ﺇﻟﻰ: Morris Avenue: c/o Bronx Pro Group 1605 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Bronx, NY 10453 2264. ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺟﻬﺔ ﺍﻟﺧﻠﻔﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﻣﻅﺭﻭﻑ، ﺍﻛﺗﺏ ﺑﺎﻟﻠﻐﺔ ﺍﻹﻧﺟﻠﻳﺯﻳﺔ ﻛﻠﻣﺔ "ARABIC". ﻳﺟﺏ ﺇﺭﺳﺎﻝ ﻧﻣﺎﺫﺝ ﺍﻟﻁﻠﺑﺎﺕ ﻋﻥ ﻁﺭﻳﻕ ﺍﻹﻧﺗﺭﻧﺕ ﺃﻭ ﺧﺗﻣﻬﺎ ﺑﺧﺗﻡ ﺍﻟﺑﺭﻳﺩ ﻗﺑﻝ 5 ﺳﺑﺗﻣﺑﺭ، 2017.

Mayor Bill de Blasio • HPD Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer 4 •July 6-19, 2017 • Norwood News INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER By DAVID GREENE In celebration of Independence Day, this week we asked readers what they think is the current state of the country.

I hear health reform isn’t going well I think we’re doing pretty good After 241 years, I feel the state of At the present time America is We’ve made a lot of progress since and tens of thousands could die. except for the fact that we’ve got our nation is good, but with Donald doing better, but the president has we were fi rst founded, but that The fate of Planned Parenthood a president who doesn’t know Trump as president he has turned issues with politics. He makes false progress has been stalled for the remains uncertain. According to what he’s doing with the economy, the government inside out. So now accusations and they’re still unsure last few years. America needs to “Freakonomics,” abortions actually taking away Medicaid and Social there is no trust or stability as far what to do on healthcare. They start shaping up and fast because reduce the crime rate, which I believe Security and all the other stuff for as confi dence in our leaders or the want to take away Medicare from right now all we have to cling to is is true because a lot of candidates poor people. Everything he’s doing government. Right now the United the people who have no money, our freedom. I’m not sure what else for abortion are not fi t to be parents. is for the rich and the middle class, States has a lot of good programs like the poor. Everything else is we got. And that freedom is being The part that angers me the most that’s it. He’s not doing anything for for the youth. America is strong great right now. The president’s encroached upon. is the denial of climate change and the economy out here. All he cares and the ongoing war with ISIS Tweeting is unconstitutional. going against 99 percent of scientists. about is putting up his wall; that’s Jonathan Burgos-Santiago is going to go on for God knows Edwin Tosca There are already strange deaths and all he’s doing and it concerns me a how long. He’s not stable and Kingsbridge phenomena happening in the wildlife, lot. Sooner or later there’s going to the government is not stable. The Bedford Park weather and the environment. Denials be civil war. Democrats are trying to keep the like this are a slap in the face to Mother Hector Bruno balance of this whole situation. Nature and unwinding the progress the entire world has made, so the current Bedford Park Renaldo Shadow Rivera state of America is not great. Wakefi eld Victor Chu Long Island City, Queens July 6-19, 2017 • Norwood News • 5 CB7 Chair Wins Third Term By Narrow Margin By DEBORAH CRUZ cratic County Committee. “I am happy Newly re-elected Community that I was elected to serve as treasurer Board 7 Chair, Adaline Walker-San- of Community Board 7,” Perez said tiago, cheered herself as she heard in response to his victory. “I’m look- the election results in the race for the ing forward to working alongside our post, narrowly keeping her position at executive board and fellow CB7 mem- the June 20 CB7 general board meet- bers to move our board forward and ing. The news came as the board an- continue to find better and more effec- nounced its district manager is slated tive ways to serve our community.” to return. The news came as the board an- In their last meeting before the nounced Andrew Sandler’s return as elections, the buoyant Walker-San- the district manager for CB7, which tiago won the race by a slim margin covers Norwood, Bedford Park, of 13 votes to opponent Jean Hill’s 12. Kingsbridge Heights, Fordham, and Gloria Bent, another board member University Heights. His return is on on the ballot, threw a wrench into the a part-time basis, working solely be- race when she withdrew her bid for tween the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. chair at the last minute. Sandler had been on medical leave “I am so happy I’m re-elected; we since late January. He had applied for got a lot done in the past two years. We a reasonable accommodation request have a very progressive agenda and as part of his return to work. It’s ac- after the election we went right back tive from September until June, to work,” Walker-Santiago said. when all the boards go on a summer This is the second time Walker- Photo by Deborah Cruz hiatus. Santiago has been re-elected, having 52ND PRECINCT COMMUNITY AFFAIRS Detective June Cortez (r) addresses Com- Barbara Stronczer, Robyn Saun- munity Board 7’s executive committee. won her first re-election in 2015. Like ders, Andrew Laioisa, and Nora Feury the current race, the board was virtu- kept their positions as vice chair, sec- ally split over Walker-Santiago’s vic- Some events she’s helped organize in- surer to run for chair, the treasurer ond vice chair, third vice chair and tory. Since her win in 2015, Walker- clude a Veterans Day breakfast and a post went to Anthony Perez, a board secretary, respectively. The current Santiago has kept busy, attempting Women’s Empowerment event. member whose professional job is ex- executive board members will remain to offer more exposure to the board. With Hill having opted out as trea- ecutive director of the Bronx Demo- in their positions until September Hate Has No Business Here

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Photos courtesy Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District EXPECT TO SEE more signs like this one (inset) located at Anthony’s Famous Deli, 169 E. Gun Hill Rd., hung at stores around the Jerome-Gun Hill Business Grand Concourse Branch Improvement District. The Norwood business strip, running along Jerome Av- 2460 Grand Concourse enue between Mosholu and East Gun Hill , and along East Gun Bronx, NY 10458 Hill Road between Jerome and Webster avenues, joined a campaign dubbed “Hate Has No Business Here” to spread a message of tolerance across Bronx commercial corridors. Equal Housing Lender. ©2017 M&T Bank. Member FDIC. mtb.com 6 •July 6-19, 2017 • Norwood News Rampage at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital

By DAVID CRUZ Bronx-Lebanon Hospital is slowly get- ting back to normal a week after a former employee went on a shooting rampage, kill- ing one doctor and wounding six others be- fore turning the gun on himself, police said. The Friday before the Fourth of July weekend went “from a normal to a horrify- ing day” inside the hospital, said Mayor Bill de Blasio at a press conference two hours af- ter the shooting rampage. De Blasio quickly ruled out terrorism, adding it was an act of workplace violence. “This was a horrific situation unfolding in the middle of a place that people associ- ate with care and comfort – a situation that came out of nowhere,” de Blasio, flanked by NYPD and government officials at a news conference outside the medical center, said. Shooting Police identified the gunman as Dr. Henry Bello, 45, who had worked at the Clare- mont hospital until 2015 when he was forced to quit amid sexual assault claims. Bello had Photo by David Cruz already been in trouble with police in 2004 NYPD COMMISSIONER JAMES O’NEILL (at podium) briefs reporters on the shooting that killed two and injured six. when he was charged with sexual harass- ment and unlawful imprisonment of a 23- year-old woman. A report by The New York Times said Bello had a history of financial troubles, addiction, and had currently been staying at a homeless shelter in Manhat- tan. He was last employed at the city’s Hu- man Resources Administration. Despite his checkered past, Bello’s background checks at Bronx-Lebanon and HRA were cleared since he pled to lower level infractions. On June 30 just before 3 p.m., Bello re- turned to the Bronx hospital, sneaking in an AM-15 rifle under a white lab coat he was wearing, according to NYPD Com- missioner James O’Neill. He then went up

to the 16th floor and opened fire, killing a Photo by David Cruz female doctor identified as Dr. Tracy Tam, EMERGENCY SERVICES UNIT officers stand outside Bronx-Lebanon Hospital hours 32, an attending physician who was cover- Image from Facebook after a shooting rampage inside the medical center. ing for a colleague that day. He shot six oth- DR. HENRY BELLO ers, seriously wounding five, while shoot- gunshots. She was missing her left shoe by tal, said he heard the shots and saw blood on ing the sixth victim in the leg. The five the time she evacuated the hospital. the staircase of the hospital’s top floor. seriously wounded were fighting for their Technician Janet Jones was on the 15th Meantime, Dr. David Wong, an ortho- lives as of press time. Bello made his way floor when another employee alerted her pedist at the hospital, said the hospital had to the 17th floor, setting himself on fire, about the shooter. never seen an incident like that before. and triggering the fire alarm system. He “At the same time there was an announced It’s unclear what type of security stan- then committed suicide by shooting him- ‘Code Red: Fire,’” Jones said. “But the one dards are set at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital,

self. Bello purchased the firearm at Up- Photo courtesy NYPD who came down said, ‘No! Gunshot!’ And said a nonprofit hospital that sees 1.1 million state Guns and Ammo, a weapons store in AM-15 RIFLE used by Dr. Henry Bello. she literally heard the gunshot, and when she and 140,000 emergency room patients walk Schenectady, New York 10 days before the heard it she came to our unit. That’s how we through those doors yearly. shooting. Grand Concourse between 172nd and 172rd were aware of what was going on.” “After the investigation, we need to see It’s unclear whether the victims were . Officers from various precincts A physical therapist, who declined to give how this can be prevented in the future,” the intended targets. were called in to assist, along with the her name, said she heard loud shots on her Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who stood Employees Take Cover Norwood’s 52nd Precinct cordoning off floor as she prepared notes. “We didn’t know next to de Blasio at the news conference, A massive police response got under the scene, which happened within the 44th what happened,” she said, visibly shaken. said. He described the shooting as something way moments after the shooting, with Precinct. “The police came, and yelled ‘police,’ and es- “straight out of a movie.” staffers and patients rushed out of the 17- Patient care technician Nana Cisee corted us outside.” Additional reporting by Reggie Francois story hospital that rests along the busy was on her lunch break when she heard the Lewis Jefferson, an employee at the hospi- and Devin Dae Tucker. July 6-19, 2017 • Norwood News • 7 Reconstruction to Begin on Step Street in Kingsbridge By DEVIN DAE TUCKER Among those complaining was As- A step street in Kingsbridge is set semblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who to undergo a $6.6 million reconstruc- represents Kingsbridge. “I first tion following years of complaints. brought these particular step streets The multi-agency operation among to DOT’s attention because I was so the New York City Department of De- appalled at their terrible condition. sign and Construction (DDC), the New I believe that this newly rebuilt step York City Department of Transporta- street will demonstrate how much tion (DOT), and local officials, united communities can benefit from well to “make the necessary upgrades that maintained, well-lit pedestrian will allow this step street to flourish, routes,” Dinowitz said. and create a safer, more efficient pas- The project is expected to wrap up sageway for the community,” accord- in late 2018. ing to DOT’s Bronx Borough Commis- This is one of two step streets sioner Nivardo Lopez. on Heath Avenue. Residents have The 230-foot long step street, com- also utilized the aging step street at prised of 10 flights of steps, Summit Place by Heath and Bailey connects Heath Avenue and Kings- avenues, which has little adequate Terrace. It will be given a com- lighting and loose steps. Trash is rou- plete facelift that will include new tinely thrown there, making for an granite steps, lighting, trees, drain- unpleasant walk up or down, accord- age and benches. The restoration will ing to J. Nicolas Reyero, who runs the also include granite inclines flanked Facebook group, Friends of Summit by the step street to allow cyclists to Place. carry their bikes up and down the “The problem on Summit Place stairs easily. between Heath and Bailey Avenues is To ensure public access and safety, far worse than the [West 229th Street] the will be widened at Heath step street,” Reyero said. Avenue and Kingsbridge Terrace and temporary wooden steps will be put in place for pedestrians throughout the construction period. Step streets are common in the northwest Bronx, thanks to its geo- graphically hilly layout. Kingsbridge, known for its peaks and valleys, has four step streets within its neighbor- hood borders. A RENDERING OF how the step street The project came after several will look following the reconstruction. years of complaints by residents who saw the step street slowly crumbling.

Photo by Devin Dae Tucker (L-R) COMMUNITY BOARD 8 chair Dan Padernacht, Bronx DOT Commissioner Nivardo Lopez, New York City Department of Design & Construction Action Com- missioner Ana Barrio, and Councilman Fernando Cabrera hold a ceremonial ground- breaking that will revitalize the step street (background) in Kingsbridge. 8 •July 6-19, 2017 • Norwood News Agencies Dole Out Fines; Fordham Stores Learn to Avoid Them By REGGIE FRANCOIS don’t want to get any tickets,” Department of Consumer Af- Levy said, adding that he and the fairs (DCA) Commissioner Lore- other employees usually follow lei Salas headed to East Fordham the workplace laws Road the morning of June 23. Al- During the Bloomberg Ad- though anytime is a good time to ministration, small businesses shop in the Bronx’s largest shop- in the outer boroughs were hit ping district, she was there to ed- without warning with more fines ucate. and increased inspections than Salas was joined by Council- businesses in Manhattan. As the man Ritchie Torres and officials public advocate then, Mayor Bill from the city Department of Small de Blasio released a report in Business Services (SBS), Depart- 2013 that revealed how the city ment of Sanitation and the Ford- generated revenue from these in- ham Road Business Improvement creased small business inspec- District (BID) for a door-to-door tions and fines. trek for Business Education Day Torres said the 40 percent de- along the Bronx’ crease of small business fines is a

BID. Photo by Reggie Francois result of reforms under de Blasio Salas said that DCA’s goal was AN OFFICIAL FROM the Department of Sanitation speaks with Sammy Levy (cen- and a corrective approach to small to reach at least 80 businesses ter), a supervisor at Pretty Girl, on Business Education Day. businesses. “We see it as proac- along the East Fordham Road tive outreach to small businesses. strip to keep owners updated on comply with.” just want them to comply with all Supporting small businesses has the city’s rules when it comes to Wilma Alonso of the Ford- the rules, so they can avoid tick- been a priority for both the mayor cleanliness, safety and business ham Road BID said the nonprofit ets.” and the City Council,” Torres practices. “Small business own- group strives to provide logistical The agencies handed out infor- said,“and the collaboration be- ers often don’t have time to come support for DCA on Business Edu- mational packets to business em- tween those two branches of gov- out and visit our agency where cation Day. “We alert the business ployees that included a violation ernment has had a real impact in we’re located,” she said, “so we’re that this will be just a visit, that checklist to avoid fines. Common driving down fines against small bringing information to them on it will not create any summons policies that general retail stores business.” all of the regulations they need to or inspections,” Alonso said. “We violate include failure to keep an Shop Fordham Road “THE OUTDOOR MALL EXPERIENCE”

Photo by Reggie Francois THE DEPARTMENT OF Consumer Ser- vices gave business employees infor- mational packets (pictured) to help them improve their business practices for Busi- ness Education Day. OVER 300 SPECIALTY SHOPS updated and clearly visible re- fund policy and to give a complete AND CHAINS receipt. Receipts must have the name and address of the business, Furniture • Home Improvement cost of each item purchased, the Clothing • Jewelery • Shoes transaction date, a separate line Electronics • Discount Outlets for tax, and a section that shows Cell Phones • Games, whether the business is a licensee of the DCA. F Accessories • Offi ce Supplies Sammy Levy, a supervisor FORDHAM ROAD And Many Fast Food Restaurants at Pretty Girl located at 203 E. BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT Fordham Rd. has been working For more information contact (718) 562-2104 Acccessible By All there for 15 years. He was aware Photo by Reggie Francois NYC Mass Transportation DCA COMMISSIONER Lorelei Salas Parking Facilities Available of Business Education Day. “We July 6-19, 2017 • Norwood News • 9

52nd Precinct Open House Photos by Devin Dae Tucker THE 52ND PRECINCT held the third annual Open House, an outreach celebration that brought kids and residents of Bed- ford Park and Norwood to the stationhouse for an afternoon of music, food, and raffl es.

THESE YOUNGSTERS are attracted to this DREAMS OF BEING a cop one day or just admiring the wheels? Either way, docile police horse at the open house. this young boy gets to mount a police motorcycle.

(L-R) THE FIVE-TWO’S Crime Prevention Offi cer Frank Pacella, coordinator of the NYPD Explorers program Jerry Landon, (L-R) 52ND PRECINCT Community Council President Brenda Caldwell and and 52nd Precinct Community Council council members Sallie Caldwell, Patricia L. Newland, Barbara Stronczer, President Brenda Caldwell are among those Grace Seimer, and Mary Vallati share a moment at the raffl e table. helping at the open house.

KIDS LIVEN UP the dance area grooving to the sounds of pop songs playing at the open house. THIS GIRL SITS for a set of butterfl ies at the face painting station. 10 •July 6-19, 2017 • Norwood News The Push to Get Citi Bike to the Bronx The Bronx Celebrates America By DEVIN DAE TUCKER nizer Erwin Figueroa. “You also have Bring Citi Bike to the Bronx! to look at the health aspect, too, and That’s the call from supporters and getting people active.” The Bronx has organizers who’ve proposed a $12 mil- been ranked the unhealthiest county lion expansion plan to include bringing seven years in a row. the rental bikes to the Bronx and other The groups have also called for ex- low-income neighborhoods in New York panding the service to Staten Island. City. The proposed plan would expand the The price tag accounts for .01 percent program from 6,000 bikes and 332 sta- of the city’s 2018-19 Fiscal Year budget tions to 12,000 bikes and 700 stations. and could mean transportation avail- Currently, more than 65,000 Citi Bike ability for more than six million New daily trips during peak season have Yorkers, according to organizers. The been recorded. There are more than daily rental price is $12 while a three- 126,000 annual Citi Bike members. day pass runs $24. Statistics show that Citi Bike pro- The prospect of the bikes coming to vides more daily transportation than the Bronx sparked logistical questions the green-colored taxicabs. from Norwood resident Edward Aucay, “We believe everyone’s ability in who suspected that “lack of space that access for all New Yorkers to a con- might be required to have Citi Bike servancy of open spaces, especially in transportation to even be available” in low-income neighborhoods and hav- Norwood could hamper any of the blue- ing an infrastructure in place,” said colored bikes to come to the neighbor- Deborah Martin, executive director hood. of the New York Restoration Project George Laing, a Norwood resident (NYRP), a non-profit organization who routinely exercises at Williams- providing and preserving open com- Photo by Miriam Quinones bridge Oval Park, said the bikes could munity spaces. It serves as the city’s INDEPENDENCE DAY CAME five days early in the Bronx as fireworks light inspire Bronx residents to “exercise only citywide conservancy. up the night sky on June 29 at the holiday celebration held at Orchard Beach. more and give them that other option.” Safety issues now become para- Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted the yearly gathering, which Meantime, Byron Young, who works mount, as the influx of a larger bike- attracted hundreds of spectators. Food vendors were on hand, and the an- in the neighborhood, thinks it’s unfair sharing program would call for more nual Bronx Empanada Eating Contest did not disappoint. the bikes were not here to begin with. “I bike . On June 12, Dan Hanegby hope they bring it to everyone and hope- of Brooklyn was fatally hit by a bus fully they give discounted rates to peo- while using a Citi Bike. His death ple in under-resourced communities,” was the first in the history of the Young said. bike share program since it began in Transportation Alternatives, a 2013. group of activists committed to improv- But Laing remains confident. Beautifying Mosholu Parkway ing New York City’s public transporta- With the city having already carved tion infrastructure, says the expansion out 170 miles of bike lanes, green- would bring 2,000 cycles to the Bronx, ways, and paths across the Bronx, he mostly in the , Highbridge, thinks the new bikes won’t “cause too Mott Haven and along the Grand Con- much traffic.” course. A citywide petition started by “Look at public transportation. Transportation Alternatives urging The buses are slow and subways are Citi Bike expansion has collected infrequent. This is good, given the more than 5,500 signatures and will need for transportation,” said Trans- be delivered to Mayor Bill de Blasio portation Alternatives Bronx orga- when it reaches its goal of 10,000.

Photo by Miriam Quinones THESE VOLUNTEERS FROM the Bedford Mosholu Community Association, Friends of Williamsbridge Oval and employees from the New York City De- partment of Parks spent a few hours cleaning up debris at Mosholu Parkway Photo courtesy Flickr while planting some perennials near the Webster Avenue entrances to the THE CITI BIKE PROGRAM was first introduced in New York City in 2012. The bikes leafy parkland. are predominantly seen in Manhattan. Bronx DA to Investigate NYPD Shooting Death of Unarmed Senior July 6-19, 2017 • Norwood News • 11 Celebrating Centenarians at St. Patrick’s Home

By DEVIN DAE TUCKER rick’s Home and I’ve been doing it St. Patrick’s Home for the Aged since year one,” Kibassa said. “It’s and Infirm held its annual Centen- a pleasure to have them with us and nial Celebration for their residents it’s always a blessing to have them who have reached the milestone of and that’s the best part of this cel- 100 years of age. ebration, to see our centenarians all The senior residence honored five dressed up, looking very nice and centenarians: Julia Bizzarri, 104, having fun.” Annina Walsh, 102, Antoinette Cor- Mayor Bill de Blasio and First tina, 102, Sr. Benigna Consolata, O. Lady Chirlane McCray offered their Carm., 101, and Mary Palermo, who is greetings to the centenarians, con- 99 years old and hitting the century gratulating honorees “on the won- mark in November. Honorees Irene derful occasion of your birthday,” in Kuchma, 100, and Mary Cordillo, 99, a statement sent to the home. “May also received recognition but were this be a joyous time as your loved not present. ones gather to celebrate this exciting “This is indeed a wonderful cel- Photo by Devin Dae Tucker milestone!” de Blasio added. ebration for all of us who have the (L-R) CORPORATE COMPLIANCE OFFICER Sr. Shawn Flynn, volunteer Donna Ber- Fifteen minutes into the gather- na, pastoral cars assistant Maria Ordonez, Director of Pastoral Care Kathy Mayer, rec- privilege of knowing or being related ing, Sr. Kevin Patricia took to the reation leader Kathy Dawkins, administrator Sr. Kevin Patricia, Director or Recreation to these wonderful women,” said St. podium, and quoted from author Bo Janet Kibassa, recreation leaders Janet Olivieri and Natasha Williams, and demen- Patrick’s Home Administrator Sr. tia leader Noeline Harrington, pose with centenarians (l-r) Sr. Benigna Consolata, O. Bennett to encapsulate the honorees’ Kevin Patricia. “The women who we Carm.; Mary Palermo; Julia Bizzarri; Antoinette Cortina; and Annina Walsh. moment. are pausing to recognize this day “Those who improve with age em- have lived full lives that provided a brace the power of personal growth purpose in their lives by giving lov- swing music, catered food, a cake began this annual celebration more and personal achievement and begin ing care to those with whom they made in honor of the centenarians, than a decade ago and understands to replace youth with wisdom, inno- shared their lives, their energies, and a liturgical dance performed by the impact it has on residents, their cence with understanding, and lack their strengths and their love.” Janet Kibassa, the home’s director of families and staff. of purpose with self-actualization,” The event featured dancing, live recreation and other staffers. Kibassa “This is my 14th year at St. Pat- Sr. Kevin read.

52nd Precinct Increases Patrols at St. James Park

By REGGIE FRANCOIS Twenty-five reported incidents The 52nd Precinct is upping pa- surrounding St. James Park between trols in and around St. James Park in June and August of 2016 included Fordham after noticing a rise in gang- felony assaults, grand larceny, rob- related disputes over the last month. beries and burglaries, according “St. James Park is going to be a big to the New York City Digital Crime concern for us,” said Deputy Inspector Map. The last murder in the area Peter Fiorillo in a 52nd Precinct Com- was in 2015. The victim was identi- munity Council meeting. “I’m already fied as 21-year-old Henry Leal. starting to see problems in there.” Fordham Heights resident The precinct has identified four Sammy Torres, 23, does not think in- gangs that have been involved with the creased police presence will be effec- activity: Bloods, Crips, Black Kings tive. “That’s creating an unsettling and Trinitarios. Over the past month, environment for everyone,” he said. Fiorillo cited two shootings with no “Having police in the parks, around injuries and four stabbings. He said Photo by Reggie Francois everywhere, kind of makes it feel the goal is to make the park, and sur- ST. JAMES PARK (pictured) has seen an uptick in crime over the last month, police like we’re animals being watched by rounding area, as safe as possible by say. The 52nd Precinct is now looking to increase patrols. trainers.” having a couple of police officers pa- “For the most part, I have to say trol the area all day, every day. that the park has quieted down since Residents have a range of feelings ing the day. “I won’t come out here at Gabe Lorenzo of Kingsbridge does the mid-‘90s,” said Sweeney. “Be- about St. James Park and more police night, though, because at night you not usually hang out at St. James Park, cause when I used to come through, officers patrolling the area. Bronx na- tend to get these fights that go on,” but he believes 24-hour cop supervi- in the evening, like seven, eight tive Dawn Sweeney, 48, works near said Sweeney. “And you get your drug sion would benefit the park. “If you o’clock at night, a lot of people used St. James Park at an animal clinic. deals that come through because, look now, there’s people here all the to be here, very rowdy. But now She usually comes to the park to walk when you walk, you can see the little time,” said Lorenzo, adding the night they’re barbecuing with their kids her dog and enjoys coming there dur- baggies.” usually invites criminal activity. [and] playing basketball.” 12 •July 6-19, 2017 • Norwood News Classifi eds Professional Directory

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NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES

Free Summer Meals 20 from 10 a.m. until 3 Sen. Bailey Office be New York State resi- guides provided by the Free summer meals p.m. Admissions recruit- Hrs. at MMCC dents, plan to attend a New York City Audubon for children age 19 and ers from public and pri- Constituent service SUNY or CUNY two- or Society and Van Cort- under is available until vate colleges and univer- hours by the office of four-year college, take 30 landt Park Conservancy, Sept. 1 at public schools, sities will be available state Sen. Jamaal T. Bai- credits per year (includ- are scheduled for every community pool centers, to share information. ley are now available ing summers and winter Saturday through July New York City Housing Workshops on prepar- at Mosholu Montefiore session), among some of 29 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Authority complexes, li- ing college applications, Community Center the requirements. The the Van Cortlandt Park braries and other loca- essays and financial aid (MMCC), 3450 DeKalb deadline is July 21. To Conservancy. Meet at the tions around the city. No forms will be available. Ave., every first and learn more, and to apply, VC Nature Center. For registration, documen- For more information, third Wednesday of ev- go to hesc.ny.gov. more information, con- tation, or ID is required call (718) 579-4230. ery month from 10 a.m. tact Joseph McManus at to receive breakfast or to 1 p.m., and every sec- Preserving NCBH [email protected]. lunch. Nearest school Senior Health Fair ond and fourth Wednes- Volunteers are location is PS 8, 3010 A senior health fair day from 1 to 5 p.m. For needed to join the Bronx Housing Assistance Briggs Ave. Breakfast is takes place on July 21 more information, call Healthcare Coalition, Free housing assis- 8 to 9:15 a.m. and lunch from 1 to 3 p.m., in Mon- (718) 547-8854. which seeks to ensure tance on topics relating from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. roe College’s Mintz Au- North Central Bronx to tenant harassment, de- For additional locations ditorium, 2501 Jerome Excelsior Scholarship Hospital remains a pub- nial of repairs/services, and times, go to http:// Ave. On-site health Applications for the lic hospital. For more evictions, overchargers, bit.ly/UuevOA. services, music, and state Excelsior Scholar- information and to and more are available lunch will be avail- ship, offering tuition-free join, email Bxhealth- at the office of Assem- College & able to seniors. RSVP scholarships for SUNY [email protected]. blyman Victor Pichardo Resource Fair is required to receive a and CUNY students, are every Thursday from 11 The Bronx Library lunch ticket. To RSVP, available to those whose Bird Walks a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2175 Je- Center, 310 E. Kings- call (718) 933-2034 or families make up to Free bird walk tours, rome Ave., Suite C. For bridge R., hosts a College email rsvpsenatorri- $100,000 annually. To be sponsored by Council- more information, call & Resource Fair on July [email protected]. eligible, students must man Andrew Cohen with (718) 933-6909.

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Call: 718-960-8512; visit: www.lehman.cuny.edu/ce; email: [email protected] "''03%"#-&56*5*0/t)"-'%":'6--%":015*0/4t#&"65*'6-$".164 0-:.1*$4*;&48*..*/(100-t"7"3*&5:0'"$5*7*5*&40/"$3&$".164 14 •July 6-19, 2017 • Norwood News

Compiled by JUDY NOY EDITOR’S PICK Summer Activities at VC Park Van Cortlandt Park, West 242nd Street and Broadway, offers a variety of summer activities including: Rowboating on VC Lake: Fridays through Sept. 1 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., free. Enter the park at VC Park South and Bailey Avenue. Meet near the lake. Barefoot Dancing: Thursdays through Aug. 3, on the VC House Museum lawn (details under “Events”). Horseback Riding Instruction: Daily lessons by the Riverdale Stables. For more Photo courtesy Malcolm Pinckney/NYC Department of Parks information, visit riverdalestables.com. Fishing: Join the Rangers on Aug. 13 at noon for free fishing program catch and THE CITY HAS OPENED Van Cortlandt Pool (pictured) for the summer (check release only. NYS fishing license is required. under “Events” for more information about pools this summer). Swimming: Outdoor pool open daily through the summer from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (closed from 3 to 4 p.m.). Also offered are learn to swim programs (info: (718) 760- 6969 ext. 0); details under “Events.” Park, Rockwood Drive Circle at Mosholu free until noon Saturdays and Tuesdays all Learn to Play Tennis: For beginners, through Aug. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon at Avenue and Broadway, at 2 p.m.; and July year. For more information and a schedule Indian Field Courts (info/register: (718) 760-6999). 16 - Mozart in the Afternoon, at Fordham of events including tours and walks, call Art Classes: Tuesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. from July 19 to Aug. 9 at Woodlawn University, Keating Hall, 1st floor, at 4 p.m. (718) 549-3200. Playground for Painting Nature; and on Fridays through Aug. 25 at 6:30 p.m., for For more information, call (718) 601-7399. Twilight Hike & Draw (meet at Nature Center). Library Events For more information and a detailed schedule, call (718) 601-1553. New York Botanical Garden presents Celebrating 100 Years of Jazz, July The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. 14 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $40/ Kingsbridge Rd., presents for children: Onstage Train Park, Orloff Avenue and Gale Place. member; $45/non member. For more Macaroni: (ages 3 to 12), summer reading For more information, call (718) 931-9500. information, call (718) 817-8700. program, band, dance and puppet, July Bronx Council on the Arts presents free 15 at 2 p.m. Adults can enjoy: Computer Bronx Arts Ensemble presents free Events Basics: July 18 at 2 p.m. (online registration concert, July 18 from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring concerts: July 9 - Golden Oldies, songs Ginetta’s Vendetta, at the Amalgamated required). For more information, call (718) of the ‘50s and ‘60s, in Van Cortlandt Williamsbridge Oval presents free special 579-4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. events: July 13 - Morning Yoga at 9:15 a.m.; and July 17 - Tiny Prints: Toddler The Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., Day (ages to 5 years), to play games and offers for children: Bilingual Birdies: sing songs, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Spanish: (ages to 12 years), summer For more information, call (718) 543-8672. reading program, including music, puppets and games, July 7 at 10:30 a.m.; Tie-Dye: NYC Department of Parks offers free (ages 5 to 12), to create a shirt (limited swimming at outdoor swimming pools amounts available), July 12 at 1 p.m. through Sept. 10. The nearest outdoor pool (phone or in-person registration required); to Norwood is Van Cortlandt Park Pool and Crafts: (ages 3 to 12), July 19 at 1 at West 242nd Street and Broadway. The p.m. Teens/adults can enjoy: Craft-eens!: second nearest outdoor pool is Mapes Pool Different craft projects each Wednesday at East 180th Street and Prospect Avenue. at 3 p.m., July 12 and 19. Materials will Outdoor pool hours are from 11 a.m. until 7 be provided. Adults can attend: Knitting p.m. with a break for pool cleaning between Circle: Thursdays at 3 p.m. For more 3 and 4 p.m. For more information, call 311. information, call (718) 882-8239.

Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy The Jerome Park Library, 118 Eames Place presents Barefoot Dancing, featuring (near Kingsbridge Road), offers for children: demonstrations and teaching, on the VC Kids Get Active Fridays at 2:45 p.m.: (ages House Lawn from 6:30 to 8 p.m.: July 5 to 12), dance moves on the Wii game 6 - Bulgaria music & dance; July 13 - West console, July 7 and 14; Preschool Story African; July 20 - American Indian dancers. Time and Craft at 11:15 a.m.: (ages 3 to For more information, call (718) 430-1890. 5), featuring books, puppetry, dramatics, crafts and flannel boards, July 6, 13 and Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. 252nd 20; and What is Transportation: (4-part St. in Riverdale, offers Family Art Projects: series for ages 3 to 12), to learn how we get Wet Felting Florals, to make a floral-fabric around by land, air and water, in addition to landscape, July 9 and 10; and Handmade hands-on activities including creating boats River Rafts, to make rafts out of foam trays, and airplanes, July 12 and 19 at 11:15 a.m. foam sheets, and reeds, July 15 and 16; Adults can attend: Computer Basics: July both in the WH House from 10 a.m. to 1 6, 13 and 20 at noon. For more information, p.m. Also scheduled is Lyndon Achee call (718) 549-5200. Quintet, July 12; and Gretchen Parlato (jazz singer) & Alan Hampton (strings and NOTE: Items for consideration may be Photo courtesy Wave Hill vocals), July 19; both at 7 p.m., on the mailed to our office or sent to norwoodnews@ STEEL PAN ARTIST Lyndon Achee (pictured) and his Quintet are set to grounds ($10/ticket; $6/students/seniors norwoodnews.org, and should be received by play at Wave Hill on July 12 (check under “Events” for more Wave Hill per- 65+; $4/ages 6 to 18). Grounds admission is July 10 for the next publication date of July 20. formances). July 6-19, 2017 • Norwood News • 15 Downzoning Findings Revealed

(continued from page 1) Culture, and Environment (CCCE) homes, six-story residences, and low- Park). For now, the committee plans to with an official report drafted by rise businesses. Though the results leaned favor- submit the study’s final results to var- Paula Caplan, the group’s CEO. In its findings, CCCE found that ably for residents yearning to keep ious city and state housing agencies the residential blocks between West their neighborhoods as suburban- that partly finance any high-rise proj- Bedford Park Kingsbridge Road and East 190th esque as possible, the speed at which ects primed for the two communities. CCCE’s study of Bedford Park fo- Street should only see four-story prop- results will become official city pol- The committee is now looking to meet cused on a collection of suburban- erties, revising the zoning rules from icy is too slow to stop the potential with the New York City Department like streets off the Grand Concourse, an R6 to an R5B or R5D respectively. construction of a high-rise apartment of City Planning, which regulates the between East 201st and East 204th CCCE made concessions for the neigh- building at 267 E. 202nd St. a narrow character of neighborhoods. streets, extending east toward Mo- borhood’s commercial strip, recom- neighborhood in Bedford Park. The Harr, who has lived in her Bedford sholu Parkway South’s service road. mending that taller commercial prop- property houses a two-story build- Park home for 37 years, has closely CCCE’s findings, based on analysis erties be built along the area of East ing once occupied by six families that tracked the board’s progress in down- and input from residents at a hear- Kingsbridge Road between Jerome were displaced last year when a dev- zoning the neighborhood with her ing in November last year, found that and Creston avenues. West Kings- astating fire ripped through the prop- husband John Reilly, who ironically the neighborhood could downzone the bridge Road between University and erty. The tenants were in the middle enough has a background in hous- property to allow a maximum of four- Jerome avenues should include even of a court battle with the new build- ing. Together, the pair found the study or five-story properties, translating to taller commercial properties, accord- ing owner, Peter Fine, who sought to worth promoting, notwithstanding R5B and R5D zoning distinctions. The ing to the report. evict the tenants shortly after he pur- the full board’s input. The report, she current zoning is an R8, allowing for chased the property in early 2016. said, “sends a message that public eight- to 10-story buildings. Conclusions Fine was issued a permit by the money and zoning shouldn’t displace CCCE’s study also concluded that Though the committee accepted New York City Department of Build- people from existing affordable hous- the commercial area included in the the findings, CCCE concluded the ings in May to place a wooden pe- ing. Such outsized projects should Bedford Park study, concentrated at study should expand to Jerome Av- rimeter fence around the property. have to prove that they will not have the Grand Concourse and East 204th enue between Mosholu Parkway and There are no other building permits adverse impacts on the people who Street, could use more commercial Bedford Park Boulevard, to make for on record to indicate what type of currently live here.” CB7 members properties. In her outline, CCCE rec- a powerful argument of downzoning housing he intends to build. Fine has usually honor the recommendations ommended changing the commercial Bedford Park to the city. been in the real estate business for made by its committees. zoning distinction to a C2-3, allowing “Pairing zoning actions to protect some years, most recently opening a In Bedford Park, concerns of over- for commercial properties as tall as low scale neighborhood blocks with luxury apartment building in Miami, development are powered by the in- nine stories. measures that allow more develop- Florida. fusion of new development projects ment on wider streets and transit With the lot falling in an R8 dis- which have enveloped the neighbor- Kingsbridge Heights corridors constitutes sound planning trict, Fine can build any property hood since 2011 when portions of Web- Kingsbridge Heights also has the policy, and also tends to improve the without any approvals so long as it ster Avenue in Bedford Park were potential for small-scale properties, likelihood of approval,” the report falls within the zoning restriction of rezoned for new, taller properties. Be- according to CCCE’s report. The study read. 10 stories or less. Harr, who lives two tween the arrival of new residences in focused on Kingsbridge Road between Kingsbridge Heights, for instance, houses from the fenced off property, Bedford Park, and impending projects Sedgwick and Creston avenues, and had little input from its residents, is now bracing for changes. for Kingsbridge Heights, the commit- the streets between West Kingsbridge with CCCE suggesting another vi- “My whole life is about to be tee has been kept busy hearing about Road and East 190th Street. The area sioning session take place in that turned upside-down by some guy in new residential or commercial prop- is currently zoned as an R6, R8, and neighborhood (the only visioning Florida who has nothing to do with erties arriving to the neighborhood. C1-2, allowing for a mix of detached session to take place was in Bedford this area,” Harr said. In its capacity, the committee either supports or rejects those projects. The streets assessed in Kings- bridge Heights lie just in the shadow of the Kingsbridge Armory, expected to house the world’s largest ice hockey ADVERTISE TODAY center. This has sparked fears of gen- in the trification and displacement of its current stock of two- and three-family homes near the armory. That displacement, in the case Nearly 40,000 readers means 40,000 customers. of both neighborhoods, oftentimes SELL YOUR BRAND. MAKE MONEY. come in the form of buyouts develop- ers present to homeowners, at rates Advertise in the Norwood News. Call 718-324-4998. higher than the home’s actual value. It’s a cost of doing business for devel- opers, and a tactic frowned upon by residents hoping to preserve a neigh- borhood’s identity. The study into whether the two neighborhoods could hamper develop- ers from building taller properties, a NORWOOD NEWS process called downzoning, was pre- 2ESERVOIR/VAL%s"RONX .9  pared by Collective for Community, G&T forceINEQUITIES hears strengths and weaknesses of gifted and talented programs

Mixed Feelings For Stagg’s Mosholu Site pg 5

Norwood Sewer Project Approved For Night Work | pg 6 REACH 40,000 testifi es before a panel focusing on the problems of the city Department of Education’s gifted and tal- by Bronx Borough President Potential Customers In The Bronx Ruben Diaz Jr. and his Brook- Monte Pilot Program n counterpart, Eric Adams, ld its first session on March The panel heard from Ma- Photo by Adi Talwar Streamlines Access sura Tidjani, a mother of two at the Bronx High School African-American boys in To Developmental cience, a specialized high School District 9 who qualified supposed to have the program Care | pg 11 ol where entry becomes a for a G&T program for the past for the past two years but did -long goal for parents. The two years. On the first day3URXGO\6HUYLQJ%URQ[&RPPXQLWLHV6LQFH‡ of Proudlynot have Serving any programs Bronx becauseCommunities Since 1988FREE member panel heard from one of her son’s G&T class, Ti- they don’t have enough stu- s frustrated by a system djani was told that PS 199x The dents to open a class,” Tidjani SG&T seatsFREE are few in the Shakespeare School had can- told panelists, who sat jotting celed it for the school year. notes. “According to the DOE, N you have to have at least 25 chil- “When I spoke to the princi-    ORWOODdren in order to open a gifted pal she Vol told me30, that No they 6 • were P Q PUBLISHEDand talented class.” UBLISHED BY INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: BYHer M MsonOSHOLU re-took the test, scoring aboveOSHOLU 97 percent, PRESERVATION which TRUMP’S TRAVEL BAN 2.0 | PG. 4 PRESERVATION (continued on page 15) C CORPORATION N ORPORATION  EWS • MQ   pg 14ARCH 16-29, 2017

KNOWING BRONXYOUR LEGAL BARRIERS: RIGHTS | PG. 9 INCREASE SALES RENT ROLLS When Advertising In The Award Winning QUESTIONED rd Park housing group questions legitimacy of tenants’ rent

Elevator Planned For B/D Bedford Pk. Subway Line | pg 6 NORWOOD NEWS

St. Ann’s School Teachers Want The ONLY Newspaper Covering The Stories That Answers | pg 8 Concern You In YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ector of Housing (r), and her colleague Andrew Laiosa (l), compile rent history forms alleging

thoroughly double check ether a landlord’s rent Study: Trains Loaded Photo by Adi Talwar rease on a tenant is jus- listing the help of elected With Fatty Food Ads ble. o f f i c i a l s . T h e g r o u p h a s Pg 11 est Bronx Housing, now zeroed in on an apart- tive director of West Bronx quartered in Bedford ment building in River- Housing, has noticed an dale, where rent histories Proudly Serving Bronx Communities Since 1988 has since been col- 3URXGO\6HUYLQJ%URQ[&RPPXQLWLHV6LQFH‡uptick in these suspect rent FREE INTRODUCTORY - FIRST TIME ADVERTISER are suspect. They’re now these statements histories amid an afford- requesting these forms to FL/DR-1.0 forms able housing crisis that’s FREE tenants living in Norwood Spatterns while en- to making living in New York and Bedford Park. N City, including the Bronx, Sally Dunford,    ORWOOD execu- almost impossible for the Vol 30, No 5 • P Q PUBLISHEDworking class. UBLISHED BY M INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: (continuedBY M OSHOLU on page 15) OSHOLU PRESERVATION THE BRONX’S RAT PROBLEM | PG. 4 PRESERVATION CORPORATION N CORPORATIONpg 14  EWS • MQ   ARCH 2-15, 2017 THE CAMPAIGNCIVIC ENGAGEMENTBRONX BARRIERS: CRISIS | PG. 9 SPECIAL OFFER! TO DOWNZONE QUARTER PAGE FULL COLOR AD AS LOW AS Community Board 7 backs downzoning of Mosholu Pkwy.

CVS to Close in March pg 3

Fordham Nonprofi Looks Out for Teens t pg 7

y Van Cortlandt Avenue East (pictured) is among the streets community activists hope to ha . borders as a way to preserve ts character while stemming urther development. munity it will assess the look Photo by Adi Talwar State of the Bronx The group won a victory of the neighborhood. A mo- ve downzoned the latest CB7 Land Use/ tion presented before the full Blasts City and Trump turned from what some called using Committee meet- board at its Feb. 28 meeting a nonstarter to a mayoral is- pg 8 on Feb. 15 when the New was passed, with board mem- sue,” civil activist Anthony City Department of City bers agreeing to revisit the Rivieccio, who proposed the ing (DCP), charged with proposal by the fall. The board Proudly Serving Bronx Communities Since 1988 3URXGO\6HUYLQJ%URQ[&RPPXQLWLHV6LQFH‡idea for a blanket rezoning of FREE mining the character of first needs to finalize another Mosholu Parkway and its im- orhoods across the five separate independent study mediate side streets, told the $100* FREE Shs, assured the com- it had commissioned last No- * FREE CREATIVE SETUP Norwood News vember. N The plan, backed. by lo- “InVol five 30,     months NoORWOOD 4 it’s • P been cal legislators and residents, QP UBLISHEDUBLISHEDlooks to prevent overdevelop- B BY Y MOSHOLU MOSHOLU MUST RUN 2 WEEKS. SECOND WEEK AT NORMAL PRICE ($145) INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: (continued on page 15) BAG FEE BAGGED FOR NOW | PG. 4 PRESERVATION PRESERVATION CORPORATION CORPORATION N • Fpg 14  EWS EBRUARYQ 16-M   ARCH 1, 2017 THERE WILL BE A $25 CHARGE ON ANY EDITS OF SECOND RUN ST. ANN SCHOOLA NN-WFUVBRONX COLLABORATION BARRIERS: | PG. 9 TO CLOSE DOORS ws comes two years after parish church closed CALL 718-324-4998 or EMAIL

Trump Travel Ban Impacts Norwood pg 5 Jessica Gordon at [email protected]

Veterans Honored At CB7 Breakfast pg 7