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ORWOODQ EWSQ FREE NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 Vol 29, No 20 • PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION • OCTOBER 13-26, 2016 ORWOODQ EWSQ NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014

INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: ABANDONED HOME A CRIME TUMBLES, NYPD SAYS | PG. 4 FAMILIAR SIGHT IN NORWOOD | PG. 3 NORWOOD EYED

New Housing Lottery Rules Take Effect FOR SHELTER pg 2 Developer at center of controversial homeless shelter in Riverdale

Monte: Get Your Flu Shot | pg 5

Crime File pg 9 Photo by Adi Talwar STUDENTS AND PARENTS of students from PS/MS 20 walk across the street from Sam’s Floor Covering at 3041 near North, the site of a potential homeless shelter, sources told the Norwood News.

By DAVID CRUZ News of the proposed site, Avenue into a bustling corridor portion of Webster Avenue could A homeless shelter provider currently Sam’s Floor Covering complete with storefronts. The weaken the neighborhood’s posi- is eyeing a Norwood property at 3041 Webster Ave. near Mosh- plan was inspired by the 2011 re- tion as an affordable housing des- that rests across from PS/MS 20 olu Parkway North, caused wide- zoning of 80 blocks of Webster Av- tination, residents argue. as his next shelter, sources told spread panic among stakeholders enue between East Gun Hill and Supportive housing, which the Norwood News. who have demanded that special- Fordham roads. Today, that plan offers services to a specific popu- But the Depart- ized housing be kept to a mini- has somewhat born fruit, with lation, has also sprouted in Nor- ment of Homeless Services (DHS), mum along the Webster Avenue construction of new affordable wood. Those sites are exempt which offers multi-million dollar corridor. housing with a mandated first from building any storefront, contracts to nonprofit shelter pro- The proposal conflicts with floor storefront under way along holding back the potential for a viders, hasn’t drafted a contract, and appears to undermine long- the Norwood portion of Webster vibrant commercial strip while pg 10 according to the agency. term plans to transform Webster Avenue. A shelter on Norwood’s (continued on page 11) 2 • October 13-26, 2016• Norwood News IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST Vol. 29, No. 20 Vol. 27, No. 10 NorwoodVol. 27,News 27, No. No.is 10published 10 New Affordable Housing Rules Attempt to Prevent Discrimination bi-weekly on Thursdays by MosholuNorwoodNorwood Preservation NewsNews is Corporation ispublished published (MPC) By DAVID CRUZ income of applicants receiving gov- Norwood3400 Reservoir News isOval published East bi-weeklybi-weekly on on Thursdays Thursdays by by As Norwood continues its building ernment benefits, for example those bi-weeklyBronx, New on ThursdaysYork 10467 by MosholuMosholuPhone: Preservation 718 324 Corporation 4998Corporation boom of affordable housing, with more receiving GI Bill or Section 8 benefits, Mosholu3400 PreservationReservoir Oval EastCorporation 3400Fax: Reservoir 718 324 Oval2917 East projects under way, securing a unit to ensure consistency and forestall dis- E-mail: [email protected], Reservoir New York 10467Oval , New York 10467 Web.:Bronx, www.norwoodnews.org New York 10467 could improve for applicants placed crimination. Phone: 718 324 4998 on so-called “landlord blacklists” fol- • Tightening guidelines to ensure Fax: 718 324 2917 Publisher Phone: 718 324 4998 lowing changes in the City’s affordable those who qualify for affordable hous- E-mail: [email protected]:Fax: 718 718 324 324 2917 4998 Mosholu Web:Preservation www.norwoodnews.org Corporation housing lottery and screening pro- ing will use their new home as their E-mail: [email protected]: 718 324 2917 ExecutiveE-mail: [email protected] Director of MPC cesses. primary residence. Melissa Web:Cebollero www.norwoodnews.org Web: www.norwoodnews.org With affordable housing often cut • Requiring that interview locations Publisher CEO, Mosholu Editor-in-Chief, Norwood News off to New Yorkers who may carry be accessible and clearly marked, and DavidMosholu Cruz Preservation 3UHVHUYDWLRQ Corporation Corporation a poor credit score or had once sued that interviewers provide interpre- PublisherAccounts Receivable CEO, Mosholu PublisherEditor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia Mosholu Preservation 3UHVHUYDWLRQCEO, Mosholu their landlord, the new rules mandate tation services, including American DawnDavid McEvoy Cruz Mosholu Preservation 3UHVHUYDWLRQ landlords and developers disregard Photo by Daniela Beasley Sign Language. CorporationProofreader Corporation Corporation Corporation WORK GETS UNDER WAY at Norwood • Ensuring developers’ outreach and Editor-in-ChiefJudy&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ Noy Roberto S. Garcia those considerations when renting a Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia Gardens at the corner of Webster Av- DavidRegularDawn Cruz McEvoy Contributors City-subsidized affordable housing advertising efforts include diverse David Cruz enue and East 20rd Street by The Stagg David$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH Greene, Adi Talwar apartment. The revised rules came communities citywide. Dawn McEvoy Group. &ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJContributors after City officials solicited feedback • Revising interview standards to en- Miriam&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJProofreader Quinones, Daniela Beasley, over the fairness the housing lottery, sure more privacy and security of per- DawnJudy McEvoy Noy JaleesaDawn McEvoy Baulkman a selection process that merely quali- Housing Preservation & Development sonal information. $FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH3URGXFWLRQ Dawn$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOHNeil McEvoydeMause fies an applicant to formally apply for a (HPD), carrying out de Blasio’s Hous- • Prohibiting home visits, which are Dawn McEvoy unit and does not guarantee housing. ing New York affordable housing plan, too subjective to be fair. Proofreader5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUVFor display advertising, call David Greene, Adi Talwar It seems to make sense to change will enforce the new rules found in the The City is already making pro- JudyProofreader Noy (718) 324-4998. JudyInterns Noy these rules, according to John Reilly, handbook. The housing initiative is spective developers aware of the 3URGXFWLRQShayla Love, Paolo Mossetti, Justin McCallum, executive director of Fordham Bedford expected to see 200,000 new or refur- changes well in advance of securing NeilSupport3URGXFWLRQand deMause Chelsea Your George CommunityNeil deMause Newspaper! Housing Corporation, which develops bished affordable apartments by 2024. financing from the Housing Devel- 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUVFor display advertising, call (718) 324-4998. The Norwood News is a not-for-profi t publication and manages affordable residences Estimates released in July by the de opment Corporation (HDC). Seven David5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV Greene, Adi Talwar and relies upon the support of its advertisers across . Among the more Blasio administration shows the City months before construction on an af- DavidSupport Greene, Your Adi Talwar Internsand readers to produce a quality community pragmatic changes is placing less has built or preserved some 52,936 fordable building wraps up, each de- Shaylanewspaper.InternsCommunity Love, To Paolo support Newspaper! Mossetti, your paper,Justin becomeMcCallum, a memberThe Norwood and News receiveLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE a subscription- for one value on credit scores, which could be units under the plan, with 3,500 units veloper must submit an HPD/HDC- andShayla Chelsea Love, George Paolo Mossetti, Justin McCallum, year.andlication Chelsea and relies George upon the support of its ruined just by paying a bill late, said earmarked for those earning a $24,000 approved marketing plan that reflects advertisers and readers to produce a quality Reilly. salary or below. the new rules. ForSimplycommunity display mail advertising, newspaper.check or moneyTo call support (718) order your 324-4998. paper,for $40 to: NorwoodForbecome display aNews, member advertising, 3400 and receive Reservoir call (718)a subscription Oval 324-4998. East, “We’ve heard of people who couldn’t Some changes include placing less So far, three affordable housing for one year. SupportBronx, NY 10467. Your find enough tenants out of the lottery emphasis on an applicant’s credit projects are under way—Norwood Gar- Support Your to fill the units, but they were turn- score, prioritizing victims of domestic dens at the corner of Webster Avenue CommunityNorwoodSimply mail News check isNewspaper! or not money responsible order for $40 for typographicalCommunityto: Norwood News, errors. Newspaper! 3400 Opinions Reservoir expressedOval East, in ing people down because they had a violence forced into the shelter system, and East 203rd by private developer TheBronx, Norwood NY 10467. News LVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE- licationsignedThe Norwood andletters relies Newsand upon bylinedLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE the columnssupport of represent its - cell phone bill that hadn’t been paid,” and increasing transparency should The Stagg Group; an affordable/sup- thelication sole and opinion relies of upon the authorthe support and are of itsnot advertisersNorwood News and isreaders not responsible to produce for typo a- quality Reilly said. “You’re never going to find an applicant appeal their denial. Inter- portive housing model at the corner of necessarilyadvertisers andthose readers of Mosholu to produce Preservation a quality communityCorporationgraphical errors. newspaper. or Montefi Opinions To expressedore support Medical in your signed Center. paper, enough people then. I mean, you’re re- views will even come with interpreta- Webster Avenue and East 204th Street letters and bylined columns represent the sole becomeEditorialscommunity a representmember newspaper. and the receiveToviews support of a thesubscription your editor paper, opinion of the author and are not necessarily ally trying to look for a record, not an tion services. Others included, in the by nonprofit developer The Doe Fund; only.become The a newspaper member and reserves receive the a subscription right for thoseone year.of Mosholu Preservation Corporations incident.” words of the Mayor’s Office: and the third by the Azimuth Develop- tofor limit one oryear. refuse advertising it deems RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS- objectionable. Advertisements appearing Mayor Bill de Blasio, carrying on • Accounting for the special challenges ment Corp at 3160 Webster Ave. Of the Simplyresent mail the views check of theor moneyeditor and/or order publisher for $40 inSimply thisonly. paperThe mail newspaper check cannot or reserves bemoney used the order without right tofor limit $40 with his long-term agenda of equitable residents of homeless shelters face in three, The Stagg Group would have to to:the Norwood written permission News, 3400 of Reservoir the Norwood Oval East, to:or Norwood refuse advertising News, it3400 deems Reservoir objectionable. Oval East, housing, said the changes, published meeting eligibility criteria, including comply with the rules since its project Bronx,News. NYLetters 10467. to the editor are subject to Bronx,Advertisements NY 10467. appearing in this paper cannot in its revised Marketing Handbook victims of domestic violence, to im- is partially bankrolled by the City. condensationbe used without and the editing.written permission Writers ofshould Nor- Norwoodincludewood News.their News Lettersaffi is liation not to theresponsible oreditor special are subject forinterest typo - if for affordable housing developers, en- prove the chances that households will Recently, Dunn Development filed any. Anonymous letters are not published graphicalNorwoodto condensation errors.News andisOpinions not editing. responsible Writersexpressed should for intypo signed- courage a more “level playing field.” be placed in permanent housing. plans to build a 72-unit affordable butgraphicalLQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ your name errors. can Opinions be withheld expressed upon in signed letters and bylined columns represent the sole The New York City Department of • Clarifying how developers calculate housing building at 3211 Parkside Pl. request.lettersAnonymous and bylined letters are columns not published represent but your the sole opinionname canof the be withheldauthor andif requested. are not necessarily thoseopinion of ofMosholu the author Preservation and are not Corporations necessarily RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHSthose of Mosholu Preservation Corporations- resentRU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS the views of the editor and/or publisher- Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a only.resent The the newspaper views of the reserves editor and/or the right publisher to limit Public and Community Meetings only.QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH The newspaper reserves the right to limit or refuseMedical advertisingCenter. it deems objectionable. Advertisementsor refuse advertising appearing it deems in this objectionable. paper cannot COMMUNITY BOARD 7 will hold its general board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Tracey Towers, 40 beMosholuAdvertisements used without Preservation theappearing written Corporation inpermission this paper is a of non-cannot Nor- W. Mosholu Pkwy. S. (Community Room 8). CB7 committees are held on the following dates at the Board office, 229A profibe used t support without corporation the written permissionof Montefi oreof Nor- wood News. Letters to the editor are subject E. 204th St., at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted: Traffic & Transportation Committee on Oct. 13; Veterans Committee Medicalwood News. Center. Letters to the editor are subject to condensation and editing. Writers should on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Senior Services Committee on Oct. 17; Parks & Recreation on Oct. 17 at 7:15 p.m.; Housing, Land to condensation and editing. Writers should LQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ Use & Zoning Committee on Oct. 19; Environment & Sanitation on Oct. 20; Budget, Personnel & Ethics Committee on AnonymousLQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ letters are not published but your Oct. 24; Economic Development Committee on Oct. 25; Community Relations/Long-Term Planning Committee on Oct. nameAnonymous can be letters withheld are if not requested. published but your name can be withheld if requested. 25 at 7:30 p.m.; and Website, Acknowledgement & Media Committee on Oct. 26; For more information, call the Board office at (718) 933-5650.

Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUHMosholu Preservation Corporation is a MedicalQRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH Center. Medical Center. October 13-26, 2016• Norwood News • 3 Abandoned Home Becomes a Familiar Sight on Norwood’s Landscape

By DAVID CRUZ collect the debt. It’s unclear if it has been The leftover Christmas lights and successful. glitter-covered candy canes hanging Before that, the house was under the from its exterior tell the story of a house names of Mercedes Galdamez and Luz once occupied in Norwood. Catano, co-signers to a mortgage in 2007. For the last decade or so, the ram- Catano’s name appears in the number of shackle, two-story home at 3259 Deca- tickets the New York City Department of tur Ave. has been left forsaken, used Sanitation has taped to the door of the as a makeshift junkyard and haven for property. squatters, and teenage partygoers, ac- Faisal Mustafa, a resident waiting to cording to residents. Complete with pick up his daughter at PS 56, was will- overgrown weeds, peeled paint and ing to pay $50,000 to buy the home and rusty white fence, the home has now flip it. seen an increase in the amount of debris Mary, a resident living across the Photo by David Cruz that includes broken window sills and THIS HOME AT 3259 Decatur Ave. has been in a state of gloom for nearly a decade, street, had hoped “that the school pur- furniture strewn about the front yard. say residents. Beside it stands PS 56. chase the property.” After all, Mary has Though it’s been in shambles for spotted “undesirables” at the property, nearly a decade, contributing to a de- of] Sanitation via 311 numerous times, their home without filing foreclosure and worries “they may get ideas” know- cline in Norwood’s property values, but all they can do is issue tickets.” proceedings, languishing in limbo over ing children are not too far away. it’s bothered residents much more ever DSNY last issued a $250 ticket to the whether the bank or owner is responsi- Regardless of who owns the property, since PS 56, Norwood’s elementary house for having an unkempt lot, leav- ble for general upkeep of a vacant home’s a state law set to take effect in December school, opened its new annex last month, ing it taped to the property’s front gate front yard. will mandate banks and mortgage ser- boosting the student population. on Oct. 3. The building’s history shows it vices to properly maintain the exteriors A mission to get the house in order Another resident, whose house abuts changed hands numerous times. A re- of vacant or abandoned homes or face a has been carried out by Elisabeth von the property, said neighborhood resi- view of financial statements shows Fan- $500 fine. Uhl, a resident, working the phones to dents have called the 52nd Precinct and nie Mae, the government-backed finan- Meantime, Assemblyman Mark convince elected officials and city agen- “asked the cops to board up the win- cial institution, purchased the mortgage Gjonaj, who represents the neighbor- cies to take a look at the house. dows.” Unfortunately, no one came. from JP Morgan Chase in 2014. Fannie hood in Albany, told the Norwood News “I fear some kids will get inside and It’s unclear whether the home is con- Mae did not return an email requesting he’s drafting letters to the city Depart- get hurt,” von Uhl said. “I have con- sidered a “zombie property,” a term that comment. Fannie Mae hired Seterus, a ment of Buildings underscoring the tacted [the New York City Department describes owners walking away from mortgage loan servicing company, to state of the empty home. YOU'RE INVITED! Bring this in for a FREE 3-DAY PASS Stop by or call 718.509.6361 for info.

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Guest pass must be used for consecutive days at the above location only. Must be 18 years or older and present valid photo ID. Some restrictions may apply. Available for a limited time only. Monthly pricing applicable to the Base membership and includes general gym access. $39 Annual fee applies. See club for details. ©2016 Crunch IP Holdings, LLC 4 • October 13-26, 2016• Norwood News INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER By DAVID GREENE With recent NYPD crime statistics showing September as the safest month since the Police Department began tracking violent crime trends, we asked readers if they believe that.

No. I think it’s the same as it’s I’d agree with that; I don’t really I’d say crime is down, everything’s The neighborhood is good, I’m To be honest, I go to Evander always been. I see a lot of crime hear anything going on around good. Sometimes you hear seeing a lot of police and it’s safe. Childs High School and there’s a and it’s not safe. I don’t know if the here. I think it’s mixed, but I don’t something on the news that Me? I’ve been here 19 years in this lot of crime going on at my school. police are under reporting crime, think crime is drastically down like something happened, but the area and it’s good. It’s safe, yes. Maybe a lot of crime is going on but I know these streets are still that. Do they say what areas or police are controlling the crime, Thank you NYPD. and they just don’t know about it. dangerous. what crimes? Most crimes? I don’t absolutely. Hata Rodonic If they say crime is down, then I Sylvia Soriano believe that. I do think they are Gjihad Quteibi guess it is. Crime this year is the under reporting crime. They should Norwood same as last year. I think the NYPD Bedford Park Morris Heights just say that issuing tickets has needs to step up their game and gone up, because they’re writing stop being lazy. everyone tickets. Abass Beye Deena Deveaux Washington Heights Bedford Park October 13-26, 2016• Norwood News • 5 New School Montefiore Advises to Get the Flu Shot, and Get it Now By DANIELA BEASLEY Flu Season may peak during Decem- Coming to ber and March, but Beatrice McMillan, along with others, isn’t chancing it this Defunct PS 51 year and has already gotten her shot. “I think they are out of their minds,” Within the next few months, what McMillan said of people who choose not was previously PS 51 will be reborn as to get vaccinated. “I would feel unsafe if a school for autistic students living in I didn’t get it. I need that flu shot.” New York City. This is the third year in a row Mc- PS 51, located at 3200 Jerome Ave. by Millan has gotten her vaccination at the Van Cortlandt Avenue, was shut down R.A.I.N. Boston Road Senior Center. A in August of 2011 after high levels of member of the center since 2009, the fact toxins were discovered. The renovated that it’s free certainly works as an incen- building, cleared for occupancy by the tive to get her shot as early as October. New York State Department of Envi- For years, Montefiore Health Sys- ronmental Conservation, will house tem and the Walgreens pharmacy chain the special needs school run by Quality have teamed up to host pop-up flu clinics Services for the Autistic Community throughout the Bronx, where Walgreens Photo by Daniela Beasley JAMES CAREY, PROGRAM Director for the R.A.I.N. Boston Road Neighborhood Se- (QSAC). and Duane Reade pharmacists provide nior Center, receives his vaccination from a Walgreens pharmacist, taking Montefiore’s To accommodate the school, QSAC free flu shots to anyone over the age of 18 advice to get the flu shot as early as possible. is working to change the parking re- who show up. strictions to no parking 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Already surpassing the amount of feels like they’re invincible, that they around you,” O’Connell said. Monday through Friday along the bor- people vaccinated this time last year, don’t need to get the flu shot,” Geraldine Carlos Tejada, Community Health der of the school on , Montefiore hopes to cut down on ER vis- O’Connell, Community Health Nurse at Specialist for Montefiore, noted that the and no parking 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday its connected with the flu this coming Montefiore’s office of Community and hospital offers educational workshops through Saturday on the Van Cortlandt winter. In addition to Bronx residents Population Health said. O’Connell added on the flu warning about the risks of go- Avenue side of the school. regularly getting their flu shot, Mon- there are 36,000 deaths linked to the flu ing through the flu season without the The later hours and extra day of tefiore looks to target those who forego virus each year. “What people don’t re- shot. parking restrictions are needed be- getting the shot because of fears of the alize is that there can be a lot of com- Workshops also teach the best ways cause of impending afterschool and Sat- vaccine or its significance. plications with the flu. You want to not to prevent the flu and dispels myths urday programs because of the nature “The younger age group usually only protect yourself, but protect those about the vaccination. of this particular school, according to QSAC representative Lisa Veglia. Veglia, attending the latest Com- munity Board 7 general board meet- Hamming it Up at the FOMP Fall Festival ing, said because of the “great need in the Bronx borough for children with autism” a school was warranted in the borough. This will be one of only two schools in the Bronx that service autistic stu- dents and are funded by the state with- out falling under the private or public school sectors. It is a state-approved, non-public school that that will accept all children referred to them by the De- partment of Education. The school is open to autistic stu- dents up to the age of 21. —Daniela Beasley

TO REPORT A STORY TO THE NORWOOD NEWS,

CALL US AT Photo by Miriam Quinones THESE NORWOOD KIDS show they’re having one great time at the First Annual Friends of Mosholu Parkland Fall Festival’s 718-324-4998 spider web obstacle course on Oct. 8. The autumn-themed event, held at Kossuth Playground, drew several families, all in support for the neighborhood playground and the neighborhood group looking out for Mosholu Parkland. More pictures of the fun-filled event can be found on www.norwoodnews.org. 6 • October 13-26, 2016• Norwood News

pressed an opinion based on other with this.” Park Reservoir Tenants Call cases they have seen in the past and Co-op owners weren’t aware of that Park Reservoir’s case is a spe- the board’s plan until July when cial one that should be considered. the board’s search was nearly com- On Bylaw Change Following “Regardless of what the state pleted, and argued the board stood decides and what the legal issues opaque during the vetting process. Amalgamated Plan Switch are, it was very important to estab- The board’s process in seek- lish that three-quarters of the peo- ing new management also got the By JALEESA BAULKMAN a longtime resident who helped form ple who voted expressed that they state’s attention as it seems they The civil war continues at a The Committee to Save Park Reser- didn’t like that they were left out of were “ramming” through the pro- Mitchell-Lama complex in Van Cort- voir. “It is a moral responsibility for the process,” Axelbank said. “The cess and failing to comply with the landt Village. [the board] to represent the people larger picture is that cooperators DHCR’s policies, according to Kim- Following opposition to a plan that voted for them.” came out to voice that they want erling. by the Board of Directors to replace Meanwhile, the board’s vice pres- to have a say in their own future Currently, Park Reservoir offers management services by Amalgam- ident, Steve Zitrin, who’s pushing and they don’t like what this board a number of services and amenities, ated Houses for another, more than for the hiring of a new management did in making decisions without including an education program, 100 cooperators living at Park Res- firm, deems the tenants’ attempt to them.” custodial services such as pre-dawn ervoir approved a proposal to mod- adopt a new bylaw request pointless For over a year, Park Reservoir’s snow shoveling, and health and so- ify the building’s bylaws to prevent since it would violate business cor- board members sought to hire a cial services to senior citizens. its management firm to be replaced poration law and interfere with the new management team and, after Zitrin maintains that replacing without two-thirds support of ten- board’s jurisdiction by taking power searching for about a year, selected Amalgamated Housing is the best ants. away from the governing body. He Midas Management, a family-owned financial route Park Reservoir can But the proposal, approved 111 added that the tenants’ reactions are realty management in the Bronx, to take, giving it more control over fi- to 35 in favor, must be approved by over the stop since they “don’t have replace Amalgamated Houses. nances and prevent rent hikes. With the state Division of Housing and any facts” other than what the com- “How can [Midas Management] Midas Management, Park Reservoir Community Renewal (DHCR), the mittee and board president Andrew be the best choice if they have no could save about $250,000 per year, agency that oversees Mitchell-Lama Kimerling--one of the three board Mitchell-Lama experience?” 20- according to Zitrin. Kimerling dis- cooperatives. If this amendment is members against the plan--has fed year cooperative Mary Copeland agrees. approved, cooperators could thwart them. asked. “That is such a complex “[The board] wants to go from the board’s yearlong plan to over- While there are indications from task. I can’t imagine that the learn- a not-for-profit organization that throw Amalgamated Houses. the state that the bylaw changes ing curve would be for someone runs you to a for-profit organiza- “We felt it was important to make won’t “pass the smell test,” Axel- who has never dealt this. I don’t tion. There’s not going to be a benefit this statement,” said Gary Axelbank, bank said the agency only ex- even know why they’d want to deal there at all,” Kimerling explained. October 13-26, 2016• Norwood News • 7 Arthur Ave. Declared One of Nation’s Best Streets, But the Bronx Already Knew That By DAVID CRUZ What does Manhat- tan’s Fifth Avenue and the Bronx’s Arthur Av- enue have in common? They’re both considered great streets. Bronx residents will tell you they already knew that, but not the American Planning As- sociation (APA). Until now. The group officially named the busy Belmont strip known as Little Italy one of America’s “great streets,” a distinc- tion that helps slowly chip away the nagging image of a Bronx in blight. It’s the first such distinction for the bor- ough. “This is a big deal,” Bronx Borough Presi- dent Ruben Diaz Jr. said Photo by David Cruz REMAINS one of the Bronx’s more at a news conference an- visited streets. It was hailed one of 2016’s “Great Streets” nouncing the honor. by the American Planning Association. Diaz’s office didn’t quite have much in the in Omaha, Nebraska; ference was held there). way to do with garner- and Main Street in Da- Its demographics have ing the recognition. That vidson, North Carolina. changed some over time credit went more to of- Judges based their de- with Albanian and Lati- fice’s behind-the-scenes cision on the street’s nos becoming embedded man, James Rausse, “deep sense of commu- in the neighborhood’s Diaz’s director of capi- nity, ability to be walk- history. tal budgeting who in able, be near transit, be Business owners and his private life serves as a healthy community,” community stakehold- president of the APA’s re- Rausse said. ers have confronted op- gional chapter. With his On its website, the position to Arthur Ave- APA term expiring Dec. APA singled out Ar- nue’s mom-and-pop vibe 31, Rausse calls news of thur Avenue for its rich over the years, occasion- the honor a nice sendoff. history, where “nearly ally squaring off against “I assure you, I as- every shop is an insti- corporate giants. That sure you that Arthur Av- tution, passed down included McDonald’s, enue won this on its own through generations of whose tenure at Arthur merits,” Diaz joked of families that have lived Avenue in the 1990s was the relationship between in the neighborhood.” very brief. Rausse, the APA, and his Indeed, Arthur Av- “It was the public that office. enue’s integral draw is said, ‘You don’t belong The tree-lined strip, its predominant number here,’” Peter Madonia, running between 184th of Italian restaurants, chairman of the Belmont and 187th streets, was remaining so for more Business Improvement one of five streets hon- than a century. Some District, told the Nor- ored by the APA this key sites at the strip wood News. “That isn’t year. Others include include The Arthur what we want. We want Sherman Avenue in Avenue Retail Market consistent businesses Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and the Enrico Fermi that are family-run and Main Street in Ketchum, Library and Cultural integrated into the fab- Idaho; South 24th Street Center (the news con- ric of who we are.” 8 • October 13-26, 2016• Norwood News Classifi eds Professional Directory

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COMPUTER SERVICES BIGTHROUGHOUT SAVINGS THE JEROME-GUN HILL AREA! COME SHOP & SAVE BIG ALL YEAR ROUND Computer Repair Upgrade, troubleshooting, laptop overheats, cracked screen, Over 200 Stores on Jerome Avenue from Mosholu to and on Gun Hill Road to Webster Avenue broken power jack, virus removal,data recovery. Call James (646) 281-4475, (718) 324-4332. Discover the Stores, Quality Service and Savings at the Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District. Where Good Neighbors RELIGIOUS SERVICES Deserve Great Shopping! All in a Safe, Clean & Epiphany Lutheran Church Friendly Environment A place of grace in Norwood. 3127 Decatur Ave., Bronx, NY Phone: Call the (718) 652-6839 Website: www.epiphanybx.org WORSHIP Sundays BID Hotline at 718-324-4946 at noon; BIBLE STUDY Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.; THRIFT SHOP for more information or visit us at Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Member of the Evan- www.jeromegunhillbid.org gelical Lutheran Church in America - God’s work -- our hands

NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES

Donate Used Coats p.m. Helmet recipients must be pres- The Office of Councilman Andy ent and learn how to properly fit their King, 940 E. Gun Hill Road, is ac- helmet before leaving. For more infor- cepting winter coats for the less for- mation, call Cohen’s office of at (718) tunate, through Oct. 31. Donate new 549-7300. or gently used, clean coats week- days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more First-time Homebuyer information, call (718) 684-5509. Fast-Track Series University Neighborhood Housing Free Flu Shots Program (UNHP) is sponsoring three Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, homeownership workshops. Learn the Montefiore Health System, Walgreens essentials of buying a home and fast- Pharmacy, and others, are sponsor- track your path to homeownership. ing free flu shots at the Riverdale YM- Understand the roles of key players YWHA, 5625 Arlington Ave. on Oct. 27. (realtor, attorney, inspector, etc.) and Members of the community must be 18 what the process entails. Participants years of age or older to participate, and who attend all three workshops receive cannot be allergic to eggs. For more a completion certificate, valid for clos- information, call Dinowitz’s office at ing grants. Attendees will receive a (718) 796-5345. Residents MUST call to Market Guide, a useful tool to track guarantee a flu shot. housing trends. Schedule is as follows: Tuesday, Oct. 18, 6 to 8 p.m. at Con- Free Bike Helmet course House, 2751 , Councilman Andrew Cohen is (entrance on East 196th Street); and sponsoring a free bike helmet fitting Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and distribution event at the Mosholu at Refuge House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave. Montefiore Community Center, 3450 (corner of East 196th Street). For more DeKalb Ave. on Oct. 22 from noon to 4 information, call (718) 933-3101. October 13-26, 2016• Norwood News • 9 CRIME FILE By David Cruz Hate Crime Suspects Sought Party Crashers Loot Guests Gun Suspect Shuts Down Knox Place Three suspects are on and blue jeans. Police are looking for was seen wearing a black Knox Place, between ditched the car and fled into the run and wanted by po- A female Hispanic (pic- a pair of pistol carrying jacket, black pants, black East Gun Hill Road and Mo- one of the buildings. Cops lice for yelling anti-Islam tured) who accompanied thieves wanted for stealing baseball cap and black sholu Parkway, was under spent an hour going door slurs at a Muslim man and the two male suspects, but a total of $7300 from guests gloves. a state of lockdown during to door trying to find the his mother in Fordham last did not attack the victim, attending a party inside a the late afternoon of Sept. suspect, but he apparently month. in her mid 20s 5’6”, 170 lbs., Webb Avenue building. 29 after a chase with a gun- got away. The car (pictured) The suspects, two men last seen wearing a light The brazen thieves, toting suspect ended at the meantime, was impounded. and one woman, were rid- colored tank top and dark all wearing black, entered street. Anyone with informa- ing in a Toyota Camry with pants. from the front of the Webb Helicopters and K9 tion regarding any of the gold license plates reserved The third person (not Avenue building at the cor- dogs were used in tracking above incidents is asked for taxis when one of them caught on video) is de- ner of Father Zeiser Place the suspect who residents to call the NYPD’s Crime began screaming at the vic- scribed as a male Hispanic on Sept. 30 during the over- say was involved in a dar- Stoppers Hotline at (800) tims, police say. One of the in his mid-20s, last seen night hours with black ing car chase that began 577-TIPS (8477). All calls are victims confronted one of wearing a light colored semi-automatic handguns in Fordham. The suspect kept confidential. the suspects but was then shirt and dark pants. drawn. After ordering the attacked by the driver and guests to drop to the floor, one of the passengers. The the thieves stole the cash suspects fled the scene along with cell phones and while the victim was rushed credit cards before fleeing. to Jacobi Medical Center No one was hurt. and treated for injuries. The first suspect (pic- Two of the three sus- tured) is described as a pects were caught on video light-skinned black or His- and described as follows: panic man with a beard. A male Hispanic (pic- He was last seen wearing tured), in his mid-20s, 5’6”, a black jacket, black pants, weighing 170 to 180 lbs., last black skullcap and black seen wearing a dark T-shirt gloves. The second suspect St. Patrick’s Home Rehabilitation & Health Care Center

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Compiled by JUDY NOY CYCLISTS EXPECT TO see a different side of EDITOR’S PICK the Bronx at the 22nd Annual Tour de Bronx slated for Oct. 23 (see Biking the Bronx Editor’s Pick for more details). The public is invited to join the 22nd annual Tour de Bronx on File Photo Oct. 23. Participants have a choice of a 25- or 40-mile ride, both of which explore Bronx neighborhoods. Check-in is at 9 a.m. File Photo BUSINESS MATTERS at Harris Field, Bedford Park Boulevard West between Paul CYCLISTS EXPECT TO see a different side of the Bronx at the 22nd Annual Tour and Goulden avenues. The rides end at the New York Botanical de Bronx slated for Oct. 23 (see Editor’s Pick for more details). Garden with live music and light snacks. The NYC Department of Transportation is offering to fi t and distribute free bicycle helmets Entendre in Concert, Oct. 22 at 2:30 information, call (718) 817-8700. for participants from 8 to 11 a.m. while supplies last. Those 17 and p.m. For more information, call (718) 579- younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and all 4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. 252nd St. in Riverdale, offers Family Art riders must sign waivers. For more information or to register, visit Projects: Farming and Patterned History, www.tourdebronx.com. Events to make collage of personal histories using cloth and paper silhouettes, Oct. Friends of Van Cortlandt Park offers 15 and 16; and Magical Wands and Fairy Canoemobile Day in VC Park, free canoe Houses, to make tiny, fairy-sized dwelling Performing Arts. 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., rides on VC Lake, tours and children’s Onstage presents The Kingdom of India, featuring using sticks, leaves and bark, Oct. 22 activities, Oct. 15 from noon to 4 p.m. and 23; all in the WH House from 10 a.m. India, the princess of salsa, Oct. 15 at 8 Meet at VC Lake near the Golf House; Bronx Arts Ensemble, 80 Van Cortlandt p.m., with guest appearances by Eddie to 1 p.m. Grounds admission is free until Pk. So., presents Songs and Strings, Oct. enter park at South and Bailey avenues. noon Saturdays and Tuesdays all year. Palmieri and Ray de la Paz. Tickets are For more information, call (718) 601-1553. 23 at 2 p.m., performed by the BAE String $65 to $100. For more information, call For more information and a schedule of Quartet featuring mezzo-soprano Blythe (718) 960-8833. events including tours and walks, call (718) Gaissert. For more information, call (718) Bronx County Historical Society offers the 549-3200. 601-7399. following events: walking tour, exploring The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Van Cortlandt Park’s Old Getty Square Kingsbridge Rd., presents Double Lehman College’s Center for the Branch, preceded by tour along the old Library Events Putnam Railroad Line route in VC Park, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. ($10/members; $20/non The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. members); free public lecture, History of Kingsbridge Rd., presents the following for the Bronx Latino, Oct. 15 at 1 p.m.; Free children: Hands-On Projects at 4 p.m.: Open House, at Poe Cottage and the (ages 7 to 12; preregistration required), Museum of Bronx History at the Valentine- Owl Making, Oct. 13; Scarecrow Making, Varian House, 3266 Bainbridge Ave., Oct. 20; Picture Frame Making, Oct. 23 at Shop Oct. 15 and 16; and free fall exhibition 3:30 p.m.; and Black Cat Making, Oct. 27. “THE OUTDOOR MALL EXPERIENCE” opening reception, at the Museum of Teens/young adults can attend fi lms at Bronx History, Oct. 13, 4:30 to 7 p.m. For 5 p.m.: “Selma,” Oct. 14 and “The Ring,” more information, call (718) 881-8900. Oct. 28. Adults and teens can enjoy: fi lm: “Blackboard Jungle,” Oct. 15 at 2:30 p.m. Montefi ore Medical Center’s Healing Arts Adults can join Chess: (chess set provided), & Caregiver Center offers 5 Rhythms Oct. 21 at 4 p.m. For more information, call for Caregivers, dance/movement class (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. offering some relief from caring for your loved one, that promotes physical and The Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., emotional well-being, releasing tension offers for teens/young adults: fi lm: “The and stress, by free-form dancing, for all Jungle Book,” Oct. 22 at 1:30 p.m. Adults ages and physical abilities, Oct. 19 and can attend: Free Computer Classes: to Nov. 2, 5 to 7 p.m., in the Grand Hall of learn email and basic computer information, the Tishman Learning Center at Moses Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; and OVER 300 Campus, 111 E. 210th St. No dance Knitting Circle: Thursdays at 3 p.m. For experience or sense of rhythm necessary. more information, call (718) 882-8239. SPECIALTY SHOPS For more information or to register, call (718) 920-8434 or 8080. The Jerome Park Library, 118 Eames Place (near Kingsbridge Road), offers for children: AND CHAINS The New York Botanical Garden presents Kids Get Active Fridays at 3 p.m.: (ages From the Heartland to Horror, featuring 5 to 12), dance moves on the Wii game Furniture • Home Improvement larger than life sculptures of scarecrows console, Oct. 14 and 21; and Kids Pajama Clothing • Jewelery • Shoes crafted from natural materials; and Party (18 months to 12 years; registration Pumpkins: Playful & Plentiful, featuring required), craft and read-alouds, Oct. 24 Electronics • Discount Outlets rare and unusual pumpkins and gourds in at 6 p.m. Adults can attend: Computer Cell Phones • Games, the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, Basics at noon: Oct. 13, 20 and 27. For F Accessories • Offi ce Supplies plus daily hands-on activities featuring more information, call (718) 549-5200. FORDHAM ROAD And Many Fast Food Restaurants a puppet playhouse, and on weekends, BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT interactive demonstrations featuring bats NOTE: Items for consideration may and other creepy creatures; all through be mailed to our office or sent to For more information contact (718) 562-2104 Acccessible By All NYC Mass Transportation Oct. 30. Giant Pumpkin Weekend, Oct. [email protected], and 22 and 23, to view pumpkins as large as a should be received by Oct. 17 for the next Parking Facilities Available ton in weight (through Oct. 30). For more publication date of Oct. 27. SPARX Program Ignites Interest of Coding to Young Girls October 13-26, 2016• Norwood News • 11 Norwood Eyed for Shelter (continued from page 1) quen Courts preferred his group assume how students are “going to feel if they per bed for family shelters or $78 per drawing rancor from local Community management duties at the building. see” homeless people near the school. bed for adult-only shelters. Most shel- Board 7. The latest site by Concerned for NAICA owns at least four shelters in Adelaide Morales, a grandmother ters can be built “as-of-right,” requiring Independent Living opened in late spring. the Bronx, records show. A review of NAI- picking her child up at the school, won- no approvals from the local community CA’s shelters shows it has a total of 23 vio- dered how parents would be notified if board that overlaps with the shelter. Property lations, less egregious compared to other changes were under way. “They need to Barbara Stronczer, a Community The property is currently Sam’s Floor Bronx shelters. hold a meeting before it goes up,” Mo- Board 7 member and president of the Covering, a successful family-owned busi- rales said. “Because my son will prob- Bedford Mosholu Community Associa- ness for decades. The store’s owner told the Close to School ably have a lot of concerns about it. They tion, said to build the shelter is “unfair Norwood News there’s only ongoing talk Compounding the proposal is the lo- should be notified and let the parents to residents and the developers who are about the building’s future, though he de- cation of Sam’s Floor Covering, across know what’s going to happen.” building according to the specifications clined to elaborate. the street from PS/MS 20, a kindergar- But community notification of a shel- of the rezoning plan.” But sources say interest is coming from ten through eighth grade school. Its ter’s arrival isn’t a requirement for DHS, Stronczer warned “Bedford Park Eduardo Laguerre, CEO for Neighborhood proximity immediately troubled some which operates as a shadowy agency, and Norwood residents would not sit Association for Inter-Cultural Affairs parents picking up their children at the often shuttling the homeless to a shel- back and allow a shelter to open oppo- (NAICA), a Bronx-based social services school on Oct. 11. ter overnight. The practice roils Coun- site their neighborhood school.” nonprofit group and developers of home- “It might not be a good idea right cilman Andrew Cohen, whose district But getting much sympathy from less shelters. The 42-year group did not re- across the street from the school. Any covers Norwood and Riverdale. “They Mayor Bill de Blasio, still working turn calls to request comment. other place in the neighborhood, but not sneak a shelter into a neighborhood in on finding homes for the whopping NAICA is no stranger to controversy. right across the street,” said Jeannie the middle of the night with no commu- 64,000 homeless still on the streets, The group set up housing for homeless Ahearn, a mother of a student attending nity notice or community involvement. will be tough. At a recent news con- men at the troubled Van Corltandt Mo- the school. We are left totally in the dark, and that ference reacting to community oppo- tel in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. Norwood does indeed have a cluster is simply unacceptable,” Cohen said in sition of a shelter in Maspeth, , One of the attendants was accused of two site shelter, a practice of housing home- a statement. “Sadly, this is the way DHS Mayor de Blasio said the responsibil- robberies early this year. They were later less inside apartment buildings, on the seems to be operating these days.” ity to house the homeless is “every- replaced with homeless women and chil- opposite side of the neighborhood at Shelter contracts can prove lucrative one’s problem.” dren, though still drawing ire. 15-19 West Mosholu Parkway North. for nonprofit developers, who receive “And I told them that I welcome Several years ago, Laguerre was While Cecil Ramirez, a father of millions of dollars to operate a shelter. their pickets as many times as they caught submitting a phony petition to the three, characterized the proposal as Shelter costs depend on the shelter’s ar- want because I will happily stare Office of the Bronx Borough President, making “no sense for the kids,” Ous- rangement, with developers receiving them down,” de Blasio said. “We telling the office that residents of Borin- mane Diallo, a grandfather, worried daily remunerations of upwards of $100 are going to put a roof over people’s

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