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ORWOODQ EWSQ NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 Vol 32, No 10 • PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION • MAY 9-22, 2019 ORWOODQ EWSQ NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 FREE INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: HONORS FOR THREE AT BRONX WEEK DANGEROUS PARKS | PG. 4 CELEBRATION | PG. 14 THE $1 MILLION French Charley’s Dark Side MoniesPB for countdown RESULTS clocks, pothole repairs, and techARE... upgrades for district pg 3

New Anti-Gang Initiatives Settle in Five-Two | pg 8

Serve’s Up! pg 10

Photo by José A. Giralt COUNCILMAN ANDREW COHEN (left) announces the winning projects of the Participatory Budgeting vote at the Woodlawn Playground inside Van Cortlandt Park in Woodlawn on May 6. The playground will receive $400,000 for renovations.

By EMILY SUZANNE LEVER per the public through Par- safety upgrades at Wood- news conference announc- And DAVID CRUZ ticipatory Budgeting initia- lawn Playground, with no ing the projects. “However, Norwood Councilman tive. The projects add up to specific projects for Nor- Norwood, will see the effects Andrew Cohen announced $600,000, part of the $1 mil- wood, unlike years before, of district-wide street repav- on Monday that he’ll be lion the public has a direct which saw improvements to ing and countdown clock in- contributing funds for bus say in spending through the the Mosholu Public Library. stallations.” The countdown countdown clocks, pothole initiative. “No projects specific to clocks, a favorite of constitu- repairs, and technology up- The lion’s share, about Norwood were available to ents, determine the length pg 18 grades for public libraries as $400,000, will go towards vote on,” said Cohen, at a (continued on page 19) 2 • May 9-22, 2019 • Norwood News IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST Vol. 32, No. 10 Vol. 27, No. 10 NorwoodVol. News 27, No.is published 10 Assemblyman With Norwood Ties Announces Congress Bid bi-weekly on Thursdays by MosholuNorwood Preservation News Corporationis published (MPC) By DAVID CRUZ Norwood3400 Reservoir News isOval published East bi-weekly on Thursdays by The race for the 15th Congres- bi-weeklyBronx, New on ThursdaysYork 10467 by MosholuPhone: Preservation 718 324 4998Corporation Mosholu Preservation Corporation sional District seat may be more 3400Fax: Reservoir 718 324 Oval2917 East E-mail: [email protected] Reservoir Oval East than a year away, but it’s already Bronx, New York 10467 Web.:Bronx, www.norwoodnews.org New York 10467 the hottest political ticket, with another politico jumping into the Publisher Phone: 718 324 4998 Phone: 718 324 4998 race. Mosholu PreservationFax: 718 324 Corporation 2917 Assemblyman Michael Blake, E-mail: [email protected]: 718 324 2917 SeniorE-mail: Director [email protected] of MPC the 79th Assembly District represen- Melissa Web:Cebollero www.norwoodnews.org Web: www.norwoodnews.org tative for the West Bronx and the vice Executive Director of MPC chair of the Democratic National Com- Jennifer Tausig mittee, announced a run for the seat, PublisherEditor-in-Chief, NorwoodCEO, News Mosholu Publisher CEO, Mosholu MosholuDavid Cruz, Preservation [email protected] 3UHVHUYDWLRQ which will be left vacant by the long- Mosholu Preservation Corporation Corporation3UHVHUYDWLRQ time officeholder, Congressman Jose ProofreaderCorporation Corporation Editor-in-ChiefJudy Noy Roberto S. Garcia Serrano. Serrano, who was diagnosed Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia DavidInterns Cruz with Parkinson’s disease, announced StephanieDavid Cruz Garcia, Alondra Vasquez, last month that he will not seek re- Emily Suzanne Lever, Sha-Nia Alston &ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ election. DawnRegular&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ McEvoy Contributors Blake’s rollout of his announce- DavidDawn McEvoyGreene, Adi Talwar ment veered away from standard $FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH Contributors Dawn$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH McEvoy rollouts. It was made via email JoseDawn AMcEvoy. Giralt while he was in Atlanta, Ga., ac- Proofreader cording to his Twitter post. Photo courtesy Facebook JudyProofreader Noy Judy Noy “When we come together and ASSEMBLYMAN MICHAEL BLAKE is the fourth candidate to announce a run for the 3URGXFWLRQ For Display Advertising believe in the Bronx, anything is 15th Congressional District covering the South Bronx. Neil3URGXFWLRQ deMause CallNeil deMause Janet Geller at possible – for our families, for our 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV communities and for our collective i ng a n assembly ma n, Bla ke worked Other names under consider- David(646)5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV Greene, 581-0399 Adi Talwar David Greene, Adi Talwar future. With a member of Congress as a White House aide to President ation include Councilman Ritchie Interns Torres, who remains in the explor- SupportInterns Your in Washington fighting for better- Barack Obama. ShaylaCommunity Love, Paolo Newspaper! Mossetti, Justin McCallum, paying jobs, fighting for affordable “I am asking the people of the atory phase. For most candidates, andShayla Chelsea Love, George Paolo Mossetti, Justin McCallum, Theand NorwoodChelsea George News is a not-for-profi t housing, fighting for better health 15th Congressional District to give the exploratory phase usually in- publication and relies upon the support of care coverage and education for me the opportunity to be our next volves whether a prospective can- For display advertising, call (718) 324-4998. itsFor advertisers display advertising, and readers call to(718) produce 324-4998. a quality community newspaper. To support children, fighting to protect the voice in Washington, D.C. where I didate can properly finance the Supportyour paper, Yourbecome a member and receive a dignity of immigrants and our will use my federal and local ex- campaign. subscriptionSupport Your for one year. South Bronx families, and fighting perience along with my vision fo- Blake has proven to be an effec- Community Newspaper! for the funding and resources that cused on equity to represent our tive fundraiser, raising $359,748 TheSimplyCommunity Norwood mail check News Newspaper! orLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE money order for $40- to: licationNorwoodThe Norwood and News, relies News 3400 uponLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE Reservoir the support Oval of itsEast, - our neighborhoods need, we will district,” wrote Blake. during his unsuccessful run for advertisersBronx,lication NYand 10467.and relies readers upon theto produce support aof quality its accomplish extraordinary things Blake is the latest candidate New York City Public Advocate communityadvertisers newspaper.and readers To to supportproduce your a quality paper, together. I want to be that fighter in a race that’s already drawing a early this year. Though he won Norwoodcommunity News newspaper. is not responsible To support yourfor paper, becometypographical a member errors. and Opinions receive expresseda subscription in for you, which is why I have de- slew of politicos vying for the seat the Bronx, his support was con- become a member and receive a subscription forsigned one year.letters and bylined columns represent cided to run for the 15th Congres- that will be decided in a June 2020 centrated to certain sections of the thefor onesole year. opinion of the author and are not sional District in the Bronx,” primary. Bronx. Simplynecessarily mail checkthose ofor Mosholumoney order Preservation for $40 Corporation or Montefi ore Medical Center. Blake wrote to supporters. Along with Blake, Councilman With Blake running for Con- to:Simply Norwood mail checkNews, or3400 money Reservoir order forOval $40 East, Editorials represent the views of the editor For Blake, who was born at Ruben Diaz Sr. and newcomers gress, he cannot run for re-elec- Bronx,to: Norwood NY 10467. News, 3400 Reservoir Oval East, only.Bronx, The NY newspaper 10467. reserves the right to limit or refuse advertising it deems North Central Bronx Hospital and Jonathan Ortiz and Tomas Ramos tion in the Assembly (election law Norwoodobjectionable. News Advertisements is not responsible appearing for typo- lived in Bedford Park in his early have declared a run for the 15th bars candidates to run for both a graphicalinNorwood this paper errors.News cannot isOpinions not be responsible used expressed without for in typo signed- years, the prospect of running Congressional District, which state and federal seat at the same thegraphical written errors. permission Opinions of the expressed Norwood in signed letters and bylined columns represent the sole presents a major gamble. By an- spans the South Bronx. Ortiz was time). His announcement will trig- News.letters andLetters bylined to the columns editor arerepresent subject the to sole opinion of the author and are not necessarily nouncing a run, Blake will have the first to declare a run well be- ger a batch of candidates seeking condensationopinion of the authorand editing. and are Writers not necessarily should thoseinclude of theirMosholu affi liation Preservation or special Corporations interest if to not seek re-election for the seat fore Serrano had announced he to secure his Assembly seat come RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHSany.those Anonymous of Mosholu lettersPreservation are not Corporations published - he’s held since 2015. Before becom- will not be seeking the seat. 2021. resentbutRU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS your the name views can of thebe editorwithheld and/or upon publisher - only.request.resent The the newspaper views of the reserves editor and/or the right publisher to limit oronly. refuse The advertisingnewspaper it reserves deems objectionable. the right to limit Advertisementsor refuse advertising appearing it deems in this objectionable. paper cannot beMosholuAdvertisements used without Preservation theappearing written Corporation inpermission this paper is a of non-cannot Nor- Public and Community Meetings profi t support corporation of Montefi ore woodbe used News. without Letters the towritten the editor permission are subject of Nor - Medicalwood News. Center. Letters to the editor are subject to condensation and editing. Writers should COMMUNITY BOARD committee meetings are held on the following dates at the board office, 229 E. 204th St., at LQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\to condensation and editing. Writers should LQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted: Housing, Land Use & Zoning Committee meets on May 14; Executive Committee Anonymous letters are not published but your meets on May 15; Health & Human Services Committee meets on May 21; Economic Development & Long-Term Plan- nameAnonymous can be letters withheld are if not requested. published but your name can be withheld if requested. ning Committee meets on May 22; and Veterans Affairs Committee meets on May 23. 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. May 9-22, 2019 • Norwood News • 3 At French Charley’s Park, Dead Bodies Reveal Park’s Dark Side By EMILY SUZANNE LEVER, The NYPD reported 20 serious DAVID CRUZ, and DAVID GREENE crimes in Bronx Park in 2018, includ- On the morning of April 26, police ing 14 robberies and three felony as- found the body of a man who had ap- saults, up from 14 total crimes in parently hanged himself from a railing 2017. Among them was the stabbing on the stairs leading down into French of a 14-year-old boy, who was chased Charley Park, the sprawling 718-acre through the park by alleged mem- park that connects Norwood to Aller- bers of the Trinitarios gang--some of ton. He was not the first dead body to be whom were also charged in the kill- found in that park this year. ing of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman- A stone’s throw away, on the Metro- Feliz, which took place one day later. North tracks that run under the bridge During the day, a few local resi- to the park entrance on East 204th Street dents take walks through the park to and Webster Avenue., the decomposed meditate or look at the smooth green body of another man was found, his waters of the Bronx River. They body decayed and frozen. barely ever venture inside at night, Though unrelated, the two deaths when it is pitch black. Others said add to the mixed reaction of French they don’t enter the park at all. One Photo by David Greene Charley’s Park, also known as Bronx bodega owner of Webster Gourmet AN NYPD PATROL vehicle is parked at East 204th Street near the Webster Avenue Park, a sprawling green landscape with Deli at the corner of Webster Avenue entrance of French Charley’s Park in Norwood. mostly uninterrupted paths. In a way, and East 204th Street said he had Bronx Park feels like a slice of wild ro-North tracks, a gray sweatshirt and [p.m.], people are still here drinking. worked in the area for 10 years and forest between Webster Avenue and towel trampled into the mud a little The police don’t do s--t. Why the hell never set foot in it. Bronx River Parkway. The forest floor further in, and two floral quilts laid is that?” Willie, a homeless man who immi- is carpeted with violets and wildflow- out under the Mosholu Parkway over- Officers from the 52nd Precinct grated to the United States from Mex- ers. Dozens of huge fallen trees with pass bridge. Their presence wasn’t as have broken up the encampments be- ico 42 years ago, was one of the people trunks three- or four-feet thick lie on pronounced in 2017 when a full-blown fore, part of their routine patrol of the living in a Bronx Park encampment. the ground. Rabbits scamper around, encampment complete with a plastic park. The city Department of Home- He said he’d been living there for a and red-breasted robins can be seen burlap that served as a shield from less Services’ HOME-STAT teams year and that he knew the man who on the trees and turtles in the shallow, the rain was found. also visit the park at least three times had died on the train tracks in Janu- swampy ponds. “You can actually see couches and a week. It hasn’t found any encamp- ary and had seen his body. The park is not exactly untouched stuff down there,” said a resident who ments. “The raccoons were still eating by human activity. Foot-worn paths me- went by Devin as he was walking to- him,” Willie said. ander around, and the whole space run- wards Allerton. ning parallel to the Metro-North tracks Though just underneath a bridge is littered with signs of partygoers: at the southwestern end of the park cans of Axe body spray, Country Club abutting the New York Botanical soda, Smirnoff Ice, flavored vodka, Bud Garden a muddy quilt, along with a Light, Corona bottle caps, and piles of box of chicken wings and empty juice cigarette butts, and used condoms. bottles, can be spotted. It’s been known to serve as an en- “The police don’t do a thing,” said campment for the homeless, who’ve another resident who went by Be- traversed the park’s leafier terrain sim. “One told me you can’t do any- to set up makeshift beds. On a recent thing because it’s a free country. But day, signs of people living in the forest you’re not free to do anything you could be seen: a tattered jacket and mat want, come on. But they’re sleeping piled on a dead tree trunk by the Met- here. If you come here at 10 or 10:30

Photo by David Greene AN UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANT from Mexico who went by the name Willie heads into French Charley’s Park, where he has slept for the past year. 4 • May 9-22, 2019 • Norwood News INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER By DAVID GREENE Following the death of a man in French Charley’s Park, this week we asked readers their thoughts on the current state of local parks.*

This park is crack-infested, and at night all The Reservoir Oval Park is in complete I’ve been over here about nine years now. It’s Yes, this park is safe. When I wasREGEIS younger, St. James Park is beautiful, it’s very nice. the homeless people live here. The park disarray. I’ve lived here for 30 years and okay, but people are going to do what they in the 1970s, it was more drug-related. But The only thing they need to improve is they do. If you mind your business and leave other CARE CENTER is supposed to close at 10 o’clock, but instead of seeing improvement, it’s gone down today, there is hardly anything goingA fiveon. starneed facility to keep the providing bathrooms clean and at that hour it’s only the homeless who because of the gangs that come at night. Yes, people alone, you’ll be alright. I used to drink There’s still some drug activity, but not like they need more activities that we don’t sleep here and shower in the fountain. they run this park at night. No, I don’t feel and sit out hereREGEIS with everybody. I’ve been on it was. I haven’t heard of any problems.excellent have care in the incommunity. the Bronx I think it would be the ground, but I picked myself up and I’ve got This park is not safe. The police try and safe here. The lighting is pretty good, but you Yes, I see the police and they also have a better if the kids had more things to do two years clean of alcohol and drugs and I’m and Westchester areas do something, but there’s just too many don’t see many cops in here; they don’t come private security force around here. to stay out of trouble. No, I haven’t seen around at night. I walk my dog at fi ve o’clock doing good. Yes, I’ve slept here many nights in [homeless]. The police do come because I Elliott Kaufman anyone selling drugs or anything like that in the morning and there’s gangs everywhere the cold until CAREthey took me to the hospital and CENTER was issued a summons for sitting here and here. Yes, gang members, so the police need I thought it just wasn’t worth it. Yes, people Van Cortlandt Park South here. having a drink on my birthday...but they to patrol here more. The park is supposed to sleep here andA some fivehave died here startoo.Personalized A guy facility care - Skilled providing rehabilitationAngie Perez - Professional staff don’t come as often as they should. They close by law, but it doesn’t. The gangs turn froze to death here in February and one guy St. James Park need more lights and they need to fi x the over all of the garbage cans everywhere. died sitting on the bench behind me. He use to shelter system. The park was made for the They’re teenagers and most of them don’t have a pushcartexcellent and would pick up cans. The care in the Bronx kids, but the homeless have taken it over. come from this neighborhood. police come in and out at times, especially at Jose Rivera Dennis Marlin night. They need to put the gate back around French Charley’s Park Williamsbridge Oval Park the park, so peopleand won’t come Westchester and sleep out areas here at night. Delphine Sander Van Cortlandt Park, East Gun Hill Road *The name of each park corresponds with the park respondents are describing. REGEIS REGEIS Personalized care - REGEISSkilledREGEIS rehabilitationCARE CENTER - Professional staff CARECARE CENTER CENTER CAREAA five star star facility facility CENTER providingA providing five star facility providing excellentexcellent care care in the in Bronx excellentthe Bronx care in the Bronx Aandand five WestchesterWestchester star facilityareas areas providing excellent careand in the Westchester Bronx areas Personalized care - Skilled rehabilitation - Professional staff Personalized care - Skilledand rehabilitation Westchester - Professional areas staff 3200 Baychester Avenue Bronx, NY 10475

Personalized care - Skilled rehabilitationT. 718-320-3700 - F. 718-671-2554Professional staff www.regeiscarecenter.com Personalized care - Skilled rehabilitation - Professional staff

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T. 718-320-37003200 F. Baychester718-671-2554 Avenue www.regeiscarecenter.comBronx, NY 10475 3200 Baychester Avenue Bronx, NYT. 10475 718-320-3700 F. 718-671-2554 www.regeiscarecenter.com T. 718-320-3700 F. 718-671-2554 www.regeiscarecenter.com

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T. 718-320-3700 F. 718-671-2554 www.regeiscarecenter.com May 9-22, 2019 • Norwood News • 5 NEWS Home Run for Local Students BRIEFS

By ALONDRA VASQUEZ

New Bronx Bookstore The Bronx finally has its own bookstore. “The Lit. Bar,” its name serving a double-meaning for literature and the slang term, “lit” often meaning exciting, had its ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 27 in Mott Haven. The owner, Noëlle Santos, has been working on open- ing a bookstore since before Barnes Photo by David Cruz & Noble closed in Bay Plaza in 2016. STRIKING A POSE ARE (l-r) Community Board 7 member and Education Committee chair Myrna Calderon; Academy of Mount Santos, a Lehman College alumni, Ursula students Serena Montero, Selena Rodriguez, Czarina Maysonet, and Konstantina Sgolombis; Community Board 7 District told WNYC, “I carefully curate this Manager Ischia Bravo; and CB7 Chair Jean Hill. The four college-bound students were each awarded a $750 check from the New store. I make sure the inventory York Yankees Community Council Youth Leadership Award given to deserving Bronx students. Congratulations to the winners! reflects the community, which is mostly Latinx and African Amer- ican population. So, we focused on marginalized voices, people of Five-Two Aims to Quash Increased Robberies color, the LGBT community, people with disabilities, the whole range.” And Scourge of Opioid Abuse The Lit. Bar is not only a bookstore, By JOSÉ A. GIRALT abuse. In 2017, the Five-Two, in coordination people buying Xanax [commonly prescribed but also a wine bar. Two pressing issues impacting the latest with federal authorities, rounded up several for anxiety] on the street, but it’s really Fen- 52nd Precinct Community Council meeting suspects charged with running an open air tanyl.” King Accused of Impropriety took center stage: robberies and opioid over- drug street market on East 194th Street and The trend of users buying prescription There were numerous allega- dose awareness. Marion Avenue. drugs on the street has led to a significant tions brought against the chair- “Year-to-date, we have 26 more robberies “Back in the day, people would ‘cut’ jump in overdoses across the country. man of the Committee on Juvenile than 2018,” said Deputy Inspector Thomas drugs, in other words dilute them, so they As for what the public can do, Quinones Justice, Bronx Councilman Andy Alps, the Five-Two’s commanding officer. could sell more product and make more holds training sessions in the administer- King. The allegations range from “We do notice that there remain pockets of profit,” said Herbert Quinones, an over- ing of naloxone, a nasal spray that reverses sexual harassment claims, to mis- crime, like St. James Park and gang violence, dose prevention trainer for the city Depart- the effects of an opioid overdose. A few steps use of city resources, and nepo- that we see as a cause for the increase.” ment of Health & Mental Hygiene, who was must be taken to determine whether the vic- tism. This is King’s second run-in Alps also introduced seven new officers invited to speak to the audience. “Now the tim will respond to a dose of naloxone, since with alleged ethics violations. The assigned to the precinct, expressing hope problem is they [drug dealers] ‘cut’ cocaine it is meant specifically for opioid overdoses. Council’s Ethics Committee had that an increased police presence on the or heroin with Fentanyl and it’s faster to OD Those willing to be certified through the to discipline King for sexually ha- streets will help reverse the trend in rob- now.” training receive a blue card to be carried at rassing a former female staff mem- beries. They also look to quash the number According to the Drug Enforcement all times identifying them as a certified opi- ber, prompting him to undergo sen- of overdoses that continue to plague the pre- Administration’s website, “Fentanyl is a oid overdose responder and receive an over- sitivity and ethics training. King is cinct’s jurisdiction. synthetic opioid that is 80 to 100 times stron- dose rescue kit with two doses of naloxone. ger than morphine. . . [It] is added to heroin Even if some aren’t willing to undergo also accused of allowing his wife In addressing the growing number of to increase its potency, or be disguised as this training, Quinones says we can all do Neva Shillingford-King to perform overdoses, Alps mentioned that so far in 2019, officers have responded to 17 non-fatal highly potent heroin.” something to help an overdose victim. “Call “Council business.” Ethics Com- overdoses and seven that were fatal. The Another twist in the opioid crisis is that 911, tell them your location, and then tell mittee chair, Councilman Steven area of Fordham bordering Bedford Park it’s not just the hard drug user that is over- them the situation of the person,” Quinones Matteo, told the New York Times has consistently stood as a bedrock for opioid dosing. Quinones mentioned how “there are said. that King did not cooperate with the committee’s investigation and refused to be interviewed. their busy schedules to squeeze in time New Yorkers have lost nearly $2 mil- Report: Fix Playgrounds to vote. When administrating elections, lion through Social Security scams. “If There are not enough playgrounds De Blasio Earmarks $75M the BOE has provided a few voting polls you ever suspect a call to be fraudulent, across the city, and if there are, they’re For Early Voting with interpretation services but many don’t take a chance, just hang up,” said not well kept. That’s the message from Mayor Bill de Blasio is pushing people believe that they have not ex- Chief of Community Affairs Nilda Hof- city Comptroller Scott Stringer, whose the city Board of Elections (BOE) tended additional services to other poll office released a report detailing that mann, adding the NYPD has launched to accept $75 million in city funds sites. the more than 2,000 public playgrounds a public awareness campaign about to expand the number of early vot- in the city need major safety upgrades. these scammers. Many scammers use ing poll sites from 38 to 100. “We NYPD Warning on Phone Scams The report points out that the city this technique called “spoofing,” a now have a real opportunity in The NYPD is warning New York- hasn’t kept up with the increased pop- New York to strengthen our democ- technique that manipulates caller IDs ers against scam phone calls from con ulation of children and the number of racy and drive up participation in to show the names of agencies such as artists pretending to be part of the So- playgrounds that could be built to meet our elections,” said de Blasio. Pro- the Social Security Administration. the need. Stringer’s office made five cial Security Administration or an- viding early voting sites for the No- The NYPD reminds New Yorkers they recommendations, which include pro- other government agency. The NYPD vember general election can help won’t receive a call from a government viding greater funding for park main- seniors, the disabled, parents, and reported that so far in 2019 they have agency soliciting money or personal in- tenance, and honor its schoolyards to many New Yorkers who struggle in received over 200 complaints. In total, formation over the phone. playgrounds program. 6 • May 9-22, 2019 • Norwood News Ribbon Cutting Ceremony At Norwood Gardens By JOSÉ A. GIRALT tend with at the new property, unlike When the housing lottery became the neighboring Bedford Park Manor, available last spring for the Norwood a Stagg-owned property on Webster Av- Gardens, the newly-built 11-story prop- enue near Bedford Park Boulevard that erty in Norwood, Christina Donkor for years did not have a live-in super. wasn’t sure about her chances to get an Though the Bedford Park Manor had apartment. But she submitted her pa- been built in 2015--a result of the 2011 re- perwork and let the process play out. zoning of Webster Avenue--up until re- During the ribbon-cutting event on cently the building did not have a live-in April 9, Mark Stagg, CEO and founder of super, but a porter. the Stagg Group, acknowledged Donkor To complete the construction of the Photo by José A. Giralt and fellow resident Latoya Wilson who Norwood Gardens, the Stagg Group put AT A RIBBON-CUTTING ceremony for the Norwood Gardens residential building, lo- were present and praised them for their together more than 10 financing and de- cated at 410 E. 203rd St., Mark Stagg, CEO and founder of the Stagg Group, raises his hand holding a piece of blue ribbon in the Norwood section of the Bronx on April 9. perseverance during the selection pro- velopment partners including the New cess. York City Department of Housing Pres- City Department of Buildings (DOB) Some of their pre-school members en- “I’m grateful that it all worked out ervation and Development (HPD), New in 2017 after the agency found that the tertained the audience of the ribbon- because I was looking for a place like York City Housing Development Corpo- required site safety coordinator was ab- cutting event with renditions of “Twin- this,” Donkor said. ration (HDC), Chase Bank Community sent following an accident at the site that kle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “Baby The building--a modern-looking edi- Development, and Richman Housing resulted in no injuries. A DOB spokes- Shark.” fice whose neon blue and purple lights Resources. man at the time could not explain why Final rents are determined by the in- on its facade can be seen from a dis- “Getting a project like this done the company-hired coordinator, who come of applicants, but will range from tance--is located at 410 E. 203rd St. once takes many partnerships,” said Stagg. was hit with a violation, was not there. $865 per month for a studio to $1,289 per the site of an empty lot. According to “And there are always things that come The spokesman did point out at the time month for three-bedroom units. the Stagg Group, it is comprised of 118 up to delay the process.” that it was the second time a site safety Stagg said his group is “committed to affordable housing units ranging from The waiting was also hard on Wil- coordinator was absent at the site, the building high-quality housing for Bronx studios to three-bedroom apartments. son. “It was a lot of paperwork but I first being on March 9, 2017. residents,” and added that the Norwood They also announced the inclusion of knew that if I got in, it was all going to A unique feature of Norwood Gar- Gardens “not only addresses the criti- one unit for a live-in superintendent. be worth it,” she said. dens is the inclusion of a 24-hour day- cal need for affordable housing, but The inclusion of a live-in superinten- Delays were also marred by work care on its first floor meant to provide one that includes attractive amenities dent is a fight tenants won’t have to con- stoppages enforced by the New York services to children aged three to 12. to enhance our tenants’ lives.” Where Are the Early Voting Sites in the Bronx? By EMILY SUZANNE LEVER Voting is not just for Election Day anymore. New Yorkers can now vote in elections up to nine days in advance following the passage of a new early voting law by the state legislature. Prior to this measure, New York was the only state (plus Washington, D.C.) that did not offer some kind of early, absentee, or mail-in voting. The New York City Board of Elections has chosen 38 early voting sites throughout the city. New Yorkers’ first opportunity to cast early votes will be in this year’s November general election. The following early voting sites, corresponding to the numbers on the map (left) will be open in the Bronx:

1. Holy Rosary Church, 2950 Eastchester Rd. 2. St. Anthony’s Church, 4505 Richardson Ave. 3. St. Frances de Chantal Church, 190 Hollywood Ave. 4. Bronx County Supreme Court House, 851 Grand Concourse 5. Mitchell Community Center, 210 Alexander Ave. 6. Bronx River Community Center, 1619 E. 174th St. 7. Monroe College, 2501 Jerome Ave.

Norwood Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz blasted the board for low-balling the northwest Bronx. “The closest site for many residents of the [North- west] Bronx is at Monroe College,” wrote Dinowitz on Twitter. “There are many seniors [and] other people who may have trouble getting there in order to cast an early vote. Let’s do this right - we need more voting locations.” May 9-22, 2019 • Norwood News • 7 Stop Work Orders Issued at 2 of 4 New Norwood Projects 8 • May 9-22, 2019 • Norwood News New Anti-Gang Initiatives Added to Five-Two’s Arsenal

By DAVID CRUZ The presence of gangs across the 52nd Precinct’s jurisdiction has become something of a staple. While the weight of the police force can put a stopgap to gang culture that leads to arrest, the agency has ex- panded its use of anti-gang groups that, while not necessarily falling under the NYPD, have been given carte blanche to stymie gang violence. And they’ve begun to make their way to the 52nd Precinct. David Caba, program director for Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (BRAG), falling under the umbrella of Good Shepherd Services, leads the newest anti-gang initiative within the precinct’s borders. Introducing the group at the 52nd Precinct Com- munity Council, Caba said his group will be omnipresent in the Kings- bridge Heights, Fordham and Univer- sity Heights sections of the precinct, known to the Five-Two as Sector B. “You’re gonna see us walking around, up and down, mediating Photo by Adi Talwar conflicts, stopping the violence. Yes, GOOD SHEPHERD SERVICES’ Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (BRAG) team members--outreach worker Joel Richards (sec- we’re going to work with the crews ond from right), and violence interrupter Bobby Robinson (right)--talk to young people while handing out BRAG literature at St. on this side, that side, the other side,” James Park in Fordham. said Caba of BRAG employees at a 52nd Precinct Community Council meeting on March 28. “You will see back twice,” said Caba, whose of- to determine any hints of retribu- As BRAG hits the streets hoping that we’re supported in a major, ma- fice within the 52nd Precinct will be tive action by a rival gang. Specially- its message of reform resonates with jor way.” opened at 1 E. Fordham Rd. in May. trained responders are then sent out gang members, Rev. Loren Russell BRAG embraces the Cure Violence Stopping beefs from touching off to the local hospital (for BRAG, it’s is taking on a different tact similar model, created by a Chicago-based is delicate work. For Caba, recruit- St. Barnabas Hospital), where they to BRAG, relying on a contingent of epidemiologist who treated gun vio- ing from within the community is an interact with families and offer ser- federal authorities, prosecutors, and lence as if it were a disease, identify- essential component to their success. vices depending on several factors. community-based groups to spread ing carriers that can spread its gang Their firsthand experience in gang This can include whether the victim an anti-gang message to the city’s message. culture, and the understanding into is a gun owner, affiliated with a gang, more high-risk offenders. As they’ve done so across the the mindset of that culture, serves as or had done time for gang-related The program, dubbed “Ceasefire,” Bronx, BRAG’s role largely involves major tools toward quelling any vio- activity. Not all gang members take is a variation to the cure violence em- reading the terrain, catching any lent encounters. BRAG staff usually BRAG’s offer, which includes help in braced by BRAG. For Ceasefire, that hint of any reprisals shortly after a adapt their hours according to when obtaining employment, education, job involves convincing gang members to gang-related attack has occurred. gangs usually operate—mid-after- training, or mental health services reform or face stiff consequences, in- Hitting the pavement around noon into the late evening. Caba and either in the office or off-site. cluding serious jail time if convicted some gang hotspots is one aspect to his team usually adjust their hours The third day following a shooting, by a federal grand jury. the initiative. Much of BRAG’s suc- during the weekend, operating from 4 BRAG holds a demonstration with Drawing gang members into the cess—which worked well in the 46th p.m. to midnight. community stakeholders equipped program usually happens during a and 47th precincts in the last few Being proactive is the preferred with signs and a bullhorn as a way “call in,” where local precincts reach years—is credited to so-called “credi- method for BRAG, which has estab- of calling attention to the violent in- out to gang members on parole and ble messengers,” once hardened gang lished anti-gang programs at MS 15, cident. “The community has the full probation and ask them to arrive to members who have reformed, sharing East Fordham Academy of the Arts power to stop that, to reject that, to a meeting. The presentation, usually the consequences gang life has left on and Walton High School. Should a make sure that disease of violence organized every three months, often themselves and the communities they gang-related shooting happen within does not spread,” said Caba. involves a forewarning on the conse- live in and building trust. It’s that its catchment area, BRAG enters into In steering young people away quences to gang violence. hallmark that sets it apart from the first responder mode that lasts three from gangs and guns, BRAG also of- “The choice is up to them whether Police Department, taking an outsid- days. fers a free, 12-week recording studio or not they will take it. It is up to them. er’s approach to ridding street gangs. BRAG dispatches “violence inter- program funded by Councilman Fer- I ask them and I encourage them. I “They’ve been shot and sent to rupters” to the scene to assess the nando Cabrera where young people said look, ‘I am out here not because the hospital, almost died. Some even crowds, identify any known gang learn the inner workings of the music I get paid. I am out here because I love on our team have flatlined and came members that can share information industry. (continued on page 10) May 9-22, 2019 • Norwood News • 9

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Come in and Ask our doctors for more information 10 • May 9-22, 2019 • Norwood News Serve’s Up! Busted Serving Tennis and the Community at Oval Park By JOSÉ A. GIRALT Before the start of the third season of Papi Ten- nis at Williamsbridge Oval Park, its founder Daniel Arzuaga, is busy clearing the puddles left from an overnight rain. “There’s a real community aspect to tennis because it’s played all over the world,” says Arzuaga. As members of the group begin to appear on the nearly dried courts, the special bonds of the participants are clear as they hug, say hello, and laugh before the more advanced players start their serves ac- companied by grunts and yelps. “I like to think of this group as a tennis family,” Photo by José A. Giralt Arzuaga says. DANIEL ARZUAGA (foreground), founder of Papi Founded in April 2017, Papi Tennis plays on the Tennis, leads members through introductory lessons at eight courts of Oval Park and is free to all. The skill the Williamsbridge Oval Park tennis courts in the Nor- levels vary from no tennis experience to more ad- wood section of the Bronx on April 13. vanced players. On this day, three courts included singles and doubles matches with a fourth court used due mostly to social media and word-of-mouth. for beginners’ practice. Last fall, however, Arzuaga formally organized Olivia, affectionately known as the “Church Lady” the group as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit group, al- because of her work at a nearby house of worship, allowing him to apply for grants from organiza- ways wanted to play tennis but had never taken for- tions such as the United States Tennis Associa- mal lessons. “I’m so happy I found Papi Tennis. [Ar- tion (USTA). zuaga has] been so helpful to me and all the others at Organizing as a non-profit will allow the group Oval Park,” says Olivia. to expand its membership and provide rackets to In the 1970s, when Arzuaga was growing up in the those who cannot afford to buy one. Currently, Morrisania and Claremont Village neighborhoods, Papi Tennis lends the rackets and balls to those his parents considered nearby tennis courts too dan- without any equipment. gerous to play in. “It wasn’t until after my 40s that I Just as important as the business side of Papi started to play seriously,” Arzuaga says. Tennis, Arzuaga wants to ensure that the family After graduating from Yale University with a de- spirit on display today continues. He introduces gree in English, Arzuaga went on to receive his law Jason Christie, a baker who runs “The Baking degree from Boston College Law School in 1992. Room” from his home and sometimes provides While living in Dubai in 2014, in addition to play- cakes for the tennis players. “He’s an example of ing, Arzuaga started giving tennis lessons. When he how our group is a family, a network, and more Video still courtesy NYPD returned to the Bronx the following year, he noticed POLICE HAVE CUFFED Romero Rasdell (pic- than just tennis,” Arzuaga says. that the eight courts inside Williamsbridge Oval tured), charged with second degree robbery and As Arzuaga looks at the 22 members of Papi Park were never fully occupied. petty larceny related to an incident where he al- Tennis present at Williamsbridge Oval Park on a “In Manhattan, some [tennis] courts are really legedly punched a store clerk at the CS 99 Cents beautiful spring day, he remembers the first ses- Store & Plus at 368 E. Gun Hill Rd. in Norwood strict about how long you can use them. I still need sion in 2017 with the first six participants. after the clerk found he was using a fake $20 bill to take out a permit to play [in Oval Park], but it’s a “I always knew I wanted to make this group a to buy a bag of shirts. Police say the incident hap- more relaxed atmosphere,” says Arzuaga. tennis family. A place where everyone feels like pened on April 28 at around 3:30 p.m. The first two years of Papi Tennis’ growth was they belong,” Arzuaga says. New Anti-Gang Initiatives Added to Five-Two’s Arsenal (continued from page 8) those affiliated to the client’s gang Russell estimates more than 80 per- Reynoso, who they said was the leader you.’ I really do, and I don’t want to members. cent have embraced the services. The of “Dominicans Don’t Play,” for order- see any of them go to jail,” said Rus- The offer of employment worked rates of homicide have dropped. Last ing the shooting intended for members sell. in one instance, according to Russell. year, homicides dropped 38 percent of the Trinitarios. Siri-Reynoso was Ceasefire’s secondary component “[H]e came while we were talking to and shootings decreased 13.4 percent sentenced to life in prison. Meantime, lies in community-based groups offer- his mother on the phone. He came compared to 2017. Russell conducted White’s funeral ser- ing immediate services or resources in and we gave him the message. He While gang violence is often among vices. in the way of jobs or free education was very receptive to it. I asked him, members, there are some bystand- “She got killed because somebody to selected gang members. Ceasefire ‘What to do need?’ He said, ‘I need a ers, including Jessica White, a Mott was shooting at somebody else and she clients identified within the 52nd job.’’’ Haven woman killed by a stray bullet jumped in the way to save her children Precinct receive a customized letter The NYPD does not track the recid- while protecting her kids from a gang- and she caught a bullet right in the offering the services/resources that ivism rate of participants who have related shootout in June 2016. Federal heart. I don’t want to see that anymore,” applies not only to the clients, but gone through the program, though authorities later charged Stiven Siri- said Russell. “I am tired of that.” May 9-22, 2019 • Norwood News • 11 12 • May 9-22, 2019 • Norwood News

PART 5 OF 5 The Fail-Safe Fight Against Obesity The Norwood News, WFUV Radio, and BronxNet Television complete their five-part series focusing on health-related struggles impacting the Bronx.

Photo courtesy St. Barnabas Health System ST. BARNABAS HOSPITAL in Belmont, houses the Center for Weight Loss Surgery.

By DAVID CRUZ “It’s definitely not going to be cured by Jennifer Hernandez, 43, of Soundview surgery. It’s a lifestyle, and education, and faced a brick wall when it came to los- understanding of all the possible reasons ing weight. At 248 pounds, Hernandez at- why people end up in this situation. It’s tempted to reverse the outcome for her obe- multi-factorial, and it’s not simple,” said sity, a disease that’s often a nexus to even Dr. Nahmias. Bariatric surgical proce- more debilitating conditions such as heart dures can help prevent, slow the progres- disease or diabetes. sion of, or even reverse certain obesity- And so it goes for the 28 percent of Bronx related conditions, by restricting the size residents considered obese, according to of the stomach. In some ways, the sleeve the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s procedure resets the clock, allowing those 2015 Health Rankings. Stubborn obesity who were once deemed obese to eat the genes can be the culprit, with poor eating kinds of nutritious foods that won’t tip the habits, lack of exercise, and poor sleep the scales. At his center, Dr. Nahmias and his engines to obesity. team offer patients who weigh up to 350 “I tried a lot, and I wasted a lot of pounds a minimally invasive way to trans- money,” said Hernandez of the variety form their lives. of diets she adopted, adding that eating In September, Hernandez underwent smaller food quantities just couldn’t do it. the procedure. Today, she’s at 164 pounds So even after all the rigorous dieting with a goal of coming down to 140 pounds. and exercise, Hernandez, who makes her In some ways, obesity’s headstrong living as a school bus driver in the bor- nature can be attributed to the variety of ough, couldn’t make dieting work any- genes inherited in families that slow down more. one’s metabolism, presenting surgery as “The gain was still there,” said Her- the only viable option. nandez, who was referred to her primary “Many people have inherited genes that care doctor to consider sleeve surgery, promote being overweight,” said Dr. Nah- where surgeons dramatically reduce the mias. “On top of that, cheap, calorie-dense, size of a stomach by removing large sec- but nutrient-deficient food is readily avail- tions of it altogether. able to everyone, especially in a food desert “Your stomach is not what it used to like in the Bronx. “Stress, sedentary life- be,” said Hernandez, estimating that at styles, and sleep problems add to the risk. least 80 percent of her stomach was re- It’s a perfect storm for weight gain.” moved. Hernandez is now a pescatarian, fore- There was some homework on Hernan- going chicken and beef meals to only con- dez’ part, including quitting smoking and sume fish. It’s a lifestyle she hopes Bronx reducing the size of her liver by cutting residents can embrace. But it’s not for ev- out alcohol. The idea was for Hernandez’ eryone, according to Hernandez. surgeon, Dr. Nissin Nahmias, director of “If you don’t have that mindset of this- the Center for Weight Loss Surgery at St. is-what-I-want and I’m going to do it, it’s sad Barnabas Hospital Health System in Bel- to say, but you’re going to fail again,” said mont, and his team to get to her stomach. Hernandez. “You’re wasting your time.” May 9-22, 2019 • Norwood News • 13

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UFT Bronx Fair police officers at the Summer Youth United Federation of Teachers Police Academy. The program and NYC Department of Education is free, runs five days a week for Bronx office hosts a fair at the UFT six weeks, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learning Center, 2500 Halsey St., Classes include lectures, role play- May 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p. m., for ing, and demonstrations in the ar- students and families highlight- eas of law, behavioral science, drug ing agencies, colleges, and vendors prevention and gang resistance. Ap- to assist students with special ser- plications are due May 31. For more vices and options when going from information, call (718) 312-5079 or high school to college or the world email [email protected]. of work. Events include meeting with professionals and student Right to Counsel workshops. For more information, Right to Counsel (RTC)—which call (866) 509-5921. assigns a free attorney to those sued for eviction in housing court Free Workshops at NYPL and in NYCHA termination of ten- The West Farms Library, 2085 ancy hearings and who are income Honeywell Ave., holds two free eligible—is available to tenants who workshops: Personal Budgeting live in Bronx zip codes 10457, 10467, on May 11 and Credit Scores and and 10468. If a tenant is not income- Loans on May 25, both from 11 a.m. eligible, they have the right to a to 1 p.m. For more information and one-off legal consultation or advice for required RSVP, call (718) 579- session. Tenants facing eviction or 6990. harassment from management can call Nova Lucero at the Northwest Free Diabetes Workshops Bronx Community & Clergy Coali- Montefiore is hosting the follow- tion for support at (917) 952-5494. ing free workshops on managing diabetes: Montefiore Medical Group, Crime Victims Support 2532 Grand Concourse, 3rd floor Crime Victims Support Ser- conference room, on May 16 from vices, a 501(c)3 group at 1138 Neill 4 to 6 p.m.; and Co-op City Commu- Ave., offers victims help in navi- nity Center, 177 Dreiser Loop, 2nd gating the criminal justice system. floor (room 8), on May 20 from 3 to Free confidential services include 5 p.m. For more information, call claim assistance, case follow-up, (866) 996-6683. crisis counseling, and victim advo- cacy. The group accepts donations. Become a Home Health Aide For more information, call (718) Home Health Aide certification 823-4925. can be earned in one month (no high school diploma or equivalent Free Legal Services is required) at the SUNY Bronx Ed- for Immigrants ucational Opportunity Center, 1666 Low-income immigrants can Bathgate Ave. Applicants must be receive free legal advice from vol- able to pass a background check and unteer attorneys through the New a drug screening. Register Monday York State Liberty Defense Proj- or Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 ect and Catholic Charities of the a.m. at http://bronxeoc.org/regis- Archdiocese of New York. For more ter for tuition free training. Class information, visit CatholicCha- starts May 13. For more informa- ritiesNYProBono.org or call (800) tion, call (718) 530-7000. 566-7636. If you are interested in volunteering, visit catholicchari- Job Fair tiesny.org. The Bronx Educational Oppor- tunity Center, 1666 Bathgate Ave., Free Bird Walks hosts a job fair on May 17 from 10 Free bird walks are offered ev- a.m. to 2 p.m. Representatives in ery Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. the fields of health care, adminis- through July 20 at the Van Cort- trative, and customer service will landt Nature Center. Bird watch- be on hand. Professional dress is ers can look for various species of recommended. Bring resumes. For residents and migrants and discuss more information, call (718) 530- a wide range of avian topics. For 7000. more information, email Joseph McManus at mcmnaus638@aol. Summer Youth Police Academy com. No registration necessary. Young people between the ages No limit. Free, thanks to grant by of 10 and 15 can sign up to train with Councilman Andrew Cohen. 18 • May 9-22, 2019 • Norwood News

Compiled by JUDY NOY EDITOR’S PICK Bronx Week Parade The public is invited to join the free Bronx Week Parade on Sunday, May 19 which closes out a week of borough activities and events. Marchers stroll along Mosholu Parkway from Hull Avenue starting at 11:30 a.m. to Van Cortlandt Avenue. Invited are celebrities, marching bands, File photo community organizations, schools, sports teams and EXPECT COMMUNITY BOARD 7 members to march up Mosholu Parkway North civic groups. The parade is followed by a Food & Arts for the annual Bronx Week Parade happening May 19, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Festival offering food for purchase, hand-crafted and The viewing section can be found at Mosholu Parkway North and Van Cortlandt specialty items, free health screenings and health insurance Avenue East. information. For more information on the week’s events, d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m. in the Havana Café); and visit www.ilovethebronx.com Hip Hop Fever, May 18 (tickets: $45 to $60); Bronx River Art Center (BRAC), 1087 E. Tremont both at 8 p.m. For more information, call (718) Ave., presents River Rising, through June 960-8833. 30, featuring an exposition of science, art and technology, located in Starlight Park. For more Onstage reserve, call (718) 960-7796. Events information, call (718) 589-5819. Lehman College’s Center for the Performing The Museum of Bronx History, 3266 Bainbridge Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Join the Bronx River Flotilla on May 18 (rain Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd., W., presents Ave. (208th Street), presents A History of the Rd., presents free, Rumpelstiltskin, musical date June 1). For more information regarding time Andy Montanez and Victoria Sanabria, May Bronx Latino, ongoing. Hours: Saturdays 10 presented by the Department of Music, and to paddle at this fundraising event, call (718) 11 (tickets: $65 to $85; $100/VIP; VIP tickets a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. For more Multimedia, Theatre and Dance, May 11 at 11 430-4602. include best seats and preconcert wine and hors information, call (718) 881-8900. a.m. and 2:30 p.m. For more information and to Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez holds open house for her new offi ce at 2018 Williamsbridge Library Events Rd., May 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Refreshments will be served. For more information and for Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., Intern & Earn required RSVP, call (718) 409-0109. presents for children: Art Thursdays at 4 p.m.: (ages 5 to 12), arts & crafts, May 9, 16 and $ The 52nd Precinct holds brunch on May 24 23; fi lm: (ages to 12 years), May 14 at 4 p.m.; up to 3,800! from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Monroe College, BLC Green Team; (ages 5 to 12), to work on 2501 Jerome Ave. Tickets are $15. For more indoor greenhouse garden growing vegetables Register Now! Program begins July 2019. information, call Community Affairs at (718) 220- and fl owers, May 15 at 4 p.m.; and STEM 5824. Explorers: (ages 5 to 12 years), for hands-on science experiment, May 17 at 4 p.m. Adults can Community Board 7 holds brunch for attend: Computer Basics: May 14 at 2 p.m.; veterans at Lehman College, 250 Bedford Pk. and fi lm: “Marty,” May 18 at 2:30 p.m. For more Blvd., W., May 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. For information, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit more information, call (718) 933-5650. www.nypl.org.

Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. 252nd Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., offers for St. in Riverdale, offers Family Art Projects: children: Crafty Fridays: (ages 5 to 12), crafts, Restore and Re-story the Land, to tell your May 17 at 3 p.m.; Toddler Storytime: (ages 18 plant story, learn about land restoration, and months to 3 years), interactive stories, action create a story mobile of your favorite nature songs, fi ngerplays, and crafts, May 16, 20 and 23 spot using natural materials and paper cut- at 11 a.m.; and STEM: Kids Science: (ages 5 to outs, May 11 and 12; and BioBlitz Myths & 12), Air/Gravity, May 14 and 21 at 3 p.m. Adults The INTERN & EARN program oers job readiness Imaginary Species for Biodiversity Day, to fi nd can enjoy: fi lm: “Aquaman,” May 18 at 1:30 p.m.; make-believe animals and plants that may and Knitting Circle: Thursdays at 3 p.m. For more training and educational workshops, along with a variety just exist and create your own species using information, call (718) 882-8239. of internship placements in all employment sectors for upcycled electronic parts and other recycled young adults ages 17-24, living within the 5 boroughs materials, May 18 and 19; both in the WH Jerome Park Library, 118 Eames Place (near House, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grounds admission Kingsbridge Road, offers for children: fi lm: (ages with priority given to Bronx residents. is free until noon Tuesdays and Saturdays all 5 to 12), May 18 at 2 p.m. Adults can attend: year. For more information and a schedule of Computer Basics at noon: May 16 and 23. For For more information, Call (718) 652-0282 events including tours and walks, call (718) more information, call (718) 549-5200. 549-3200. Educational Counseling Center HAPPY MOTER’S DAY TO ALL OUR MOM Mosholu Monte ore Community Center Exhibits READERS! 3512 Dekalb Avenue, Bronx, New York 10467 718-652-0282 | www.mmcc.org The Museum of Bronx History, 3266 NOTE: Items for consideration may be mailed to Bainbridge Ave., presents exhibition, The our offi ce or sent to norwoodnews@norwoodnews. Bronx Goes to the Movies, through Oct. 6. org, and should be received by May 13 for the next For more information, call (718) 881-8900. publication date of May 23. May 9-22, 2019 • Norwood News • 19 $1M in PB Results Are… (continued from page 1) suburban-esque enclave in Cohen’s of time they have to wait for an MTA district, manage to drum up the bus to arrive. most support for such a project? The The announcement marks the answer lay in old fashioned commu- resolution of the 11th Council Dis- nity organizing, according to Anne trict’s Participatory Budgeting pro- Barbano, a Woodlawn resident, who cess, commonly called PB, which rounded up support for safety up- kicked off in July 2014. The prac- grades. tice, developed in Sao Paulo, Brazil “I don’t have young kids any- in a bid to involve disenfranchised more, but there are lots of young communities in the city budget and moms in here,” said Barbano. “The infrastructure development, first park is very busy and anything they came to New York City in 2011. could do to enhance it would be a The process goes back to the sum- great help.” mer of 2018. Residents of the district The topic was discussed at the lo- attended public meetings and work- cal civic group Woodlawn Taxpay- shops over the course of several ers Association meeting, with signs months, developing proposals for posted across the neighborhood en- capital projects—meaning building couraging residents to vote at PS 19. or repairing physical infrastruc- “[W]e really pushed it,” said Bar- ture, such as roads, bridges, schools bano, adding that the neighborhood or parks—funded by their Council mobilized, competing with nearby member’s discretionary funds. Riverdale, also falling in the 11th Council members are given a Council District. The fear, according total of $5 million in capital funds to Barbano, was that “Riverdale’s go- each year, offering residents to de- ing to get everything.” cide how 20 percent of those funds, Time constraints often keep resi- or $1 million, can be spent. Funding dents from taking part in the initia- of these projects—which were ulti- tive. But it doesn’t mean they don’t mately reviewed by city agencies to have an opinion on community im- determine their feasibility—will au- provements. The Norwood News tomatically be adopted in the Fiscal spoke to Norwood residents about Year 2020 Budget. what capital improvements they In a way, the initiative also lifts would have wanted to see had they the burden of crafting ideas from been able to weigh in. Council members, offering that In Norwood, residents had their chance to the public, who can of- own ideas of what Participatory fer a different kind of perspective. Budgeting funds can do for their There was a total of 2,500 votes col- neighborhood. One resident named lected online and through regular, Victor welcomed pothole repairs for in-person voting that Cohen’s office the district, adding the area of Bain- received. “It's not really so much the bridge Avenue and East Gun Hill voting as the idea generation. If it's a Road, which underwent a massive good idea, I'm gonna find a way to do sewer upgrade project that left the it,” Cohen said. roadway in bad shape, is in need of Following a weeklong voting pe- repairs. “It messes with your car,” riod, in which any resident of the Victor said. district aged 11 and over can vote Tarik Hamilton, 31, did not vote on their top five projects, 10 projects but wants to see funds earmarked were proposed. for a youth center so “we could go The proposed projects in the 11th play ball and exercise." Council District included school li- A youth center is on the mind of brary upgrades in Kingsbridge and Danny Perez, 46, a Norwood resi- Spuyten Duyvil, improvements to dent, who hopes funds can go to- the dog run at Seton Park, security wards improving lighting condi- cameras for PS 37 in Spuyten Duyvil, tions at Bronx Park, also known traffic calming and road safety mea- as French Charley’s Park. “During sures in Woodlawn Heights, and the summertime, you don’t want to street repaving and countdown be there with your kids. It’s crazy clocks for buses throughout the dis- down there. They need to fix that,” trict. The proposed project sites were said Perez, a Norwood resident concentrated largely in Riverdale, since 1991. Spuyten Duyvil and Woodlawn. Sha-Nia Alston contributed to this But how did Woodlawn, a quiet report __

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