NOVEMBER 21-DECEMBER 4, 2019 Nvol

Proudly Serving Bronx Communities Since 1988 3URXGO\6HUYLQJ%URQ[&RPPXQLWLHV6LQFHFREE 3URXGO\6HUYLQJ%URQ[&RPPXQLWLHV6LQFHFREE 0UQ\YLK*VUZ[Y\J[PVU>VYRLYZ - 5.875” wideORWOOD by 7.0568”Q high EWSQ 3/4 Page NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 ORWOODQ EWSQ Vol 32, No 23 • PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION • NOVEMBER 21-DECEMBER 4, 2019 NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 FREE HSSV[OLY(JJPKLU[=PJ[PTZ We Fight forSPECIAL the Money REPORT You Deserve Regardless of Your Immigration Status *VUZ[Y\J[PVU >VYRWSHJL(JJPKLU[Z*HY ;Y\JR(JJPKLU[Z ,SL]H[VY,ZJHSH[VY(JJPKLU[Z5LNSPNLU[)\PSKPUN:LJ\YP[`:SPW;YPW -HSSZTHE VANISHING HOMEOWNER 4LKPJHS4HSWYHJ[PJL5\YZPUN/VTL5LNSPNLUJL 7VSPJL)Y\[HSP[`*P]PS9PNO[Z=PVSH[PVUZ Our GUARANTEE 1/2 Page - 5.875” wide by 4.6875”7KHUHLV1 high O FEE 8QOHVV:H:LQ1/4 Page - Vertical 2XU¿UPKDVUHFRYHUHGRYHU2.8542” wide by 4.6875” high One Hundred Million Dollars LQYHUGLFWVDQGVHWWOHPHQWV IRURXUVDWLV¿HGFOLHQWV Bronx homes, purchased by LLCs or FREEoutright CONSULTATION demolished, pose threat to wealth-building housing&DOO+RXUVD'D\'D\VD:HHN market for owner-occupants

Photo by Adi Talwar THE PROPERTY ONCE situated at 265 E. 203rd St., builtRecent in 1920, was Recoveries recently torn down several for months Clients after developer Peter Fine purchased the home.

By DAVID ConstructionCRUZ 203rd Street, Accident an aged rooming home came down the sameTruck time neighborhood, Accident goes, slipping idents in the borough fail to keep At the Bedford MosholuPolice Com- Misconducthome owned by Arian Borici up as 3008 Perry Ave.,Elevator just a few away Accident from the neighborhood up with rising housing costs, munity Association (BMCA) until 2017, according to build- houses down, was bulldozed. once remembered. For Stronc- while black 1/8 and Hispanic Page fami- 1/4meeting inPage October, its president,- HorizontalCar Accidenting records. In a few years, an There, what wasSlip once & a 3-story Fall zer,Accident who’s lived in the neighbor- lies have a hard time getting Barbara Stronczer, announced eight-story apartment building home will be replaced with an hood for 2.8542” decades, the trend wide below-interest by 2.2625” loans. Now, high since 5.875”the news with wide some resigna- by 2.2625”Ifwill You rise, thanks Can’t high to the neigh-Come8-story, to 33-unit US...We’ll property. gan Come after the 2011 to rezoning. You! And the 2008-2009 foreclosure crisis, tion: another private home came borhood’s decades-old zoning To the detriment of BMCA, it’s nothing she’s ever seen. a wave of buyers, from individ- down Wein the neighborhood. speak Spanish,laws that allow for tallerRussian, build- it’s another Chinese, home that’s gone to Hebrew,In the Bronx, traditionalPolish ual “house & flippers”Creole to investors This time it happened([SHQVHVSD\DEOHXSRQFRQFOXVLRQRIFDVH3ULRUUHVXOWVGR at 208 ings across the community’s developers, as the story of Bed- homeQRWJXDUDQWHHDVLPLOLDURXWFRPH ownership has always and developers,1/12 are snappingPage up E. Mosholu Pkwy. S. near East intricately tight streets. The ford Park, built as a suburban faced challenges:2.8542” Incomes wide of res- by(continued 1.6875” on page high14) 9(:205 29,405:337 RASKINOver 50 Years Of & Personal KREMINS, Injury Law Experience LLP1/16 Page /VER9EARS/F#OMBINED0ERSONAL)NJURY,AW%XPERIENCEs/VER-ILLION$OLLARS2ECOVEREDFOR/UR#LIENTS2.8542” wide by 1.125” high www.raskrem.com %URDGZD\ WKÀ 1HZ

Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUHMosholu Preservation Corporation is a MedicalQRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH Center. Medical Center. November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News • 3 4 • November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers their plans for Thanksgiving, what’s on the menu, and how they hope to spend the day.

Well, my plans are to visit my sister, her I’ll probably be at home. Yes, I hope I am going to my auntie’s house. It’s a I’m lucky enough to have a lot of friendsREGEIS This year I will be going to visit my cousin husband and family, and my other sister to be eating on Thanksgiving Day; my pretty long ride, but I get to see the whole and family that invite me to join them at her new apartment. It will be her fi rst and her husband and family up in White vegan Thanksgiving with Portobello family and I’m thankful for that. My aunt is on that special day, so I will be house-CAREtime CENTER having family over. I’m looking Plains. I’ll have some turkey and watch the mushrooms and cranberry-orange relish a great cook and everyone helps with the hopping and I’m looking forward toA putting ﬁve starforward facility to seeing providing the family as well as football game. It’s either Dallas or Detroit. and caulifl ower rice and a glass of grape side dishes thatREGEIS are delicious. My favorite smiles on the faces of the people excellentI care having care turkey, in mashedthe Bronx potatoes, and And of course will have all the trimmings. juice. And will have a great time, no matter is cranberry sauce with turkey. about. I usually look forward to the turkey, gravy. Thinking back, Thanksgiving was Robert Rowe what we do. Harley Ayala but seeing how I recently turned vegan,and I’mWestchester the only time I cried areas while stationed in Iraq. Morrisania Lisa-Marie Mulligan Throggs Neck looking forward to my mother’s homemade It’s certainly good to be home. Bedford Park CARE CENTERbaked mac and cheese. I am thankful Chris Perkins for making another year, considering Norwood PersonalizedThanksgiving care is a day- Skilled after my birthday rehabilitation - Professional staff A ﬁve starthis facility year. providing Charlies Starting excellent careFormer Fordham in Resident the Bronx and Westchester areas

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T. 718-320-3700 F. 718-671-2554 www.regeiscarecenter.com November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News • 5 Bronx Residents Air Out Grievances on NEWS Proposed Express Bus Cuts By JOSÉ A. GIRALT BRIEFS Hundreds of residents in the Bronx turned out at a town hall meeting in Riverdale to let MTA representatives, Torres Donors led by Craig Cipriano, acting president In his pursuit to win the 15th for the MTA Bus Company, know that Congressional District seat, service cuts to express bus service to Councilman Ritchie Torres is Manhattan is unacceptable. facing intense pressure to re- Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz mod- turn campaign donations from erated the Nov. 18 meeting with Council- a billionaire known for making man Andrew Cohen, both of whom rep- racist remarks. In a joint state- resent Norwood, to discuss prospective ment by several pro-immigrant cuts to Express bus service that include groups, including Make the the BxM4 that goes to Manhattan. In the Road New York and VOCAL-NY, MTA’s final bus network redesign report, the BxM4, among four other lines, Torres was called out for accept- is included on the list of “least finan- ing $11,200 in donations from Photo by José A. Giralt cially efficient,” and is proposed to have A TOWN HALL meeting on proposed service cuts to MTA Express bus routes into Dan Loeb, a billionaire who its service cut on weekends. The bus Manhattan draws hundreds to the meeting on Nov. 19. once said that State Senate Ma- will also run every half hour, but end jority Leader Andrew Stewart- service at 7:30 p.m. instead of 10:30 p.m. The MTA has also identified the in and out of Manhattan. To cut off Cousins has done “more damage Edgar Ramos, chair of Community BxM2, which traverses the entire Riv- southbound at three o’clock is cruel to people of color than anyone Board 7’s Traffic &Transportation Com- erdale neighborhood north to south and totally unacceptable,” she said. who has ever donned a hood” mittee who was present at the meeting, into Manhattan, as a least efficient The meeting was part of a public referencing the Ku Klux Klan. sees the reduction of Express bus service route in the borough. According to outreach effort by the MTA shortly af- Assemblyman Michael Blake, as having a spill-over effect into subway the MTA’s final bus redesign report, ter its release of the final redesign re- another challenger in the 15th service that is already overcrowded. the BxM2 has a fare box recovery ra- port. The state-operated agency looks “Early in the morning—that 4 train, tio of “30 percent or less, indicating to vote on a plan before changes are Congressional District race, has that D train—you don’t have seats as it that they are highly subsidized and implemented in mid-2020. More out- also pressed Torres to return is and [the MTA] is trying to eliminate costly to operate.” That means the reach events are scheduled. the money, calling the accep- options for people trying to get down to MTA has to find other sources of reve- MTA representatives reminded tance “outrageous.” Torres told the city which I don’t think is going to be nue beyond fare collection as a means the crowd there’s more time to voice the Daily News, “[N]one of us… helpful to the community,” Ramos said. to maintain a route. The agency is concerns and that they are still recep- should ever be defined by one Ramos also announced to the crowd now peeling back service, ending it at tive to feedback from local communi- comment we made in our lives.” that they could make their voices heard 3 p.m. ties impacted by these proposals. again on Nov. 26 when CB7 holds a meet- One person speaking at the meet- When Dinowitz pointed out the SCOTUS Reviews DACA ing at the Bronx Library Center with ing directed her comments to the strong turnout on a rainy evening he The U.S. Supreme Court is MTA officials present to hear from resi- MTA representatives and described reminded the MTA, “People in our now hearing arguments over dents. There’s also a meeting scheduled the cuts as “draconian.” “We moved community care, they show up, they for Nov. 25 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Nor- into Riverdale because we were prom- come out, and we want to make sure whether the Trump Administra- wood’s Mosholu Parkway station. ised to have good transportation that the right outcome takes place.” tion had the right to terminate the Deferred Action for Child- hood Arrivals policy, which al- who police say are members of the said the decision averts a financial di- County, Bronx County, and the State lows undocumented immigrants Trinitarios, is supporting a bill that saster for merchants operating in the of Florida. The Dutchess County com- to stay in the United States if would create a pilot program that 161st Street Business Improvement ponent of the case centered around they arrived to the country pays back small businesses for the District. several businesses in Poughkeepsie, when they were children. About cost of buying and installing a panic “As I have always said, if you want including a pizzeria, café, and barber- 30,000 DACA recipients, also button system that automatically con- to do business in the Bronx, you have shop. Kareem Devaughn, Sean Will- known as “DREAMers” live nects to the NYPD in case of emer- to do business with the Bronx,” said ingham, and Jamal Wimbus, all from in New York City. A decision gency. Lesandro was killed outside Diaz. the Bronx, face charges. from the high court on DACA a bodega in Belmont. His mother, is expected somewhere between Leandra Feliz said the bill drafted Bronx-Linked Drug Bust Lion Lady Arrested January and June 2020. Mayor by Bronx Councilman Mark Gjonaj, Attorney General Letitia James Police have finally caught up to the Bill de Blasio said supporters of “could save lives.” Eligible bodegas and the New York State Police an- so-called “Lion Lady,” weeks after a DACA are in a “strong position,” must be open seven days a week and nounced a 168-count indictment viral video showed her jumping over believing the Supreme Court operate 24 hours a day. charging nine people, including three the lion exhibit at the Bronx Zoo to get Justices are “more attuned to from the Bronx, for their roles in an closer to the wild animal. Myah Au- what the American people are Yankees Merch alleged cocaine and methamphet- try, 30, was charged with two counts thinking than maybe we all ad- The New York Yankees, Nike and amine smuggling operation, seizing of criminal trespassing for entering mit. Major League Baseball reversed a more than four pounds of cocaine, the exhibit. She was arrested on Nov. policy it was about to implement that one pound of methamphetamine pills, 6 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center after Panic Button Bill would have kept longtime mom-and- three loaded handguns, and two high- calling detectives to reveal where she The mother of Lesandro “Ju- pop stores near Yankee Stadium from capacity ammunition feeding devices. would surrender, according to WNBC. nior” Guzman-Feliz, who was selling Yankee merchandise. Bronx The year-long probe netted alleged Autry has since been banned from en- brutally murdered last year by Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. dealers and traffickers in Dutchess tering the zoo. 6 • November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News

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Photo by David Greene THE CHASE BANK at 3169 Bainbridge Ave. underwent quick renovations shortly after its neighboring branch at East 204th Street closed. It’s Official: Norwood Business Strip Down to Two Full-Service Banks

By DAVID GREENE walked away with the thought of hav- Bainbridge Avenue to two. While the bule can still be accessed by custom- After having made an announce- ing to walk up Bainbridge Avenue in Bank of America branch at the cor- ers. ment several months ago about closing, winter’s sleet and snow. ner of East 204th Street and Perry After repeated questioning, Chase the Chase Bank branch at 311 E. 204th Residents east of East 204th Street Avenue officially closed a few months declined to discuss the decision for the St. shut its doors on Oct. 22. It would must now traverse the block-and- ago, their ATM machines in the vesti- closure, or if any layoffs took place. have celebrated its 14th year of busi- a-half up a steep incline to another ness in the neighborhood next month. Chase branch at 3169 Bainbridge Ave., Residents now see only two full-service where the main teller and customer banks open in the business strip. service section of the bank were tem- WE b One longtime Chase customer porarily closed on Oct. 25 as nearly claimed the bank did tell customers a dozen workers were observed rip- that they would be closing at the end of ping out walls and tearing out light SMC October. The Norwood News reported fixtures. The bank’s ATM machines on the bank’s impending closure over were open to customers, and after the summer. a quick remodeling of the bank, the Another customer recalled the branch was reopened in early Novem- “verbal warning,” recalling but admit- ber. There is another Chase location ted to never receiving a date. The long- at 3408 Jerome Ave. time resident said of the closing, “It’s The Chase branch still open on unfortunate, because [the location] Bainbridge Avenue joins the Capital was so convenient.” The customer One Bank at 3159 Bainbridge Ave., added, “Going to the other bank could putting the number of full-service take me out of my way, but it depends banks in the Norwood business dis- on which way I’m coming from.” She trict adjoining East 204th Street and TOURING TUESDAY'S December 3rd, January 7th & 28th, February 11th from 9am - 11am

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Photo by David Greene A SIGN AT the now-closed Chase Bank branch at 311 E. 204th St. encourages customers to visit the branch at 3169 Bainbridge Ave. Stop Work Orders Issued at 2 of 4 New Norwood Projects 8 • November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News CRIME FILE By DAVID CRUZ

Stabbing Near denied by a store employee. The sus- last seen wearing a blue hoodie, dark his late teens to early 20s, and was Mosholu Library pect then produced a knife, demand- pants, and dark shoes. The second last seen wearing dark long sleeves An argument between two men in ing cash. The employee took $150 out suspect is described as Hispanic, in and dark shorts. front of the Mosholu Library ended of the register and gave it to the per- with one of the men stabbed. The in- petrator who then took off. The em- cident happened on Oct. 21 at around ployee was not hurt. The alleged thief 5:40 p.m. when the library was still was described as dark skinned, and open, according to police. The 25- last seen wearing a dark blue hoodie year-old victim got into an argument with USA and an American flag with a man that escalated into a phys- thereon, dark pants and dark shoes. ical confrontation, which then led to the victim getting stabbed in the ab- domen. The attacker took off on foot, heading north on Bainbridge Avenue. The victim, meantime, was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital and was listed in serious condition. The 52nd Precinct has since tweeted a wanted photo of the suspect. A police source Anyone with information in regard to these incidents is asked to call the NYPD’s said the suspect (below) is known Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA to officers. He is described as dark (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging on to the CrimeStoppers skinned and wearing glasses. website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM, or on Twitter @ NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential. Health Ofﬁ cial Spreads the Word on Fentanyl as the Drug Keeps Killing People Train Attack In a sign the opioid crisis is illegally on the street. Cops are on the hunt for a man still affecting the neighborhoods “We’re finding that all kinds (above) who attacked a woman on surrounding Norwood, a second of drugs are being laced with it board a northbound #5 subway train overdose prevention presenta- [fentanyl],” said Liebovitz. In the at the 180th Street station on Oct. 22 tion was given within the last latest published report by the at around 5 p.m. when the two got six months at the 52nd Precinct New York City Health Depart- into an argument. The spat soon be- Community Council meeting. ment for the first quarter of 2019, came physical, with the man punch- The presenter this time, Gavi there were 331 overdose deaths ing the victim about the body. The Liebovitz, a drug awareness and citywide. More than 80 percent woman left the train, while the per- overdose prevention coordina- of those involved opioids. petrator stayed, according to police. tor, presented a slideshow ex- Within the borough, the South The victim was treated for injuries at plaining how to help someone Bronx has the highest rate of the scene. The suspect is described as who has overdosed on an opioid. overdoses with 50 to 59.9 deaths white, 40 to 50 years old, 5’ 8” tall and As popular as opioids, an as- per 100,000 residents. The north- 140 pounds. He was last seen wearing sortment of different painkillers, west Bronx has 20 to 29.9 deaths a blue zippered jacket, dark pants and has become, it is the introduc- per 100,000 residents. dark shoes. tion of fentanyl, a synthetic form Although the Bronx is only of painkiller that has increased the fourth most populous bor- Elderly Man Beatdown greatly the amount of people dy- ough, it led the city in overdose The NYPD needs help identifying from overdoses. Originally deaths from January to March ing two young men (shown top right) prescribed to people at the end of of 2019 with 84. wanted for beating a 70-year-old man their life and very rarely, fenta- Opioid prevention programs on board Jrome Avenue’s Mosholu nyl has found its way into illegal like the one Liebovitz conducts, Parkway subway station. Police say it drug trafficking. seeks to get everyday New York- happened on Oct. 20 around 2:30 p.m. “It’s 50 to 100 times stronger ers involved in saving lives from when the victim entered the station than morphine and heroin,” Lie- overdoses. By training more Jerome Ave. Store Robbery and was approached by the two men. bovitz said. people in the use of naloxone, Cops need help identifying a man It’s unclear why the man was subse- It’s even found its way into also known by its brand name (above) wanted for questioning in a quently attacked, with the two men non-painkiller drugs. Liebovitz Narcan, the most common medi- robbery that occurred at the Jerome dealing blows to the victim’s body be- recounted a story from a detox cation used in reversing an opi- Variety Store at 3404 Jerome Ave. fore taking off on foot. Nothing was center where a person entered oid overdose, Liebovitz hopes at around 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 26. The taken, according to police.The first for an addiction to Xanax, an the Bronx can see its number suspect went inside the store and de- suspect is identified as dark skinned, anti-anxiety drug, and tested of deaths from overdoses de- manded free items and was quickly in his late teens to early 20s, and was positive for opiates with fenta- crease. nyl because they had bought it —José A. Giralt November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News • 9 10 • November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News Revered Catholic Statue Packs the Pews at St. Patrick’s Home By JONATHAN CUSTODIO “It gives me peace when I see her.” Rosary prayers hummed as resi- The statue of Our Lady of Fatima, dents of St. Patrick’s Home Rehabili- which originally hails from Portugal, tation and Health Care Center made sports a golden crown and has both a their way into the service hall for a day rosary and scapular wrapped around FREE GIFT honoring Our Lady of Fatima, more its clasped hands. A necklace that (while supplies last) commonly known as the Virgin Mary, carries a small round object hangs To new customers who enroll in our whose statue arrived during the early around the collar, which Ordóñez LOYALTY PROGRAM and bring this Ad morning hours of Nov. 13 as patrons believes represents the weight of the celebrated Mass. world around its neck. On the statue’s For the home’s administrator, pedestal, a sign warns residents not Kathleen Meyer, the arrival of the to touch the bust because they will bust represents a major honor, and a feel its touch instead. big get for the home. The Archdiocese This is the second time the home of New York had advertised the avail- was able to obtain the statue, though ability of the statue in Catholic New there are 12 other identical versions of York, advising anyone interested in it around the world that are ushered having it shown off at its institute to around different houses of worship. $6 GENERICS = 30 DAY SUPPLY* contact them. Meyer put in a request to The home, which has provided *Formulary & pricing subject to change without any notice. have the statue brought to the home at care for the aged and infirm and is Flat fee prices may not apply to all manufacturers. 66 Van Cortlandt Park S. in Van Cort- run by carmelite nuns, has 264 beds immunization services, ostomy supplies, Nebulizer, May not apply if prohibited by law. Conditions apply. landt Village. The Archdiocese of New available for residents such as Es- Rollator, Blood pressure machine See Pharmacy staff for more details. York honored the request two weeks af- telle Carbonara, 87, a lifelong Bronx ter she inquired. native who has lived at the home for 255 E. Gun Hill Road Bronx, NY 10467 “We were so honored to get it,” said the last seven years. “I like the fact Tel: 718-654-2200 Fax: 718-515-9118 Meyer, soon wheeling a few residents that I can come down to the chapel Visit our website www.ovalpharmacy.com into the elevator. “I know it traveled any time day or night,” says Car- Oval Pharmacy throughout the Bronx and all over Yon- bonara, who watched the mass from @255 GUN HILL ROAD kers.” her bedroom to keep her 101-year- “Every year since I can remember, old roommate company. “When you we had the whole month dedicated to think about it, you’re practically liv- her,” says pastoral care assistant Ma- ing in the church.” ria Ordóñez, who has worked at the Catholicism teaches the belief home for 14 years and grew up worship- that the Virgin Mary ascended into ping Our Lady of Fatima in a northern heaven after bearing Jesus Christ region of Spain that borders Portugal. through immaculate conception.

Photo by Jonathan Custodio OUR LADY OF FATIMA (c) rests perched upon a pedestal after receiving a bevy of prayers and blessings from residents. November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News • 11 City Takes Steps to Improve Safety at Shelter. But Where’s the Data?

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT wide arrests at shelters by NYPD Peace officers trained by the are down 17 percent in the first NYPD have been assigned at the half of 2019, compared with same Jerome Avenue Men’s Shelter period last year, with the major- (JAMS), but it’s unclear whether ity of arrests comprised of misde- it has made a difference since city meanor offenses. data provided shows an overall de- Meantime, CB7 is worried over cline of crime around shelters in a petition by Care for the Homeless, the Bronx. the healthcare service provider for Previously, the 200-bed men’s the shelter, for an Article 28 desig- shelter for the mentally ill had con- nation that would allow it to serve tracted a security team of eight people from outside the shelter. guards from a private company to CB7’s district manager, Ischia ensure safety at the facility. The Bravo, says that the board is in new peace officers from the New favor of a clinic to serve the resi- York City Department of Home- dents of the shelter but questions less Services (DHS) are overseen the need to take in non-residents by NYPD and are considered better when there is Montefiore Health trained to deal with security issues System’s Moses Campus and North including arrest procedures and Central Bronx Hospital nearby. restraining techniques. “We are sensitive to the needs Earlier in the year CB7 was File photo by José A. Giralt of New York’s most vulnerable looking into the addition of DHS PEACE OFFICERS ARE now charged with maintaining safety at the 3600 Jerome Ave. population, but we have questions Men’s Shelter (pictured) following complaints received by Community Board 7. peace officers and asked the 52nd and need to see some data on why it Precinct for data on incidents at makes sense to set up a clinic open the shelter before making a deci- plaining that the precinct only re- DHS facilities within the command to all when there’re two big hospi- sion on the implementation of the ports precinct-wide data and is not are decreasing. In the first three tals so close,” Bravo said. better-trained peace officers. specific to any one facility. quarters of 2018 there were 10 ar- Bravo added that the full board The Norwood News recently re- But the data shared does reveal rests but only six for the same time will vote on Nov. 26 on whether to quested the same data from DOH certain trends within the 52nd frame in 2019. support the measure for the Article and received a written response ex- Precinct. For example, arrests at DHS also points out that city- 28 clinic.

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Part 2 of 5 The Norwood News, in partnership with WFUV radio and BronxNet Television, presents a ﬁ ve- part series on the impact gun violence has had on Bronx neighborhoods and the people who live in them. Shootings Abound in the City, But It’s Barely a Legal Gun Owner’s Fault

By BRIANNA LYMAN of say the stipulation’s language is vague. Under NYS Penal Code 400 (2)(f) applicants can be granted a permit “when proper cause exists New York State’s gun laws are no- for the issuance thereof.” “Proper torious for being some of the tough- cause” cannot be based on the ap- est in the nation. But in New York plicant’s perception of possibly be- City, legally obtaining a gun permit ing exposed to extraordinary per- for use in the city could be even more sonal danger. challenging, thanks to century-old “It needs to be corroborated gun laws that apply to this day. by actual crime reports commit- And the city appears to favor ted against you or your business. these laws as a means of curtailing There’s nothing in the state stat- any gun-related incidents. So far, it utes, or local or federal for that looks like they’ve worked as 91 per- matter that say you have to be a cent of all gun-related incidents in Image courtesy NYPD victim of a crime to actually be en- New York City have involved an il- APPLICANTS LOOKING TO obtain a handgun through the NYPD’s License Division titled to this license,” says Condo- legal handgun from 2011 to 2015, ac- must register fi rst on its website (pictured). luci. “By placing those demands on cording to a 2016 study by then New the applicant they’re almost saying York State Attorney General Eric a handgun permit, of the influence the application, and an additional that.” Schneiderman. from the police commissioner and $88.25 for fingerprint fees. The cost Condoluci says this “proper The strategy can be a frustrating mayor. Condoluci is a retired mem- of getting a city pistol permit because” clause is “oppressive and experience, leading many to seek ber of the NYPD who spent three comes costlier when receiving help unreasonable” and is at the broad greater relief. years working in the NYPD’s Li- from a consultant, which can cost discretion of the NYPD License Di- In 1911, following an uptick in cense Division. up to an extra $1,000.00, depending vision. crimes, most notably a murder- on the permit. “It is in part fueled by its abil- suicide near Gramercy Park, New Hiring Consultants ity to manipulate existing loosely York State passed the Sullivan Act, The process for obtaining a hand- Types of Permit written applicable state statutes, requiring all handguns be licensed gun permit in New York City is con- New York City does not offer of which shall continuously fail to under the authority of the local po- voluted, often leading prospective handgun permits to just anyone. decisively identify fundamentally lice department. Two concepts—a legal gun owners to enlist the help Those seeking a permit in New pertinent handgun license termi- “shall issue” and “may issue”— of a consultant. For Condoluci, such York City are typically issued only nology,” says Condoluci. “They are were adopted. a move is useful. one of two licenses—a premise further empowered to do so via an New York counties opt for “shall “Any time you’re lacking specific or a full carry business license— age-old vested authority of both ex- use,” where they must issue a hand- knowledge in a particular area, if though there are seven categories. isting state and city constitutions.” gun license to any person who satis- you don’t have the experience, you The premise license is issued by Despite Condoluci’s take on the fies the specific criteria determined seek out those who do ... you could be the NYPD’s License Division for ‘proper clause’ stipulation, he still by each individual jurisdiction. highly educated, holding multiple an individuals’ residence or busi- supports the NYPD’s efforts to con- Excluding New York City, most ap- degrees, speaking 19 different lan- ness. This means that the handgun trol who gets their hands on a gun. plicants are granted their license guages, but if you never had experi- must remain on the premises listed “I’m actually advocating for the by way of village or town justice or ence with this particular process it on the license. A premise licensee department. I’m very selective on judge. can be daunting and intimidating, can transport the handgun so long the people that I choose to move for- New York City handgun permits even more so with the City of New as it’s stored separate from the am- ward with simply because I spent are granted under “may issue,” York than other municipalities,” munition and kept in locked con- 17 years on the street prior to go- meaning the Police Department— says Condoluci. tainers. ing inside working for the license under the authority of the police Unlike applicants filing outside The full carry business license division. I take what I do very seri- commissioner, who is appointed by New York City, where decisions are allows licensees to carry their ously, therefore just by having that the mayor— at its sole discretion, made four months on average, those weapon on them at all times. Licens- initial interview and conversation gets to choose whether it will issue filing in the City seeking a firearm ees are subject to additional scru- I can pretty much decide, based on a concealed carry license. license are subject to high fees and tiny by the license division’s com- the conversation that we had, if I “There’s heavy political ramifi- waiting periods that take on average manding officer. Applicants must choose to go forward or just sim- cations based on whoever’s holding six months. While the fee for pistol satisfy the “proper cause” stipula- ply recommend them to someone these two positions,” says James permits vary by county, New York tion, which requires the applicant else or be honest with them and say Condoluci of Sure Shot Consulting, City’s fee is much higher by compar- provide proof of their need for this ‘there’s nothing I can do for you’” which helps New Yorkers apply for ison, charging applicants $340 for permit. But gun rights activists says Condoluci. November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News • 13 Woman to Woman

poses in front of her artworks on display at

ARTIST MILLIE HAY The Green House Gallery 315 in Bedford Park. Hay is a self-taught clothing artist known for her use of African fabrics. of El Foco,

(L-R) BILL AGUADO Inc., with Woman to Woman art Artworks conveying African gallery curator and artist Rafaela diaspora, African fashion, or just Santos, and Nestor Daniel Perez abstract ideas were on display on Moliere at the art gallery. Nov. 15 for an art exhibit dubbed “Woman to Woman: A 2019 Collec- tive,” where artworks exclusively crafted by women were on display. It was curated by Bedford Park local Rafaela Santos, herself an artist, who con- verted part of her home into the Green House Gallery 315. This is Santos’ third art THE WOMAN TO Woman event drew a sizable crowd to The show at the gallery. Green House Gallery 315 admir- “It was a way to sort of ing the works on display. bring the community to- gether and have them enjoy the space,” said San- tos, who already had dreams of sharing her home with the community. She recalled a moment when she was vy- ing to secure the deed to the home, (r) stands in front of her writing to the previous homeowner ARTIST LISA D. WADE that the home “seemed very quiet, artworks as an admirer looks on (left) at her poses display. in but it looked like at some point had a lot of love and laughter and that we DARYL MYNTIA DANIELS would like to bring that back.” front of her paintings that draw a link be- Santos looks to plan another tween “societal beauty standards and men- event inside her home in March. The tal health across the African Diaspora,” as current show runs through Nov. 23. her bio reads. Gallery hours are Friday and Satur- day from 4 to 8 p.m. Check out the photos by Miriam Quinones. Background image: “Dia de Los Muertos” painting by Olga Correa 14 • November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News SPECIAL REPORT: FIGHTING THE FLIPPER’S MARKET IN THE BRONX (continued from page 1) “Investor purchases are now at a properties, reaping big profits and mak- higher level than where they were in ing the dream of homeownership simply years leading up to the foreclosure cri- that—a pipe dream—for more and more sis,” said Caroline Nagy, deputy director residents. Even middle class residents for policy and research at CNYCN. “Ad- are being forced to move or rent, cut off ditionally, the increase in investors is from building long-lasting generational making it much harder for average New wealth. Yorkers to be able to afford and purchase a home mostly because they’re driving Demolished Homes the price up and also because they tend Catherine Clarke of University Neigh- to deal in all cash. Most people need mort- borhood Housing Program (UNHP), a gages to buy homes so it’s really difficult social services nonprofit, has noticed for [individuals] to compete with LLCs or the green fences surrounding once 1- to corporate investors, just because even if 4-family homes cropping up in Bedford they can compete on price, the financing Park and portions of Kingsbridge Heights makes the investors that much more com- as of late. All she has to do is walk outside petitive.” her office that rests at the corner of East In Norwood, for instance, a group of 196th Street and the Grand Concourse, a investors tied to former Goldman Sachs nexus where development has become the Photo by Adi Talwar financier George Wellde purchased 3259 norm. ELIZABETH QUARANTA OF Bedford Park (pictured) has been bombarded with of- Decatur Ave., a three-family home a year “Those are areas where it’s very dif- fers to sell her three-family home, one of the few remaining owner occupied homes in after the original occupants – Luz Catano ficult to understand data-wise, or even the neighborhood. and Mercedes Galdamez – foreclosed. The through official documents, what is hap- home was priced at $340,000, falling within pening,” said Clarke. the range of what a middle-class family in rations (LLC) with mailing addresses tecture, culture and history and in need Clarke and her team took note of the New York City could afford to buy. After in Brooklyn, obtained permits to demol- of preservation. In a statement, HDC de- high number of homes purchased that the group flipped it, the property was sold ish the homes. It’s unclear what types of scribed Bedford Park as an “elegant and were later demolished or under construc- to Monsur and Moynul Miah, a Queens properties will rise, though he has been diverse residential community” with a tion, compiling their findings in a report couple who’ve rented out the property af- in the business of building high-rises. A “bucolic character.” dubbed, “Is the Bronx Building? Look for ter $227,800 in renovations, according to spokesman for Fine said there are no de- But until that happens, Bedford Park Yourself.” Clarke’s report—using pub- city documents. Records show they pur- finitive plans for the properties, though homes are ripe for being picked off. lic records—showed close to 50 projects chased the home for $749,000 (the real es- an announcement will be made once it “There is a very wide perception, under construction within Community tate website Zillow inexplicably shows it happens. we’ve heard it said the Bronx is the next Boards 7 and 12. Fourteen of the 43 prop- sold for $2.6 million), easily taking this Last month, the U.S. Attorney for the Brooklyn. So there’s a wide perception erties surveyed in the report that are now home off the working class housing mar- Southern District of New York, Geoffrey that there’s a lot of up value in the Bronx being primed for residential construction ket. Monsur Miah did not return requests S. Berman, filed a lawsuit against Atlan- and people are testing that,” said Clarke. within Community Board 7 were once for comment. tic Development Group over claims his “Norwood and Bedford Park are great homes, according to an analysis of the Just over a half mile from Decatur Av- buildings are not in compliance with the places to test the market because they’re report’s figures that had used public re- enue, rehab work is under way at 306 E. Fair Housing Act, specifically over access thriving neighborhoods. You have more cords. Finding the actual buyers proved 206th St. The home fell into a state of dis- into the buildings. An attorney represent- working class and more middle class difficult for UNHP; others impossible for repair when its owner, Martin Brennan, ing Fine, told Westfair Online the case is people; you have the train, they’re pretty them. occupied the home. Brennan, who died in without merit. stable neighborhoods, the crime rate is Bedford Park and Kingsbridge Road 2018, had purchased the home in 2007 for Whatever is built in those proper- pretty low. It’s a little secret, but they’re have long been zoned for homes as high as ties, it appears Fine will have the upper really desirable neighborhoods.” 14 stories, drawing ire from residents who hand given the existing zoning laws that claim the existing resources—schools, dictate what gets built in that neighbor- Fix and Flip the local 52nd Precinct, and sanitation hood. Community Board 7, which serves Identifying buyers isn’t so easy given services—cannot handle the population the area, attempted to stymie that devel- the rise of 1- to 4-family properties be- boom. opment by introducing amendments that ing purchased through LLCs, commonly At East 202nd and East 203rd streets would downzone the area. Those attempts known as shell companies. LLCs, which by East Mosholu Parkway, four 1- to failed, with planning officials arguing costs $200 in New York State to form, of- 4-family homes were knocked down to that the bulk of the neighborhood’s build- ten make purchases on behalf of individ- make way for two massive buildings by ings are compliant with the zoning laws. ual investors. LLCs shield the identities of the Brooklyn-based nonprofit developer “They’re taking their directives from buyers, making impossible to trace, while CAMBA. The co-owner of the lot, Peter the Mayor’s Office who wants to build, insulating them from lawsuits. Federal Fine, purchased the row of homes, part- build, build,” said Stronczer. officials have long criticized the nature of nering with CAMBA to usher in two af- It doesn’t help that on top of the zon- LLCs since they pose the potential of us- fordable/supportive housing properties ing laws, the area is not marked as an ing illegitimate funds to purchase homes, financed by city subsidies. Fine is a fix- historic district that limits development. creating a mechanism to launder money. ture in the world of New York real estate, For its part, BMCA is looking to reverse The Center for New York City Neigh- owning at least 56 apartment buildings in that through its Six to Celebrate designa- borhoods (CNYCN), a nonprofit engaged the Bronx through his Atlantic Develop- tion, where the Historic Districts Council in research and housing advocacy, has ment Group LLC. is helping to preserve the character of the noted the rise of LLC-purchased homes. In recent months, Fine has expanded neighborhood. The group, which lobbies In the last decade, LLC-purchased homes his footprint even more in the neighbor- the New York City Landmarks Preserva- have doubled, reaching a high in 2017 in hood by purchasing four more 1- to 4-fam- tion Commission and touts its involve- the five boroughs when 18 percent of home ily homes from homeowners on East ment in the creation of over 100 historic purchases were done through LLCs, ac- 203rd Street, between East Mosholu Park- districts in its 49-year history, puts a spot- cording to the center’s report that exam- Photo by Adi Talwar way South and Valentine Avenue, adja- light each year on six neighborhoods it ined the 10-year aftermath of the 2008 sub- THE HOME THAT once stood at 3008 Perry Ave. at the corner of East Mosholu Parkway was recently cent to the pending CAMBA project. Fine, considers important to New York archi- prime mortgage crisis. bulldozed. An eight-story unit is now being planned for the property. through various limited-liability corpo- November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News • 15 SPECIAL REPORT: FIGHTING THE FLIPPER’S MARKET IN THE BRONX $300,000, but later filed for bankruptcy. nounced during the early afternoons, not The home was eventually purchased for to pitch but to snap photos. “They’ll take a $580,403 by Raston LLC in December 2018 picture, or they’ll take out a little notepad through a lien sale, a near 100 percent and they’ll write things down, and then markup from what Brennan paid. Raston they’ll walk away. I guess that’s their way LLC financed its mortgage through Bay- of scouting out the neighborhood?” said port Funding LLC, a firm specializing in Quaranta. “Fix and Flip” investments. Rafaela Santos, another Bedford From 2017 to June 2019, there have Park homeowner, gets solicitations too. been 39 home sales of which 13 were pur- She doesn’t bother saving any of them as chased by LLCs in Norwood, according to many simply keep forwarding her letters a Norwood News analysis using data pro- that appear to be handwritten, only to vided by AATOM, a real estate research find them pro-forma. In some cases, she’s group. Norwood falls within the 10467 zip received fliers reading “we also have in- code. Within that zip code, but outside vestors who are willing to purchase prop- of Norwood, 482 homes were purchased erties.” from 2017 through June 2019 of which 143 “More often than not I just throw them were purchased through LLCs, according out because they become quite a [lot],” to the data. said Santos, saying that she’s been solic- Another report by CNYCN entitled ited in person by a woman purporting to “How Real Estate Speculators Are Tar- Photo by Adi Talwar be a new resident. “She seemed quite per- geting New York City’s Affordable Neigh- RAFAELA SANTOS (PICTURED) has owned her home in Bedford Park for a decade. sistent in asking a lot of questions about borhoods,” showed 17 percent of home She too has received solicitations from realtors looking for her to sell. the neighborhood, so I started wondering sales in Williamsbridge/Baychester were if it was true—if she actually moved in deemed “flips” in 2017. span. Records show the representative to And many of the transactions don’t the neighborhood.” CNYCN reserves the term “flipping” be Neil Smith. He did not respond to re- happen through traditional home buying That solicitation came from Lucy Al- for home buyers who buy and sell a home quests for comment. involving other homebuyers, but aggres- varez. In a telephone interview with the in less than a year. The LLC with the most Though Bedford Park and Norwood sive sales pitch tactics from real estate Norwood News, Alvarez defended the purchases from 2017 to June 2019 in the have seen a wealth of activity, the epi- firms. practice. “I receive over here a thousand Bronx, according to the AATOM data, is center of LLC-purchased properties in Residents living within Williams- of [those letters]. If it doesn’t apply to me 1908 Hunt Avenue LLC, which executed 21 the Bronx was found within Community bridge confirmed it, pointing to the bar- I just throw away,” said Alvaverz. “That’s transactions of 1- to 3-family homes across Board 12, a district largely comprised of rage of mailers from realtors they receive the way people do business. We ask, ask, the Bronx. An analysis of the data shows suburban-esque neighborhoods that’s and routinely throw out. One resident ask, and sometimes they say yes. If it’s the LLC flipped at least 16 of the 21 homes predominantly home to black homeown- who went by Yvonne G., said realtors usu- not, then throw away. There is no prob- it rapidly purchased from March 2017 to ers, according to CNYCN. There, 97 of ally “leave cards. They leave stuff at the lem for that.” June 2019, taking homes that ran on aver- 153 sales at prices affordable to a buyer door. They call on the phone.” “They’re Her next-door neighbor, Marilyn Vil- age $359,306 from its original price and at New York City’s median income in not really interested in living in the lamar, a 50-year resident of Bedford Park, selling them at an average $619,175, nearly 2018 were investor buyers, translating to home,” said Yvonne of the realtors, point- gets business cards and newsletters. double the cost. Of the 16 homes, two re- mean 63 percent of total home sales that ing to the lack of care renters have put on “You’re constantly inundated with junk ceived renovations that included the in- would have been affordable to a family homes in her neighborhood. “People who like that,” said Villamar. “Sometimes you stallation of solar panels. Even so, 1908 with the city’s median income went to don’t own homes, they don’t take care of get these phone calls. [I’m] saying, ‘How Hunt Avenue LLC pulled in a total of $3.9 investor buyers, according to the Center. the homes.” did you get this number?’” million in profits within a year and a half The neighborhood also saw the most fore- A few houses down, Douglas B., an- Santos and Villamar plan to stay in closures compared to the rest of the bor- other homeowner, has taken note over the their home. Santos expressed concerns ough in the last 10 years, with 7,000. litany of solicitations he’s spotted. The that more and more properties are simply Much of why LLCs are the preferred pattern is troubling for Douglas, who be- being bought out, including 3008 Perry method of doing business stems from its lieves the conversion of owner-occupied Ave., which she characterized as “sad.” versatility for members, according to Na- homes to rentals leads to less neighbor- Villamar concluded simply that “money taly Goldstein, an attorney specializing in hood vigilance. “A lot of private resi- talks.” LLCs. “You could change the rules of the dences … got people living there that don’t Solicitating, it seems, is common prac- LLCs, the assets of the LLC, the propor- care. When you could see somebody walk tice that could easily yield major returns. tion of profits and losses that each mem- down the street and just throw garbage “It sounds like a lot of work to target ber gain just by drafting and re-drafting because they don’t have to ever sweep up people one on one, but just think of the the document, which doesn’t get recorded. in front of their house, that tears down a profit,” said Nagy. “Sometimes these So there are no recording fees there. So community,” said Douglas. “It’s all about people, by getting people who aren’t sell- it’s a pretty cheap and easy way to be flex- the money.” ing their homes on the market they can ible in the management of LLCs.” Back in Bedford Park, Elizabeth Quar- get a home for several hundred thousand As for disclosing the names behind anta, a homeowner living within moder- dollars below the market, and then when LLCs, Goldstein notes it’s “counterpro- ate income means, stands among those they flip it that’s all profit. So, all you ductive” to do so as it could open them up who won’t sell, warding off continued have to do is get one or two people and to lawsuits. “If you were to publish who pitches from developers who’ve encour- you’re making hundreds of thousands of the actual members are, then you’re ex- aged her to “name her price.” dollars.” posing exactly to the liability that you’re “I do get text messages about selling In many instances, representatives trying to protect yourself from,” said the property. And I also get people out of LLCs—relying on a list of homeown- Goldstein. on the porch; they come through the gate ers on a tax liens list compiled by the and they ask me if I’m willing to sell the city (as of September this year the Bronx Speculators Amok house,” said Quaranta, who lives next ranks third in the number of 1- to 4-fam- Photo by Adi Talwar Much of why Williamsbridge has been door to a property purchased by a group ily homes with a tax lien)—spend the day THE HOME THAT once stood at 3008 Perry Ave. at the corner of East Mosholu Parkway was recently swept up by investor buyers could be from of investors who’ve attempted to convince canvassing neighborhoods, scouting for bulldozed. An eight-story unit is now being planned for the property. its swell of homes available in the neigh- her to sell as they oversaw renovations. borhood. 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November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News • 17 18 • November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News SPONSORED CONTENT

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By THE CURTAIN SHOP hundreds of gadgets. There are dozens SERVICE TIMES If you are looking for curtains, of wall clocks and the gift counters are SUNDAY: 8:30am Morning Service shades or blinds, The Curtain Shop is stocked with ceramic and glass gifts !(/53%/&02!9%2&/2!,,.!4)/.3s!#!2).'#/.'2%'!4)/. 10:00am Morning Service for any occasion. There are vacuum 11:30am Morning Service your one stop for all. Located conve- 4:00pm Afternoon Service niently on Main Street in New Rochelle cleaner displays, Rubbermaid prod- SUNDAY NIGHT: 7:00pm Evening Service since 197. There are two floors of products and all the tools you will need to

TUESDAY: ucts for your home. Aren’t you tired prepare a wonderful meal. 12:00pm Prayer Meeting of shopping in big stores with imper- Don’t just take our word for it, WHERE WILL YOU BE ON SUNDAY…AND OTHER WORSHIP DAYS? WEDNESDAY NIGHT: 7:30pm Prayer Meeting sonal presentations and staff to client stop by and see for yourself. The Cur- WELCOME TO OUR FAMILY! FRIDAY NIGHT: ratios that make you wonder if you’ll tain Shop is located in the heart of 8:00pm Family Night (Groups for all ages) ever get helped? New Rochelle’s bustling downtown. Be 02!9%2 &),,%$ 02!9%2'5)$%$s30%#)!,-).)342)%3&/2!,,!'%3 11:00pm Prayer Meeting !6)"2!.4 3500/24)6%#/--5.)49 The Curtain Shop has a staff that is sure to check out one of the many great ...plus special services for high A multi-cultural, multi-generational evangelistic church with ﬁ ve services every Sunday, holy days — and other celebra- second to none and they are equipped restaurants within walking distance and various ministry programs and activities throughout the week. Several churches have been tions. planted in the Bronx from Van Nest, including the African Assemblies of God Fellowship, which is with a wonderful and varied inventory of the shop. In addition, the shop has now a network of African AG churches throughout the USA. MANY KINDS OF GROUPS AND MINISTRIES THROUGHOUT THE WEEK of products to turn an apartment or neighbors like jewelry shops, a 2EV$AVID(ERNQUIST 0ASTOR 4 s& sDAVIDHERNQUIST AOLCOM MINISTRIES huge consignment store (right next s #HILDREN house into a HOME. 2EV2OSEMARIE"ROWN !SSISTANT0ASTORs*ESUS'OYCO 9OUTH0ASTOR s 9OUTH'ROUP The friendly staff at The Cur- door), a C Town supermarket, a fur- www.vannestassembly.org s 9OUNG!DULT-INISTRIES s !DULT-INISTRIES tain Shop will greet you with a hello, niture shop and much more. Find s /UTREACH s .9$ISTRICT3CHOOLOF-INISTRY find out about your needs and then ex- out why shoppers have been coming s "EREAN3CHOOL/F4HE"IBLE s 6ACATION"IBLE3CHOOL pertly walk you through solutions and to The Curtain Shop since 1976. Visit s -USIC-INISTRY options. Many of the staff have been us at 541 Main Street in New Rochelle.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT: with the shop for more than 20 years Street parking is available, ma- Van Nest Assembly of God is a body of Believers empowered by the Holy Spirit, called to worship God in Spirit and Truth, to walk in the and their dedication and profession- jor bus routes pass by all day and it’s light of the Word of God in all aspects of life, and to be witnesses of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, through word and deed, to the ends of the earth. alism is readily apparent in the pride just two blocks from the Metro-North The Holy Spirit has clearly shown us that we are called to be a church led not by a program or a personality, but by the presence of the Lord. This is really why God’s hand of blessing and increase has been upon us all these years. As we look to the future, we know that goes into helping you. This busi- Railroad. Hours are Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to that His presence will lead us in a continuous increase of souls and expansion of facilities; for our true desire is to glorify Jesus Christ. ness is owner operated, so important 6 p.m., Thurs 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sat 9 details are never overlooked. The large a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sun 11 a.m. to 5 4,000 square foot first floor is packed p.m., starting Nov. 24 through Dec. 22. with displays showing you just how Call us at (914) 636-8794 or visit us at your new purchase will look. curtainshop.com. If custom window THE CURTAIN SHOP coverings are your de- & GENERAL STORE SINCE 1976 sire, there are over 10,000 beautiful fabrics to choose from for draper- COME SEE US !,,ª490%3ª/&ª#524!).3 ies, shades or valances. SMALL BUSINESS Hunter Douglas and Gra- SATURDAY 11/30 0%23/.!,):%$ª3%26 )# % FOR SPECIAL DEALS ber blinds and shades #534/-ª",).$3ªª3(!$%3 have been mainstay "9ª(5.4%2ª$/5',!3ªª'%2"%2 brands at the shop and there are professional (/53%7!2%3ªª9!2. installers available to 3(/7%2ª#524!).3ª measure and install your purchases. 4!",%ª,).%.3 There are counters full of soft luxurious tow- els, more than 150 types 7%ª/&&%2ª4/0ª15!,)49ª%80%2)!.#%ª4(!4ª9/52ª-/-ª7/5,$ª%80%#4 of shower curtains on display and fluffy bath rugs ANY PURCHASE OF to finish off your bath- room. Traditional table OFF linens like doilies and SAVE $5 $20 runners flank the mas- ANY PURCHASE OF sive tablecloth displays and placemat racks. That’s just the first SAVE OFF floor! $ 10 $100 Venture upstairs and Photo courtesy The Curtain Shop NOT COMBINDABLE ONE COUPON PER PERSON ONE TIME ONLY EXPIRES 11/30/19 you’ll find small appli- THE CURTAIN SHOP at 541 Main Street in New Ro- ances, yarn, lamps, lamp- chelle, NY has been selling its brand of shades and cur- ª-!).ª342%%4 ª.%7ª2/#(%,,% ª.9ªªsª ªsª#524!).3(/0#/- shades, pots/pans and tains since 1976. -/. &2)ª ªsª4(523ª ªsª3!4ª ªsª35 . $!9 ª(/,) $!9 ª(/523ª November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News • 19

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You may be eligible to You will be participate in a research reimbursed for study at the James J. Peters your time, up to VA Medical Center that $450 aims to better understand brain function in health FOR MORE INFO and depression. CALL DANIEL @ (718) 584-9000 This study involves: EXT. 3635 interviews, questionnaires, This is an observational study, not a psychophysiological tests, treatment study. There may be no direct benefit to you. You may receive benefit from and an MRI brain scan. clinical evaluation and lab results.

6th floor, Room # 6A-44, MIRECC Office, 130 W Kingsbridge Rd, Bronx NY 10468

PI: Dr. Erin Hazlett MIRB#: 01708 20 • November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News Ahead of the US. Census Count, Bronx Democrats Form Another Club to Ensure a Proper Tally

Photo by José A. Giralt OSWALD FELIZ (4TH from left) stands with the seven other members of the newly-formed Northwest Bronx Democrats for Change and is joined by Congressman Adriano Espaillat (r) after being sworn in on Nov. 17 in Fordham.

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT the 78th Assembly District. The group was formed, ac- Congressman Adriano Espail- Some have wondered Democrats in the Bronx Locally, Feliz has been in- cording to Feliz, in response to lat, Feliz mentioned President whether another political ac- added another club on Nov. 17 to volved in representing the ten- a larger threat than just local Donald Trump as a threat to the tion group is needed in this part grow their political power in the ants of Bedford Park Manor in landlords failing to deliver on community. “We need to make of the Bronx. For example, the borough. Formally known as their dispute with the owner, the basic services. sure that we are organized, Louella Hatch Democratic Club Northwest Bronx Democrats for Stagg Group, over living condi- At the swearing-in ceremony and we are engaged so we can which also serves the northwest Change, the group is led by Os- tions including broken eleva- attended by Bronx Democratic successfully defend ourselves Bronx and has been associated wald Feliz, a housing lawyer and tors, bug infestation, and water Party chair and Assemblyman against any attacks by the cur- with Councilman Fernando Ca- Democratic district leader for damage inside apartments. Marcos Crespo and Norwood rent administration,” Feliz said. brera, share many of the same The upcoming 2020 Census is goals as Feliz’s group, namely, "AINBRIDGE!VE "RONX .9 of particular interest to Feliz as to increase civic engagement, PEOPLES PHARMACY 0H a point where the local needs in- expand voter registration, and And Food Mart &AX tersect with federal governance. promote Democratic Party val- PEOPLES GMAILCOM “We need to make sure that every ues. E-Prescription • Specialty • Surgical Supply single person is counted so we Anthony Rivieccio, whose

Original Coupon must be relinquished at the time of purchase. Original Coupon must be relinquished at the time of purchase. can have fair representation in own political club nearly bears Coupon is void if copied, transfered and where prohibited by law. Coupon is void if copied, transfered and where prohibited by law. $ This coupon excludes alcohol, gift cards, $ This coupon excludes alcohol, gift cards, Washington [D.C.] and through- the exact same name as the lottery, money orders, prescriptions, postage stamps, lottery, money orders, prescriptions, postage stamps, pre-paid cards and tabacco products. pre-paid cards and tabacco products. Tax changed on pre-coupon price where required. Tax changed on pre-coupon price where required. out the country,” he said. newly formed club, is not con- off Coupon cannot be combined with any other off Coupon cannot be combined with any other Feliz will be joined by seven cerned that another political !NYPURCHASEOFORMORE5 Peoples Pharmacy coupon. !NYPURCHASEOFORMORE20 Peoples Pharmacy coupon. other members in the group group is organizing in the Bronx s&ASTAND&RIENDLY3ERVICE s&REE0ATIENT#OUNSELING s&REE"LOOD0RESURE3UGAR#HECKUP s#OMPOUNDING s&REE-EDICATION2EVIEW!ND#ONSULTATION Rachel Miller-Bradshaw as long as they learn to work col- s3ENIOR$ISCOUNT s()6#ONSULTING s&REE$ELIVERY will serve as first vice president laboratively and not see each and wants the group to push for other as competitors. #OPIES -EDICATION meaningful change in the Bronx “This is now the third or &AX !DHERENCE and beyond. “We are not a status fourth [political] club in the 7ALK)N 2X0ICK5P -EDICARE 3TAMPS 0ROGRAM quo group, I didn’t join for that,” Fordham Kingsbridge area,” !NY4IME $ELIVERY !CCEPTED Scanned with CamScanner said Miller-Bradshaw. “We want Rivieccio said. “Maybe this club 3PECIALTY 6ACUNA#ONTRA '2!4)3 -EDICARE #OPIAS !DHEREN! ,A)NmUENZA 2X$E2ECOGIDA &AX 3ELLOS ,A-EDICACION to be a do-action group and we can enhance the others.” 3URGICALS 'RIPE 9%NTREGA !CEPTADO 4ARJETAS-ETRO 0ROGRAMA want to be very effective so that Editor’s Note: Rivieccio is FLU, PNEUMONIA and SHINGLE SHOTS the community really sees good a contributor to the Norwood We Accept Most Insurance Including CVS Cardmark, results,” she added. News. Midicaid, Medicare, Workers Compensation and All Union Plans November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News • 21 Find out how sweet it is to relax and enjoy the party s!NNIVERSARIES s"RIDAL3HOWERS s"ABY3HOWERS s2ELIGIOUS#ELEBRATIONS s"IRTHDAYS s2ETIREMENT s7EDDINGSANDMORE

Event Planning & Decor by Desiree’ Phone: 347.690.2140 www.drceventsanddecor.com We Accept All Major Insurances Cohen’s Gental Dental !" # $ !" # $ Expires 12/31/19 %& '()*+ # %& '()*+ * + # * + ! " " # &%. ! " " # &%. %& '*&# ,-.%./ %& '*&# + / # $#% & '& (% ( # ( )(* * + ,-.%./ + / # $#% & '& # ,(& 0("(#' Expires 12/31/19 (% ( # ( )(* "( '# * + ! " (&1-(& ' "*'(# # +*%-(& # ,(& ,-.%./ "*)&#$ + / 01 .%2#34 5 2- %26%!!35%.0( "6 0)( #7#' * + "( '# * + ! " (&1-(& ' # "*'(# !"+*%-(& # ! $ %& ' ,-.%./ #( ) 01 .%2#34 5 2- " *)&#$ + / Expires 12/31/19 Expires 12/31/19 %26%!!35%. 6 0) #7 * + * + 2169 White Plains Road, 1 East Fordham Road, 183 West 231 Street, 427 Fort Washington Ave., 100 Alcott Place Bronx, NY 10462 Bronx, NY10468 !"Bronx, NY 10463 # Suite 1C, NY, NY 10033! $ %& 'Bronx, NY 10475 718-597-6314 718-365-0990 718-543-1123 212-923-7644 #( ) 718-585-4400 22 • November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News Extra! Extra! Bronx Local Lobbies for Newspapers Across School System

By DAVID CRUZ as part of the English curriculum. to improve their writing The availability of school news- Mihalsky was compelled for such and literacy skills, while papers across the the New York City an endeavor after learning that so few exposing journalism’s in- system are spotty at best, with just a schools, about one in 10 according to fluential power in promul- handful of them publishing a weekly estimates he picked up from the New gating change. Students or monthly publication. York Times, have a school newspaper. were also given carte For Dawn Hunter, a Riverdale resi- The report found the Bronx has the blanche to venture outside dent who teaches at City College Acad- fewest number of school newspapers. the classroom searching emy of the Arts in the Inwood section “That’s when I realized that this needs for their stories. of Manhattan, the creation of a paper to be something that should be brought “We saw kids who used as a tool for understanding me- to all of the schools in New York City to didn’t work in their class dia literacy in her English class made have the same effect and the same posi- actually sitting down and sense. It became an instant hit. tive outcome that it had on our school,” writing, and typing, and “We want the kids to have a voice, said Mihalsky, who plans to accurately researching,” said Hunter. and we also want them to deepen their quantify the number of schools with- “And it built community thoughts and have them speak out and out a newspaper. in the class too. We felt seek the truth,” said Hunter, who found Some Bronx schools that once pub- also that kids who mainly that teens heavily rely on social media lished a paper no longer do, including weren’t getting along all to get their news. the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of of a sudden everybody was She and her colleague, Dennis Mi- Music and Bronx International Char- getting along. It was amaz- halsky, an ESL teacher at the school, ter School. ing.” have been taking on the ambitious At the City College Academy of the Mihalsky agreed, no- goal of lobbying other schools across Arts, students applied to each position ticing a dramatic change Photo courtesy Students Disrupting DAWN HUNTER (C) WITH her colleague and Students the city, including the Bronx, to create at the newspaper. Their stories—much in some students’ engage- Disrupting founder Dennis Mihalsky (r), and colleague a school newspaper of their own. It’s of them hard-hitting, including an ex- ment on journalism. “They Jenna Young. Hunter and Mihalsky have partnered to were writing stories that part of the Students Disrupting cam- posé on delays in replacing old back- introduce a newspaper to their school. They intend to paign that Mihalsky founded, which boards with ones purchased two years they were interested in. replicate its successes to other schools across the city. involves surveying teachers to gauge ago—were published in the paper’s in- It was going just beyond interest in starting a paper in their augural edition dubbed The Claw. them just wanting to get a story and their work in a printed ver- school. The newspaper, should teach- For Hunter, the paper’s purpose is good grade. They were actually want- sion of what every student was going to ers agree to form one, would be adapted multi-prong, giving students a chance ing to just see their name and their be reading.” November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News • 23 • Being 45 years or older good fats, but not too much sugar or un- • Having family history of type 2 diabe- healthy fats tes If you meet any of the risk factors pre- • Having high blood pressure viously mentioned and are at a higher • Being sedentary (not exercising) possibility for prediabetes and type 2 • Having history of diabetes during preg- diabetes, it is important to get regular nancy, often called gestational diabetes screenings; talk to your provider about The good news is type 2 diabetes can getting tested. Montefiore offers a free be delayed or even prevented. If predia- diabetes prevention program for its pa- betes is present, making small lifestyle tients to help them achieve a healthier changes can help to avoid or delay type lifestyle; you can ask your Montefiore 2 diabetes in the future. These lifestyle provider to see if you qualify. Talk to changes include: your doctor and take charge of your Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Can • Exercising regularly health. • Losing weight Thiara Perez is an outreach supervi- Eating a balanced diet with plenty sor for Montefiore Health System’s Diabe- Happen With These Steps of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and tes Prevention Program. By THIARA PEREZ and genetics. Diabetes is a chronic condition in Recent data from the Global Burden Monte Hails School-Based Clinic at IS 98 which the body is unable to properly Disease Project shows that diabetes was break down the sugar found in food and one of the leading causes of illness in beverages consumed. This can lead to New York State. In New York City, the too much sugar remaining in the blood- Bronx has the highest prevalence of di- stream. Diabetes can be managed, and abetes and it continues to increase over there are many steps you can take to time. lower your risk of diabetes. Over time, A simple blood test can determine if not well managed, diabetes can cause whether you have diabetes or prediabe- serious health problems including blind- tes, which means that your blood sugar ness, loss of a limb, kidney disease, is higher than normal but it is not high stroke, and heart disease. enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common According to the Centers for Disease type of diabetes, which leads to the body Control (CDC), 84.1 million adults in the Photo courtesy Montefi ore Health System not properly using or not responding to United States have prediabetes, this is THE MONTEFIORE SCHOOL Health Program recently celebrated the opening equal to 1 in 3 people; and 90 percent of the insulin the pancreas produces to con- of its 31st school-based health center with a ribbon cutting at the Herman Ridder trol the sugar in your bloodstream. This these people are not aware that they have Campus located at IS 98 in Crotona. Teams of primary care providers, mental is also known as insulin resistance, a it. Some risk factors that may put a per- health specialists, dentists and community health organizers provide comprehen- term doctors sometimes use when talk- son at a higher risk for prediabetes, ac- ing about diabetes risk. Type 2 diabetes cording to the CDC, include: sive care for 42,000 children in elementary, middle and high schools throughout generally develops because of lifestyle • Being overweight the Bronx. 24 • November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News Classiﬁ eds Professional Directory

COMPUTER SERVICES Computer Repair Upgrade, troubleshooting, laptop overheats, cracked screen, broken power jack, virus removal,data recovery. Call James (646) 281- 4475, (718) 324-4332.

LEGAL NOTICE

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/17/2017. Location: Bronx. SSNY designated as agent for service of process on LLC. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Carl Leach, 2975 White Plains Rd., 7A, Bronx, NY 10467.

Your Classified Ad Here! Reach 40,000 potential customers by taking out a classified in the award-winning Norwood News. To place an ad, call Janet Geller at (718) 324-4998 or email [email protected]. November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News • 25 NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES

Trail Volunteer Tenant Help Sign up to join the Van Cort- The Mayor’s Public Engage- landt Park Alliance’s Volunteer ment Unit will have members of Trails Restoration Crew for Dec. its tenant support unit on hand to 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The ser- inform tenants of their housing vice helps train volunteers to rights and connect with a range work alongside trails profession- of free resources to address land- als to develop skills in various lord harassment at the following areas of trail construction while dates, times, and locations: Nov. improving the trails in Van 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cortlandt Park. For more infor- New York Public Library Sedg- mation, and to sign up, contact wick Branch at 1701 Dr. Martin [email protected]. Must be Luther King Jr. Blvd.; and Nov. 18 years of age to join. 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the NYCHA Customer Contact Toy Drive Center, 478 E. Fordham Rd. The Bronx Zoo is accepting donations of unwrapped toys for Compost Leaves its annual toy drive to distribute Residents living in Nor- to local veterans and active-duty wood, Bedford Park, Fordham, members of the military and Van Corlandt Park, Univer- their families. Anyone donat- sity Heights, and Kingsbridge ing an unwrapped will receive Heights can have their collected a free ticket to the Bronx Zoo or tree leaves picked up by the New New York Aquarium. Visit www. York City Department of Sanita- bronxzoo.com for more information. Leaves must be placed in a tion. brown bin, paper lawn and leaf bag, or yard waste only bin, and Literacy Fair left out at the curb after 4 p.m. on The Children’s Hospital at Nov. 30. For more information, Montefiore hosts a literacy fair call 311 or visit nyc.gov/leafcol- on Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., lection. featuring book giveaway offers for children under age five, reg- Book Sale istration for a New York Pub- Sistas & Brothas United and lic Library card, and reading Northwest Bronx Community awareness table. A book vendor & Clergy Coalition host a book fair takes place from 8 a.m. to 4 sale at 103 E. 196th St. on the fol- p.m. Both events take place at lowing days: Thursdays and Fri- 3415 Bainbridge Ave. For more days from 4 to 6 p.m.; and Satur- information, call the Family days and Sundays from 12 to 4 Learning Place at (718) 741-2357 p.m. Book genres include short or email familylearningplace@ stories, dramas, fiction, horror, montefiore.org. kids’ books, and more. For more information, call (718) 584-0515. Canned Food Donation The office of Assembly- Crib Bumper Exchange man Jeff Dinowitz is hosting Parents and caregivers can a canned food drive through dispose of their crib bumper Dec. 11 to support two local food pads—known to cause injury pantries for the holiday sea- to infants or possibly death—in son: Kingsbridge Heights Com- exchange for a baby sleep sack munity Center and St. Frances at the Administration for Chil- of Rome Food Pantry. Canned dren’s Services’ (ACS) Bronx of- fruits and vegetables, cereals, fice at 2501 Grand Concourse, dried beans, rice, tuna, coffee, fourth floor. It’s recommended teas, canned juices, powdered to call the Bronx ACS office at milk, Jell-O, and soups will be (718) 933-1212 ahead of receiv- accepted. Donate food at 3107 ing the sleep sack. For more in- Kingsbridge Ave. from 10 a.m. formation, go to www.nyc.gov/ to 4 p.m. For more information, safesleep. call (718) 796-5345. 26 • November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News

Compiled by JUDY NOY EDITOR’S PICK Celebrate Thanksgiving

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, and Councilman Andy Cohen invite the public to the following free Thanksgiving events on Nov. 25: File photo by Miriam Quinones LAST YEAR’S JEROME Gun Hill Business Improvement District holiday tree Turkey Giveaway – 4 to 6 p.m. at North Central Bronx Hospital, lighting celebration saw a visit from Santa Claus! More information on this year’s 3424 Kossuth Ave. RSVP by Nov. 22 to (718) 519-4860. tree lighting event can be found in our Events section.

Community Dinner- 6 to 9 p.m. at Lexa Bar & Garden, 357 E. 204th Woodlawn Conservancy holds free walks, call (718) 549-3200. St. RSVP to (718) 409-0109. Trolley Tour, Nov. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery to historic gravesites including Sir Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Exhibits Celia Cruz and more. Also scheduled is For more information, call (718) 543-8672 Events Woodlawn’s Illuminated Angels Trolley The Museum of Bronx History, 3266 or (718) 515-2495. Tour, of statues and stained glass windows Bainbridge Ave. (208th Street), presents The Jerome Gun Hill Business featuring supernatural beings, Nov. 30 A History of the Bronx Latino, ongoing. The Bronx Zoo features the Return of Improvement District hosts its annual from 5:30 to 7 p.m. (meet at 5:15 p.m. at Hours: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holiday Lights, Nov. 21 through Jan. 5, Holiday Tree Lighting on Dec. 4 from the Woodlawn Conservancy, Woodlawn and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. For more Sundays to Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m., 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the corner of East Cemetery at Jerome and Bainbridge information, call (718) 881-8900. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to Mosholu Parkway and Jerome Avenue. avenues; preregistration required; $20/ 10 p.m. Included are carolers, costume Free toys for children, holiday shopping members; $25/non members). For more The Green House Gallery, 315 E. 201st characters, train rides (fee), lantern safari, guides, pictures with Santa, and hot information and to preregister, visit www. St. presents Woman to Woman, a 2019 animated sculptures, light show in Astor cocoa will be offered (while supplies last). WoodlawnTours.org or call (718) 920- Collective, Nov. 22 and 23 from 4 to 8 Court every 20 minutes, and nightly ice For more information, call (718) 324- 1469. p.m. The public is invited to attend. carving demonstrations. Tickets: $29.95/ 4998. adults; $22.95/children; $28.95/seniors. St. James Recreation Center, 2530 There will be an Ice Jubilee featuring an The Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Jerome Ave., offers a variety of adult and Library Events ice bar, ice throne, ice slide from Dec. 21 Center offers free art in painting, collage, senior programs through Dec. 21. For to 31 excluding Dec. 24 and 25, and an Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge sculpture or drawing each week as more information or a detailed listing, call ice carving competition on Dec. 28 from 6 Rd., presents for ages 5 to 12: film: follows: Studio Art from 5 to 6 p.m.: Nov. (718) 367-3657. 26, Dec. 3 and 10; and Toddler Studio to 9 p.m. For ticketing and a full schedule “Land Before Time,” Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. of activities, visit bronxzoo.com/holiday- Teens/young adults can enjoy film: Art from 11 a.m. to noon: Nov. 28, Dec. The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance features lights. For more information, call (718) Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. Adults can attend: 5 and 12. Also scheduled free is Winter Bird Walk on Nov. 23 from 9 to 10:30 220-5100. Bronx Arts Ensemble: poetry readings Wonderland: Dec. 14 from 12:30 to 2:30 a.m. led by NYC Auodubon experts. and music, Nov. 23 at 2:30 p.m.; and featuring holiday arts & crafts and music. Meet at the southeast corner of the film: “Easy Rider,” Nov. 30 at 2:30 p.m. Mosholu Avenue park entrance. For more For more information, call (718) 579- information, write info@vancortlandtorg. 4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org.

A Clean Look for Devoe Park Comité Noviembre presents free Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., offers National Puerto Rican Artisans Fair & for kids: Crafty Fridays at 3 p.m.: (ages Book Expo, Nov. 23 from noon to 7 p.m. 5 to 12): crafts, Nov. 22 and 29; Toddler at Hostos Community College’s 3rd floor Storytime: (ages 18 to 36 months): cafeteria, 450 Grand Concourse. Artisans stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts, United for Puerto Rico is raising funds Nov. 25 at 11 a.m.; and STEM: Kids to help artists/authors who travel from Science: (ages 5 to 12): Nov. 26 at 3 Puerto Rico to participate in this event p.m. (Building). Teens/young adults can to help offset their traveling expenses. attend film: “Aladdin,” Nov. 30 at 1:30 Please donate to GoFundMe fundraising p.m. Adults can join: Knitting: Thursdays campaign. For more information, visit at 3 p.m. For more information, call (718) www.prida.org. 882-8239. Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. Jerome Park Library, 118 Eames Pl. (near 252nd St. in Riverdale, offers Family Art Kingsbridge Road), offers for adults: Projects: Sí Se Puede, to learn about the Computer Basics: Dec. 5 at noon. For United Farm Workers Union, then create more information, call (718) 549-5200. a dream farm maze to meander through, Nov 23 and 24; and Symbiosis Scenes, HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OUR Photo courtesy Rachel Bradshaw to create a diorama to highlight your READERS! A GROUP OF community residents rolled up their sleeves to clean up Devoe favorite plant or animal partnerships, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1; both in the WH House Park in Fordham on Nov. 16. Formally known as Friends of Devoe Park, the NOTE: Items for consideration may 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grounds admission is group hauled out trash, raked leaves, and swept up parts of the massive be mailed to our office or sent to free until noon Tuesdays and Saturdays [email protected], and park.. The group also received help from officers at the local 52nd Precinct all year. For more information and a should be received by Nov. 25 for the and residents from the Bowery Residents Committee. schedule of events including tours and next publication date of Dec. 5. November 21-December 4, 2019 • Norwood News • 27 The Vanishing Homeowner (continued from page 15) still under water from the foreclosure, your Grand Opening desperate homeowners willing to sell, or concern, rightfully so, [is] about making sure simply bombard them with mailers. your family’s okay and taken care of.” Quaranta’s also received an email from another would-be buyer, Tali Isufi Finding Solutions of Propco Holdings, offering to buy her Sustaining the owner-occupied hous- home. “Propco Holdings already owns ing market is possible, and has been done over $100 million worth of properties in in the last few decades, according to Clarke B;½8[bb[ Ailin Specialist Bronx and we’re interest[ed] in buying of UNHP. She points to owner-occupied MS, FNP, BC new properties,” wrote Isufi in an August homes built within Community Board 6, a [email protected] Medi-Spa email to Quaranta. “Please let us know district that falls southeast of Bedford Park if you are interested in selling and we’ll and Norwood. There, community-based send you an offer right away. Addition- planning—a term commonly used by the ally, if you have other properties in Bronx city Department of City Planning that envi- that are for sale, we might be interested in sions the future of neighborhoods through them as well.” collaboration with existing residents–made This prompted Quaranta to respond with that a possibility, thanks to New York City FOR MEN AND WOMEN a lengthy explanation on why she won’t sell. Housing Partnership. The initiative saw per unit “[He] actually responded within seconds, the nonprofit group acquire empty lots $ 11 and he wrote, ‘Interesting response,’” said along Crotona Parkway for private contrac- Quaranta. tors to build 2- to 3-family homes. Buy two areas and get a third area FREE! Propco Holdings is based in Queens, “The homes are still very well main- though its footprint is large. On its website, it tained, and the owner gets some rental in- promotes investors to pump investments into come and they appear to be owner-occupied Opportunity Zones, defined as low-income as well,” said Clarke, adding homeown- communities in need of investments through ership could thrive even more if the city Ultra XC Fillers Opportunity Funds that offer tax incentives placed a greater interest in subsidizing For lips and nasolabial folds at a GREAT PRICE! to long-term investors. affordable homeownership. “It is a shame “It is hoped that this program will lead to that we are losing homes and I do think a neighborhood and business district revital- conversation needs to happen that [asks] Call for Free Consultation ization as well as encourage entrepreneur- what is it that we want to do?” ship in the Opportunity Zones. Examples: On the legislative front, state lawmak- Gentrification of distressed areas,” read ers have either introduced or passed bills 917-456-6086 the website. “New Housing developments. aimed at reducing rapid home purchases -ATTHEWS!VENUEs"RONX .9 Expansion funding for business, New devel- by anonymous buyers. One of the new pro- ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED opments in underdeveloped areas, e.g. shop- visions makes the names of home buyers ping centers, manufacturing plants, busi- available through a request via the Free- ness offices.” dom of Information Act. Nearly half the Bronx is carved out into Another tactic proposed is a Flip Tax opportunity zones. Isufi from Propco Hold- Bill that would impose a 20 percent tax on ings did not return an email or phone call properties sold within one year and a 15 seeking comment. percent tax on properties sold after one Quaranta’s stream of letters, emails, and year but less than two years after the pur- text messages offering money for her home chase. The bill was introduced in Febru- could work against speculators. New York ary, but tabled in committee to the relief State’s “no solicitation zone” bars specula- of groups such as the Landlords New York tors from flooding neighborhoods with no- group that suspected the bill would be “for- tices. gotten” about and “fade into obscurity.” A But Quaranta’s not sure there’s enough representative for the group did not return buy-in from the community. “I think they see an email seeking comment. the dollars,” said Quaranta of her neighbors. Bailey said he’s supportive of the Flip “It’s not illegal to get someone to commit Tax bill proposed by Brooklyn state Sen. someone to sell your home for much less than Julia Salazar, suspecting the wave of home what it’s worth, but it is amoral, it’s wrong, flipping will cause another “unnatural” and it’s something we really want more re- housing bubble that’s “going to pop back sources for community members to fight on us.” back against,” said Nagy. “It’s taking advan- Quaranta, meantime, will continue tage of people’s desperation. A lot of people to ward off any more solicitations, unlike who are in trouble don’t know that they can her neighbors who’ve succumbed to offers. get help. Help is available, that it’s free, that Quaranta—despite being offered $1.5 mil- could actually keep them in their home.” lion for her home—intends to stay. State Senator Jamaal Bailey—whose “They’re removing the option of people district covers Norwood, Bedford Park, and who want to buy homes,” said Quaranta of Williamsbridge—agrees that homeowners speculative buyers. “It would be a great op- at the end of their rope are fueling these in- tion to own a home and take in the fact that vestments. there is this community and neighborhood “The prices of the house is an upward tra- where you have that opportunity to own jectory. The 1- and 2-family homes are priced something. They’re forcing these buildings way higher than they should be in this neck of with rentals. I don’t see co-ops going up. I the woods and that’s because you have these don’t see condos. I see rentals, rentals, rent- speculators that are trying to offer all cash als. They’re changing the geographic foot- deals for these buyers,” said Bailey. “When print here. And they’re doing it without the somebody comes in front of you, and waves rest of the community agreeing with it. 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