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ORWOODQ EWSQ FREE NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 Vol 30, No 22 • PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION • NOVEMBER 9-22, 2017 ORWOODQ EWSQ NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014

INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: SEE PICTURES: THE VOTING EXPERIENCE | PG. 4 HALLOWEEN IN NORWOOD | PG. 10 GJONAJ WINS Jerome Ave. Rezoning Vote Set for Nov. 16 COUNCIL SEAT pg 2 Victory opens Assembly seat covering Norwood to possible contenders

Meet New Principal at St. Philip Neri School pg 6

Fordham Landing Shelter Here to Stay pg 11

Photo by Aaron Mayorga COUNCILMAN-ELECT MARK GJONAJ wins the seat for the 13th Council District covering the east Bronx. Gjonaj had represented Nor- wood since 2013.

By WENDY JOAN the vote, and effectively open- 82nd Assembly District Fe- does not include Norwood, a BIDDLECOMBE ing his Norwood Assembly male Leader and Community neighborhood that Gjonaj rep- All that cash ultimately seat. Board 10 treasurer who ran on resented in the assembly. paid off. Gjonaj, an Albanian Amer- the Working Families Party Gjonaj got the most cheers Assemblyman Mark ican from Morris Park, de- ticket. Velazquez was backed at a Tuesday night victory Gjonaj, who set a new record feated Republican challenger by the current holder of the party at Pasta Pasta restau- for City Council spending, was John Cerini, an accoun- seat, the term-limited Council- rant in Morris Park when elected to represent the 13th tant and community leader man Jimmy Vacca. The 13th it was announced that he Council District on Election from Throggs Neck, as well District stretches from Morris would be the first Alba- pg 14 Night, securing 49 percent of as Marjorie Velazquez, the Park east to City Island, and (continued on page 15) 2 • November 9-22, 2017 • Norwood News IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST Vol. 30, No. 22 Vol. 27, No. 10 NorwoodVol. 27,News 27, No. No.is 10published 10 Borough Board to Vote on Jerome Avenue Rezoning Nov. 16 bi-weekly on Thursdays by By DAVID CRUZ MosholuNorwoodNorwood Preservation NewsNews is Corporation ispublished published (MPC) Norwood3400 Reservoir News isOval published East The Bronx Borough Board is expected bi-weeklybi-weekly on on Thursdays Thursdays by by bi-weeklyBronx, New on ThursdaysYork 10467 by to meet Nov. 16 to decide whether to ap- MosholuMosholuPhone: Preservation 718 324 Corporation 4998Corporation Mosholu3400 PreservationReservoir Oval EastCorporation prove or reject the Jerome Avenue Rezon- 3400Fax: Reservoir 718 324 Oval2917 East E-mail: [email protected], Reservoir New York 10467Oval East ing plan, a complex and sweeping proposal Bronx, New York 10467 Web.:Bronx, www.norwoodnews.org New York 10467 intended to create more affordable housing Phone: 718 324 4998 across the west and southwest sections of Fax: 718 324 2917 Publisher Phone: 718 324 4998 E-mail: [email protected]: 718 324 4998 the borough. Mosholu Web:PreservationFax: www.norwoodnews.org 718 324 Corporation 2917 The body, made up of the chairs and E-mail: [email protected]: 718 324 2917 ExecutiveE-mail: [email protected] Director of MPC district managers of community boards, Melissa Web:Cebollero www.norwoodnews.org Web: www.norwoodnews.org will meet two weeks after the Bronx Bor- DirectorPublisher of MPC CEO, Mosholu ough President got an earful from scores Mosholu Preservation 3UHVHUYDWLRQ Jennifer Tausig of residents, merchants and even doctors Corporation Corporation PublisherEditor-in-Chief, NorwoodCEO, News Mosholu largely opposed to the plan. PublisherEditor-in-Chief RobertoCEO, S. Mosholu Garcia MosholuDavid Cruz, Preservation [email protected] 3UHVHUYDWLRQ Diaz held a hearing on the issue Nov. 2. MosholuDavid Cruz Preservation 3UHVHUYDWLRQ Corporation Corporation The lofty proposal looks to rezone 92 blocks Photo by David Cruz AccountsCorporation Receivable Corporation Editor-in-ChiefDawn&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ McEvoy Roberto S. Garcia of Jerome Avenue between 184th and 167th COUNCILWOMAN VANESSA GIBSON (at mic) testifi es at the Jerome Avenue Rezon- Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia ing hearing Nov. 2. Gibson testifi ed that investments are needed “today.” DavidProofreaderDawn Cruz McEvoy streets. The plan covers a two-mile stretch David Cruz Judy$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH Noy along its commercial and major transit “Every time I walk around and see bill- Community boards 4, 5 and 7 have cast Dawn McEvoy corridors within community boards 4, 5 &ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJInterns boards that say ‘affordable housing,’ I just a yes vote to the plan so long as some stipu- Diego&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJProofreader Barcacel Peña, Stephanie Luciano, and 7, which make up the neighborhoods of DawnJudy McEvoy Noy stare at it and laugh and say ‘for whom?’” lations are met. Some stipulations by Com- YaraDawn Palin, McEvoy Aaron Mayorga Fordham South, University Heights, Mor- Ed Viera Jr., a resident living within the munity Board 4 include the creation of a $FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH3URGXFWLRQ ris Heights, Mt. Eden, and Highbridge. Regular$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOHNeil deMause Contributors impacted area, said. so-called anti-displacement fund, available DawnDavid McEvoy Greene, Adi Talwar “This has shown to be one of the rezon- Dawn5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV McEvoy During cross-examination of the plan, resources for existing autobody mechan- Proofreader ings proposed with the most emotion from ContributorsProofreaderDavid Greene, Adi Talwar Diaz had wondered whether HPD would ics, and the creation of an LGBTQ center. JudyMiriam Noy Quinones, Reggie Francois, folks who either support it or don’t support Interns consider lowering the AMI threshold to 30 Arguably, the most critical voice in WendyJudy Noy Joan Biddletombe 3URGXFWLRQShayla Love, Paolo Mossetti, Justin McCallum, it,” said Diaz in opening remarks. percent. the public review process could be Coun- 3URGXFWLRQ Neiland deMause Chelsea George The New York City Department of City Three people who testified spoke of the cilwoman Vanessa Gibson, whose district Neil deMause For Display Advertising Planning, the lead agency behind the re- racial undertone the Jerome Avenue re- largely covers the bulk of the area that 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUVFor display advertising, call (718) 324-4998. zoning plan, presented before the public, David5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV Greene,Call (718)Adi Talwar 324-4998 zoning represents, with Jessica Roque sug- will be rezoned (Councilman Fernando emphasizing that part of the plan looks to DavidSupport Greene, Your Adi Talwar gesting this is a new form of “colonialism” Cabrera’s 14th Council District covers Interns create more than 4,000 units of affordable SupportInternsCommunity Your Newspaper! toward the existing black and Hispanic some ground on Jerome Avenue). Dur- Shayla Love, Paolo Mossetti, Justin McCallum, housing, honoring Mayor Bill de Blasio’s CommunityShaylaThe Norwood Love, PaoloNews Newspaper!LVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE Mossetti, Justin -McCallum, population living there. “The settlers ing her testimony, Gibson appeared to andlication Chelsea and relies George upon the support of its Housing New York Plan. New York City Theand Norwood Chelsea News George is a not-for-profi t publication here are the people right here on my left,” lean in favor of rezoning Jerome Avenue advertisers and readers to produce a quality and relies upon the support of its advertisers Housing Preservation and Development community newspaper. To support your paper, Roque, a Hispanic woman motioning to the so long as certain conditions were met. Forand display readers advertising, to produce call a quality (718) 324-4998.community (HPD) intends to offer tax breaks to devel- Forbecome display a member advertising, and receive call (718)a subscription 324-4998. largely white group of city officials tasked Her position will determine whether the newspaper. To support your paper, become for one year. opers who build housing for those making to formulate the plan, said. “And the na- New York City Council will vote in favor a member and receive a subscription for one Support Your a maximum income of $26,720 for a single tives is us here.” of the project. Council members typically year.SupportSimply mail checkYour or money order for $40 Community Newspaper! person, translating to 40 percent of Area Fitzroy Christian, a resident, com- defer their vote to the council member Communityto: Norwood News, Newspaper! 3400 Reservoir Oval East, TheSimply Norwood mail check News orLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE money order for $40- to: Median Income (AMI). pared the plan to a form of “ethnic cleans- whose project presides in that district. TheBronx, Norwood NY 10467. News LVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE- licationNorwood and News, relies 3400 upon Reservoir the support Oval of itsEast, But many residents, particularly those ing” aimed at displacing minorities out of “As the Council Member of District 16, I Bronx,lication NYand 10467. relies upon the support of its advertisersNorwood News and isreaders not responsible to produce for typo a- quality from Community Action for Safe Apart- those communities. Dyaami D’Orazio, an- refuse to allow our community to be short- communityadvertisersgraphical errors. newspaper.and readersOpinions To expressedto supportproduce in your signed a quality paper, ments, got stuck on the word “affordable.” Norwoodletters and News bylined is columns not responsible represent the for sole other resident, wondered whether any new changed nor will I sit by and allow other becomecommunity a member newspaper. and receiveTo support a subscription your paper, Presently, only a small fraction of the resi- typographicalbecomeopinion aof memberthe authorerrors. and Opinions arereceive not necessarily expresseda subscription in businesses that would settle in the area for communities to get the investments that forsigned thoseone year.lettersof Mosholu and Preservation bylined columns Corporations represent dents could afford to pay these projected two years would be owned by “blanquitos” we deserve, that we need today,” Gibson, thefor onesole year. opinion of the author and are not RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS- rents, raising the question that the units (Spanish for ‘white’) or “cafesitos, and our reading from prepared remarks, said. “Not necessarilyresent the views those of ofthe Mosholu editor and/or Preservation publisher Simply mail check or money order for $40 are not for the existing residents. sandwich, and our empanadas.” tomorrow but today.” to:CorporationSimply only.Norwood The mail newspaper checkNews,or Montefi or3400 reserves money oreReservoir the orderMedical right toforOval limitCenter. $40 East, Editorialsor refuse representadvertising itthe deems views objectionable. of the editor Bronx,to: Norwood NY 10467. News, 3400 Reservoir Oval East, only.Bronx,Advertisements The NY newspaper 10467. appearing reserves in this paper the rightcannot to belimit used or withoutrefuse the advertising written permission it deems of Nor - Norwoodobjectionable.wood News. News Letters Advertisements is not to theresponsible editor are appearing subject for typo - Public and Community Meetings graphicalinNorwood thisto condensation paper errors.News cannot andisOpinions not editing. be responsible used Writersexpressed without should for in typo signed- graphicalLQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ errors. Opinions expressed in signed lettersthe written and bylinedpermission columns of the represent Norwood the sole COMMUNITY BOARD 7 will hold its general board meeting on Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at North Central Bronx Hos- News.lettersAnonymous andLetters bylined letters to the are columns editornot published arerepresent subject but your the to sole opinionname canof the be withheldauthor andif requested. are not necessarily pital, 3424 Kossuth Ave. Committee meetings are held on the following dates at the board office, 229 E. 204th St., at condensationopinion of the authorand editing. and are Writers not necessarily should thoseinclude of theirMosholu affi liation Preservation or special Corporations interest if 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted: Executive Committee meets on Nov. 9; Housing, Land Use & Zoning Committee those of Mosholu Preservation Corporations RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHSany. Anonymous letters are not published - meets on Nov. 14; Health & Hospitals Committee meets on Nov. 15; and Public Safety & Quality of Life Committee resentbutRU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS your the name views can of thebe editorwithheld and/or upon publisher - Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a meets on Nov. 16. For more information, call (718) 944-5650. only.request.resent The the newspaper views of the reserves editor and/or the right publisher to limit only.QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH The newspaper reserves the right to limit or refuseMedical advertisingCenter. it deems objectionable. Advertisementsor refuse advertising appearing it deems in this objectionable. paper cannot THE 52ND PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL meets on Nov. 16 at St. James Episcopal Church, 2500 Jerome beMosholuAdvertisements used without Preservation theappearing written Corporation inpermission this paper is a of non-cannot Nor- Ave. at 190th Street, from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call (718) 220-5824. 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 THE 52ND PRECINCT NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY MEETING for residents living within Sector D which LQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\to condensation and editing. Writers should LQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ encompasses Jerome Avenue from Mosholu Parkway to East Gun Hill Road; East Gun Hill Road from Jerome to Anonymous letters are not published but your Webster avenues; and Webster Avenue from East Gun Hill Road to Mosholu Parkway, will be held at Saint Bren- nameAnonymous can be letters withheld are if not requested. published but your name can be withheld if requested. dan School in the gym, 268 E. 207th St. on Nov. 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call Neighborhood Coordination Police Officers Michelle Brown at (929) 285-0127 or Edward Barrett at (929) 281-7898.

Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUHMosholu Preservation Corporation is a MedicalQRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH Center. Medical Center. November 9-22, 2017 • Norwood News • 3 Here for your Medicare needs. Come to a FREE Medicare information session, courtesy of Healthfirst.

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Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc. offers HMO plans that contract with the Federal Government. Enrollment in Healthfirst Medicare Plan depends on contract renewal. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description, of benefits. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, provider network, premium, and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Please contact the plan for further details. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-888-260-1010 and TTY 1-888-542-3821. Healthfirst Medicare Plan complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-866-305-0408 (TTY 1-888-867-4132). 注意: 如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得 語 言 援 助 服 務。請 致 電 1-866-305-0408 (TTY 1-888-542-3821)。 © 2017 HF Management Services, LLC 2342-17 H3359_MKT18_64 Accepted 09172017 4 • November 9-22, 2017 • Norwood News INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers exiting voting sites about their general experience on this Election Day.

It was good because I came out early They were very helpful and had no Well, I’ll tell you one thing, it was I got in early. The line wasn’t too bad, It was nice, but then it became a today, so I was in and out. They were lines. It was very organized, and the fi rst time I voted in many years. and they were very helpful. They gave little stressful because the machines very helpful. They had me in the back, the process was equally distributed Everybody was pretty cool and me my voting papers. The people weren’t working. But I gave them and I’m all done. I’m not sure about in terms of workload so it was helpful, very. To me, the bottom line were doing a good job. I think the my ballot, and I’m happy and proud the voter turnout today, and I don’t very effi cient. No, I didn’t see any is I won’t see change no matter who mayor should win. He’s doing a good to be a voter today. I voted ‘no’ on like the mayor. Russians. I don’t know how the mayor wins. It’s the same story over and job. They never give him any credit for [the Constitutional Convention] so Jacqueline Alvarez is going to do today, but he has a lot over again. The problems are there what he does good, just the negative our union gets to keep our pension of opposition. A lot of people don’t are no jobs, [there’s] crime. And the they give him. It’s amazing that people according to what the union told me. Pelham Bay like him, and we’ll see about the change that has occurred over the never speak of the good things. They Mayor de Blasio? All the way, boo- Bronx races as well. years has been terrible. look for the bad, but I give the mayor boo. Angelos Skordos Cory Johnson credit for what he’s done so far. Jennifer Hernandez Morris Park Pelham Parkway Paul Siblies Norwood Norwood

CRIME FILE By YARA PALIN

125 lbs. The three males are in their with two other people to rob a 34-year- late teens or early 20s and are around old victim of nearly $400 at the corner FOLLOW US 5’7’’, each weighing about 170 lbs. of West Gun Hill Road and Knox Place on Oct. 13 just before midnight, police ONLINE Liquor Store Pickpocket say. Police are looking for a suspect who WWW. pickpocketed a man in a liquor store in Bedford Park. NORWOODNEWS. The suspect approached the 74- year-old victim inside the store at 248 ORG E. 204th St. and allegedly removed his wallet from his jacket pocket at around 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 24, police say. The suspect is described as a Images courtesy NYPD black man with black hair and was FOUR OF THE fi ve suspects were caught last seen wearing a gray long-sleeved on surveillance video. sweater, black pants, black boots, and TO REPORT A Catholic School Robbed a dark colored cap worn backwards. Five people (two female and three STORY TO THE male) entered St. Nicholas of Tolentine Serial Thief Wanted School in Fordham through an un- A man already wanted for another Editor’s Note: Anyone with infor- NORWOOD NEWS, locked door on Oct. 23and took around robbery in Norwood has struck again. mation on any of these crimes is asked $4500 worth of laptops and other elec- He is described as a Hispanic around to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577- CALL US AT tronics before taking off, police say. 30 to 40 years old, of light complex- TIPS. The public can also submit their All suspects are Hispanic. One fe- ion. Last seen wearing a tan jacket, he tips by logging on to the Crime Stoppers male is in her teens and is roughly matches the description of a suspect website at www.nypdcrimestoppers. 718-324-4998 5’5’’ weighing about 125 lbs. The sec- wanted for a Sept. 1 robbery in the com or by texting their tips to 274637 ond female is in her late teens or early same area. (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls 20s, around 5’6’’ and weighing about This time the alleged thief came are kept confidential. November 9-22, 2017 • Norwood News • 5 6 • November 9-22, 2017 • Norwood News New St. Philip Neri Principal a Familiar Face in Norwood By DAVID CRUZ principal at nearby St. Ann’s Cath- I n t h e s p a c e o f f i v e m i nu t e s , A ji e a olic School, which closed this year Beebe, new principal at St. Philip after the Archdiocese of New York Neri Catholic School in Bedford deemed it was not on proper finan- Park, escorted a timid student out cial footing to continue operating. of a classroom, received a hearty It was a closure Beebe described as “Good morning Mrs. Beebe” from “heartbreaking.” Diocese officials uniformed children walking down reassigned teachers and admin- the hallways, and gave a top-down istrators across the system, with tour of the 104-year-old school. Beebe ultimately chosen to lead It’s been almost two months the Catholic school that rests at since Beebe came to the school, the Grand Concourse near Bedford and she’s already feeling at home. Park Boulevard. It’s an institution In many ways, she is. It helps that with an enrollment of some 200 stu- a number of her old students at the dents, and one now that’s replaced school she’s previously worked at the New York City Department of have now transferred to St. Philip Education’s Universal Pre-K for Neri, making for a smooth transi- one they’ve solely sponsored. tion. With no signs St. Philip Neri Photo by Adi Talwar “It’s nice to see that students would face closure, Beebe has hit AJIEA BEEBE, PRINCIPAL of St. Philip Neri Catholic School, works with students still have that love for education, the ground running with an ag- from the Bedford Park school. She transferred from the now closed St. Ann’s School and I think it also has to do with gressive agenda that includes ex- during the summer. making it a loving environment panding music services, increas- and a nurturing environment and ing enrollment, starting so-called On her days at school, Beebe comeback. With parishes form- that’s our goal,” Beebe, speaking to buddy classes, and instituting a remains omnipresent, evaluating ing regional schools, it’s bridged the Norwood News from her office teacher resource center that’s ex- teachers, serving as a watchful a stronger bond between church on Oct. 30, said. “Our school motto pected to launch in December. As eye during dismissal or leading a and Catholic school officials. is ‘Servium,’ which is pretty much has long been the case for Beebe, choir class. She relies on her stu- St. Philip Neri appears to be fol- ‘to serve’ and that’s something that ideas are jotted down in a binder dent hallway ambassadors, hand- lowing that tract, according to I live by since I was I was born.” she’s kept containing an assort- picked to responsibly escort other Beebe, thanks to the school’s re- Up until August, Beebe served as ment of ideas. students who may be running late. lationship with Father Jose Ser- “So it’s that personal touch rano, St. Philip Neri Church’s where some students may feel a bit lead pastor. nervous going to class or going up “Father Serrano has been won- Pumpkin SMASH! the stairs by themselves because derful in assisting with mass, they’re not with their class, but making a presence and walking with VIP service,” Beebe said. through the building and saying Beebe spent a portion of her hello and allowing us to utilize the childhood in Highbridge. His church facilities if that is a need,” mother was a lector while her Beebe said. “But at the same time dad volunteered at Sacred Heart it’s give and take, but we work very Catholic School. “That was the well together.” elementary school that I went to Scholarships and financial so we were truly bled with work- aid programs are available to ing with the Marist Brothers and students, a boon to the neighbor- also Farther Mark Reagan,” re- hood’s working class and second called Bebbe. “I was teaching reli- generation of immigrants enrolled gious studies when I was 13. I was at the school. teaching public school students The joys of teaching continue third grade all the way up prepar- to course through Beebe, who ing for sacraments. I didn’t mind relishes in popping her head into it. It was something I enjoyed.” classes or even teaching a class ev- Her entire career has been in ery once in a while. “It’s those lit- the Catholic school system, an tle things that still keep me going,” institution she feels is making a Beebe said. “It’s the children.”

Photo by Miriam Quinones THIS PUMPKIN GUNNER is about to toss an orange gourd into a launcher, ready to send it off to its fate at the annual Pumpkin Smash held at Lehman Col- lege Nov. 1. The newly squished pumpkins, fired off the rooftop of the college’s music building, were turned into compost set aside for city parks and green spaces. November 9-22, 2017 • Norwood News • 7 Getting Into Nitty Gritty of City Steps In to Aid Troubled Kingsbridge Ice Project Loan Kingsbridge Hts. Building By AARON MAYORGA wood News in an emailed state- State officials are in the midst ment. According to ESD’s project of finalizing a $138 million capi- plan, the first phase of develop- tal loan to the developers of the ment, which includes the con- Kingsbridge National Ice Center struction of the ice center’s first (KNIC) after a five-member board five ice rinks, is anticipated to be approved the measure during completed in late 2020. their latest meeting. The ESD loan, however, has not At its Oct. 18 meeting, the Pub- yet completed its journey through lic Authorities Control Board the state’s bureaucracy. For it to (PACB), which supervises the ac- be finalized, ESD’s Board of Di- tivities of New York’s numerous rectors must still assess any pub- public benefit corporations, unan- lic comments and affirm the loan. imously approved the general The first matter is largely set- project plan outlined by the state’s tled with local residents having Empire State Development (ESD) already voiced their support for agency. In addition to the $138 mil- the state’s plan for the ice center lion loan commitment, the ESD at a hearing last month. Commu-

plan also includes $26.4 million nity Board 7, the civic panel that Photo by Diego Barcacel Peña in historic tax credits and an ad- overlaps with the Armory, origi- THIS BUILDING AT 60 E. 196th Street in Kingsbridge Heights is undergoing renova- ditional $20.7 million in “other nally approved the KNIC project tions. preferred equity.” All told, under in September 2013. the PACB-approved plan, KNIC is As a result of the positive feed- By YARA PALIN own the building, has only been slated to receive $185.1 million in back, it is expected that the ESD The city has stepped in to help renovating after the city ordered state public assistance. Board of Directors will sign off tenants of a troubled Kingsbridge them to fix faulty pipes. There are But according to ESD spokes- on the loan at their next meeting Heights apartment building who still two official stop work orders person Amy Varghese, funds from later this month. Approval of the were reportedly forced to share a posted on the front door, however. the $138 million loan will not be loan will allow KNIC to release single bathroom for weeks. Rico also says that the stop work made available to KNIC until the lease to the Armory from es- The superintendent for 60 E. order was given because “tenants the ice center is completed. “Our crow and to secure a construction 196th St., Cristian Rico, says that were using one bathroom but now agreement is to provide the loan at loan, thereby enabling construc- conditions first reported by the New everyone since [Oct. 25] has had the substantial completion of con- tion on the troubled project to fi- York Post were exaggerated. He in- their toilet and their shower ready.” struction,” Varghese told the Nor- nally begin. sists that The Morgan Group, which (continued on page 15)

Norwood Car Dealer Aids Puerto Rico’s Hurricane Victims

BY STEPHANIE LUCIANO of Puerto Rican descent live. There LaSorsa Chevrolet Dealership have been 51 deaths as a result of the announced their collection efforts Category 5 hurricane, though many for victims of Hurricane Maria in have begun to dispute the numbers, Puerto Rico were successful. claiming as many as 900 have really The auto group on the corner of passed. A series of collection drives East Gun Hill Road and Webster Av- have been organized to send much enue in Norwod collected hurricane needed relief aid to the ravaged is- donations for the past two months land. Among the biggest collection through Oct. 27 with a portion of drives is one organized by the City donations coming from the recent of New York, which has assigned Hurricane Relief Concert held at FDNY stationhouses across the East 204th Street and Webster Ave- Bronx to serve as collection sites for nue. With the help of local residents, Hurricane Maria victims. Batteries, they’ve received an abundance of baby food, diapers, and feminine hy- water, clothing and nonperishable giene products were among the more goods. Photo by Stephanie Luciano sought-after donations. Satisfied with the amount of do- THE TEAM BEHIND the collection drive. The dealership has left it up to nations received, John A. LaSorsa, the community to decide what ar- CEO of the dealership, told the Nor- needed the help, “Its really a great Puerto Rico in September, with eas of Puerto Rico will receive these wood News he was happy to be a col- effort on behalf of the community electrical power still out across the donations. “Without them we don’t lection center. With family in Puerto and we’re happy to be involved,” he U.S. commonwealth. Its impact has exist, so its important for us to be a Rico, employee families involved, says. been greatly felt across the Bronx, part of anything that happens to our along with the community who Hurricane Maria devastated where an estimated 300,000 people community,” said LaSorsa. 8 • November 9-22, 2017 • Norwood News

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RiverSpringHealthPlans.org November 9-22, 2017 • Norwood News • 9

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RiverSpringHealthPlans.org 10 • November 9-22, 2017 • Norwood News Halloween in Norwood From Mosholu Parkway to the Williamsbridge Oval, the Halloween season swept through Norwood with plenty of “scare-rific” events lined up.

Photo by David Greene Photo by David Greene A CHAINSAW WIELDING clown poses with Norwood residents at the NORWOOD RESIDENTS ENCOUNTERED this armless girl at the Wil- Williamsbridge Oval Haunted House. liamsbridge Oval Haunted House.

Photo by Adi Talwar Photo by Adi Talwar TRICK OR TREATERS eagerly await candy handed out by employees THESE TRICK OR TREATERS make a stop at the Bainbridge Deli on of Webster Gourmet Deli on East 204th Street and Webster Avenue on East 207th Street and Bainbridge Avenue. Halloween night.

Photo by Diego Barcacel Peña THIS GENEROUS SOUL dumps his Halloween treats… for a good cause. The kids, patients of the diabetes clinic at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, took part in a Halloween candy buyback event on Nov. 1. Candies were exchanged for a gift card or present.

Photo by Aaron Mayorga THE JEROME-GUN HILL BID hosted a free Halloween event at the corner of East Mosholu Parkway North and Jerome Avenue on Oct. 31. Guests were treated to free candy, face-painting, and photo ops with this friendly dinosaur. Bronx DA to Investigate NYPD Shooting Death of Unarmed Senior November 9-22, 2017 • Norwood News • 11 Fordham Shelter Housing Site Here to Stay By REGGIE FRANCOIS the homeless in apartment buildings. Despite numerous attempts to rid Before taking questions and ad- a homeless shelter/affordable hous- dressing concerns, DHS made a state- ing site in Fordham, hundreds of ment about the department’s aim to residents at a nearby cooperative will close cluster sites. have to get used to the site and its oc- “This February, the mayor an- cupants, whether they like it or not. nounced a plan to really improve and Still, residents at Fordham Hill reimagine the shelters,” said Gray. Owners Corporation expressed con- “We made a commitment to shrink the tinued outrage for Fordham Landing, DHS footprint by 45 percent, to close the homeless shelter and affordable 360 facilities city-wide. We made com- housing site slated to open in Decem- mitments to get out all cluster sites.” ber. An Oct. 25 town hall meeting took “The shelter we’re opening has em- place between the corporation’s com- ployable folks,” said Rodriguez after a munity engagement community and local baseball coach expressed worry Photo by Diego Barcacel Peña representatives from the New York for the shelter’s inhabitants wander- SOME RESTAURANTS WILL participate through specially priced menus. City Department of Homeless Services ing the streets during the day. “As (DHS) and Bowery Residents Com- Muzzy said, we’re here to provide ser- Savor the Bronx Aims to Satisfy Taste Buds mittee (BRC), with executive director vice to everyone — not only to our cli- Muzzy Rosenblatt on hand. ents, but to the community.” By DIEGO BARCACEL PEÑA South Bronx, was also present at “We’re here to answer all the con- Myrna Calderon, president of Ford- A full serving of the borough’s Porto Salvo to discuss the changing cerns, to listen to all of the concerns ham Hill Owners Cooperative Board diversity will be dished out by local environment of the borough. “For of the community and to hear the an- of Directors, brought up the lack of eateries during Savor the Bronx Res- people born and raised here, we know swers that both the agency has as well communication between BRC and taurant Week, which runs from Nov. that people didn’t think about the as the provider,” said Senator Gustavo DHS and stakeholders, particularly 6 to 17. Bronx the way they do now. They Rivera of the 33rd District, serving as schools in the area. The 12-day event will give local would always talk about it negatively moderator. Assembly members Victor “The problem is not that you put restaurants the chance to showcase as if there was always something Pichardo and Jose Rivera, who lives at a shelter here,” said Calderon. “The assorted Bronx flavors while con- wrong, but now people are talking the complex, were also on hand. The problem is if you had bothered to have tinuing its decades-long quest to ex- about what’s happening here,” said panel consisted of Rosenblatt and DHS engaged the community, you would tinguish the “Bronx is burning,” ste- Blake. representatives Jackie Gray and Iris have realized this was not the best lo- reotype of the 1970s. Blake noted that the South Bronx Rodriguez. cation.” “[W]here we are today is a place was included in the New York Times’ Locals took to the mic to ask vari- DHS also announced that an advi- where we celebrate our diversity,” annual 52 Places to Visit in the World, ous questions, including whether sory committee meeting will be held said Borough President Ruben Diaz saying that, “It’s showing that things there was a curfew for residents, and on the last Wednesday in January. Jr. at an event marking the start of Sa- are happening and changing the whether it was too late for the shelter’s “BRC will always consider con- vor the Bronx. “[W]here we celebrate game.” demographic to be changed. They also cerns of and suggestions from the all of the great developments; we cel- Many eateries near Norwood will inquired whether Megan’s Law, which community. That is our practice ebrate the job creation. But we have be a part of Savor the Bronx. One of requires convicted sex offenders to throughout the city and we have been always been the borough of flavor.” them is Madden’s Uptown Bar & Grill register with New York State, applies. responsive,” Rosenblatt told the Nor- From the south to the north Bronx, located in Kingsbridge. It has been in The shelter/affordable housing site wood News. “To facilitate that, and for more than 30 different flavors will be the same location for over 50 years as is located at 233 Landing Rd., a block that purpose, beginning in January available for tasting during the yearly a bar, but recently it was renovated and half from the nine-building com- we will hold quarterly meetings open event. It will feature Latin American to a bar and grill that cooks Ameri- plex on Sedgwick Avenue and West to the public. The meetings for 2018 restaurants, including Mamajuana can cuisine with an Irish twist. It Fordham Road. The de Blasio admin- will be Jan. 31, April 25, July 25, and Café, which serves Latin Caribbean has unique food tasting challenges istration has favored the shelter model Oct. 24. They will start at 6 p.m. at the food, and Habanero Mexican Cuisine. like the four-pound burger, which over the cluster site model, which puts shelter.” American restaurants like the Bronx can be eaten alone or with a group Alehouse, which serves chicken of friends. It also has cocktails like wings dipped in “Bronx is Burning” “The Hair of the Dog,” which is a tra- hot sauce; Asian fusion restaurants ditional Bloody Mary filled with ba- like Siam Square Thai Cuisine; Bistro con strips, olives, chicken wings, and SK which will serve the only French onion rings. food in the borough; and Italian res- “I love the Bronx, I’m born and taurants like Porto Salvo, which spe- bred in the Bronx. I was born in 1978 cializes in seafood; will all be among and there’s nothing better than the the participating eateries. Bronx,” said Patricia Murray, owner “We are the new kids on the block, of Madden’s Uptown Bar & Grill. “I but we aren’t new to the restaurant love anything positive for the Bronx, business,” said Mark Lu, co-owner of and this right here [Restaurant Week] Porto Salvo. “We know that it is very I’ve been waiting for this.” important to be engaged with the Editor’s Note: For a look at deals community.” offered by restaurants, like Madden’s Assemblyman Michael Blake, of $16.39 fixed price lunch menu, go to sa- Photo by Reggie Francois the 79th Assembly District in the vorthebronx.com or ilovethebronx.com. BRONX RESIDENTS WAIT their turn to speak with BRC Executive Director Muzzy Rosenblatt (background center). 12 • November 9-22, 2017 • Norwood News Classifi eds Professional Directory

PEDIATRIC SERVICES /JGHBIZ Tiga Pediatrics 3510 Bainbridge Avenue, Suite 5, Bronx, NY 10467. Ages 0 to 21 years. General Practice, Obesity, Asthma, ADHD Same-Day Appointment Every Day! (718) 881-8999

COMPUTER SERVICES BIGTHROUGHOUT SAVINGS THE JEROME-GUN HILL AREA! COME SHOP & SAVE BIG ALL YEAR ROUND Computer Repair Over 200 Stores on Jerome Avenue from Mosholu to Upgrade, troubleshooting, laptop overheats, cracked screen, Gun Hill Road and on Gun Hill Road to Webster Avenue broken power jack, virus removal,data recovery. Call James (646) 281-4475, (718) 324-4332. Discover the Stores, Quality Service and Savings at the Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District. Where Good Neighbors BEAUTY SERVICES Deserve Great Shopping! All in a Safe, Clean & Friendly Environment Come to Madame P’s Beauty World. Call the We specialize in haircutting, hair care, hair coloring, all relaxers, Wave BID Hotline at 718-324-4946 Nouveau, weaving to stimulate hair growth and carefree curls. We also for more information or visit us at offer press and curl. 20% off for seniors. 10% off for college students with www.jeromegunhillbid.org picture ID. 617 E. Fordham Road (Fordham University section). Call today for your appointment: (347) 284-3834.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Epiphany Lutheran Church A PLACE OF GRACE IN NORWOOD 3127 Decatur Ave., Bronx, NY Phone: (718) 652-6839 Web Site: www.epiphanybx.org WORSHIP - Sundays at noon BIBLE STUDY - Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. THRIFT SHOP - Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America God’s work -- our hands

LODGINGS WANTED

Give these newlyweds a home for the holidays! Loving, married couple seeks furnished room or studio apt. with a caring family. Will pay $1,000.00 per month. Will help with light housekeeping and shopping. Contact Lauryn or Matt (929) 451-5821. WORSHIP SPACE WANTED

Christian Nonprofit Church group seeks a space to worship God. Big enough to accommodate 60 people. Worship services: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesdays 7 to 9 p.m., Fridays 7 to 9 p.m. First choice – Hunts Point community. To pay $500 per month. Call Denise on Sundays (718) 584-6891. November 9-22, 2017 • Norwood News • 13

NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES

Public Engagement Workshops Home Energy Assistance Program. The Mayor’s Tenant Support Eligible households can receive Unit will hold a workshop on tenant assistance of up to $726. A family rights on Nov. 16 and 30 at UNHP of four can earn up to $53,482 per Refuge House, 2715 Bainbridge year and still qualify for help. Ave., from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The unit For more information, and to works with those who may be at sign up, can call (212) 331-3126. risk of displacement, experiencing landlord harassment, needs a rent BID Survey freeze for those who qualify, and The Jerome-Gun Hill Busi- other resources. For more informa- ness Improvement District is tion, call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov. conducting a survey through No- vember to determine what stores Excelsior Scholarship are needed for the neighborhood The Excelsior Scholarship appli- business strip on Jerome Avenue cation for students to attend SUNY between Mosholu Parkway and or CUNY tuition free this spring se- East Gun Hill Road and East Gun mester is open through Dec. 4. The Hill Road between Jerome and scholarship is open to New York- Webster avenues. To take part ers with household incomes of up in the survey, go to http://bit. to $100,000. Students must agree to ly/2ffXnfg. be enrolled in college full time and complete 30 credits per year (includ- Job Recruitment Event ing summer and January semes- A free pop-up recruitment ters). To learn more about quali- events where job seekers can fications, visit https://www.hesc. meet with potential employees ny.gov/excelsior/. TRIP will take place on Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bronx Li- JGH-BID Annual Meeting brary Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge The public is invited to the Je- Rd. Attendees are asked to bring rome-Gun Hill Business Improve- plenty of resumes and dress pro- ment District meeting on Dec. 6 at 6 fessionally. For more informa- p.m. at a location to be determined. tion, call (718) 579-4244. In addi- The BI D wi l l out line its list of accom- tion, job seekers can meet with plishments, discuss new initiatives a career coach, get free resume and plan for the new year. Food and help, and participate in formal refreshments will be served. For mock interviews. To schedule an more information and to RSVP (re- appointment, call (718) 549-4260 quired), call (718) 324-4946 or email or email [email protected]. [email protected]. Hurricane Relief Drive Job Fair The Office of Senator Gustavo A job fair is scheduled Nov. 15 Rivera is holding a relief drive from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Creston for victims of Hurricane Maria. Avenue Baptist Church, 114 E. 188th Items urgently needed include St. More than 40 businesses will be baby food, diapers, batteries, attending the fair with hundreds first aid kits, and feminine hy- of job opportunities available. For giene products. To donate, stop more information, call the office of by the office at 2432 Grand Con- Assemblyman Victor Pichardo at course, 5th floor, and drop their (718) 933-6909. donations off at room 506 or the FEDCAP office at rooms 516 and Heating Assistance 517, weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 Sign up to receive free heating p.m. For more information, call assistance through New York State (718) 933-2034. 14 • November 9-22, 2017 • Norwood News

Compiled by JUDY NOY EDITOR’S PICK

Free Jazz at NYPL The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., presents free concert: Salute to Two Legendary Ladies of Jazz, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, performed by singer Glendalys Sosa accompanied by pianist John Photo courtesy Wave Hill Austria and saxophonist Joe Sherman, Nov. 18 at 2:30 LEARN HOW TO handcraft cornhusks dolls like this at Wave Hill on Nov. 18 p.m. For more information, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or and 19 (see under Events for more information). visit www.nypl.org. games with prizes, and more. For more walks, call (718) 549-3200. information, call (718) 884-6105. Onstage featuring a variety of music, Nov. 19 at The Williamsbridge Oval offers a variety Exhibits 2 p.m. in Lehman’s Lovinger Theatre, of free classes for youth ages 6 to 12, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W. Donations The Bronx County Historical Society Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, this fall, after school and Saturdays, are welcome. For more information, call including drama, sports, dance, art presents What Lies Beneath -- 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents (718) 960-8247. Cemeteries of the Bronx, through April Teatro Behemio featuring bolero and more. For more information and a detailed schedule, call (718) 543-8672. 8, 2018, at the Museum of Bronx History, legends Anthony Rios and Francisco 3266 Bainbridge Ave. (208th Street), For Céspedes and featuring Diomary La Events more information, call (718) 881-8900. Mala, Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 Montefi ore Medical Group offers a free respiratory workshop, Nov. 10 from 3 to $65; $100/VIP which includes pre- Van Cortlandt Jewish Center, 3880 to 4 p.m. at 2532 Grand Concourse in Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand concert reception with refreshments at Sedgwick Ave., presents free Annual the 3rd fl oor conference room. For more Concourse (165th Street), presents 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (718) Indoor Bazaar & Carnival, Nov. 12 from information, call (800) 636-6683. Gordon Matt-Clark: Anarchitect; 960-8833. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Events include silent and Susannah Ray: A Further Shore; auction, raffl e, kosher food and drinks New York Botanical Garden presents both through Nov. 8, 2018. For more Lehman College and Community Band for sale, magic shows at noon and 1:30 Fall Forest Weekend, Nov. 11 and 12, information, call (718) 681-6000. presents its Autumn Leaves Concert, p.m., free giveaway for children, carnival to see live birds of prey demonstrations at 1 and 3 p.m. (meet across from the Native Plant Garden entrance); and Library Events Shakespeare in the Forest, featuring The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. actors performing excerpts from “A Kingsbridge Rd., presents for children: Midsummer Night’s Dream,” at noon and Hands on Projects (ages 7 to 12; 2 p.m. (begins at the head of the Ridge preregistration required): Turkey Making, Trail in the Forest). Also scheduled is the Nov. 9 and Jewelry Making, Nov. 16, both Annual Holiday Train Show, Nov. 22 to at 4 p.m.; and Door Hanger Making, Nov. Jan. 15, 2018, featuring model trains and 12 and Picture Frame Making, Nov. 19, miniature replicas of NYC landmarks. both at 3:30 p.m.; and Little Red Riding For more information and to purchase Hood: (ages 3 to 12), updated version tickets, call (718) 817-8512. including music, followed by a puppet demonstration, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. Teens/ The Woodlawn Conservancy holds young adults can enjoy BeWell: Using tour of historic gravesites at Woodlawn Kindness to Relieve Stress: to learn Cemetery’s Jazz Corner on Nov. 12 at about health, Nov. 15 at 5:30 p.m.; and 2 p.m. (meet at the Jerome/Bainbridge fi lm: “Divergent,” Nov. 25. Adults can avenues entrance). For more information attend Computer Basics: Nov. 21 at 2 and to RSVP, call (718) 920-1469. p.m. For more information, call (718) 579- 4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. 252nd St. in Riverdale, offers Family Art The Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., Projects: Dances With Leaves, to collect offers for teens/young adults: Film: leaves and add paper to make leaf “Wonder Woman,” Nov. 18 at 1:30 hanging, Nov. 11 and 12; and Cornhusk p.m.; and Craft-eens!: Different craft Dolls, to listen to tales followed by doll every Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 3:30 p.m. making, Nov. 18 and 19, both in the (all materials are provided. Adults can WH House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also attend: Knitting Circle: Thursdays at scheduled is Concert, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. 3 p.m. For more information, call (718) in the WH House, featuring the Alonso 882-8239. Brothers, two pianists playing classical music (tickets: $28 plus grounds NOTE: admission; $24/members; $12/ages 8 to Items for consideration may 18; info: ext. 251). Grounds admission is be mailed to our offi ce or sent to Photo courtesy Glendalys Sosa free until noon Saturdays and Tuesdays [email protected], SONGSTRESS GLENDALYS SOSA performs at the Bronx Library Center all year. For more information and a and should be received by Nov. 13 for on Nov. 18 (see Editor’s Pick for more information). schedule of events including tours and the next publication date of Nov. 23. November 9-22, 2017 • Norwood News • 15 Gjonaj Wins Council Seat

(continued from page 1) loss for the 80th Assembly District and zoning of Mosholu Parkway, but also to nian American city council member. Norwood. provide video testimony as a sign of his “Black, white, Albanian, Irish, women Rivieccio said that he supported the commitment to preserve and protect and men, we are one collective voice new council member for years because the greenway from over-development. and we are going to say ‘wake up City he’s been “accessible” and ‘negotiable’ Behind the scenes, Rivieccio said Hall,’” Gjonaj said. “The Bronx will in regard to any topic or issue” since Gjonaj has provided resources to not become a tale of two boroughs.” he was elected to the assembly in 2012, community organizations for their Gjonaj said that after a short break having defeated incumbent Assembly- flea markets, cleanups and other pro- of a day or two, he’s ready to start woman Naomi Rivera. gramming. Rivieccio recalled an ef- working on his campaign issues: im- Rivieccio said that now that Gjonaj fort about four years ago to paint over proving transportation, quality of life is in the City Council, a number of unsightly and prolific graffiti that issues, and addressing overcrowded hopefuls who have been eyeing his plagued the bridge to the New York classrooms and homeless shelters. seat might come out publicly. These Botanical Garden on Mosholu Park- “I will always be a part of this assem- contenders might include: way. bly district, I don’t care about borders,” • Marcos Sierra, District 80 Male “Assemblyman Gjonaj got a team Gjonaj said of Norwood no longer fall- Leader of community people together,” Riv- Photo by Aaron Mayorga ing within his council jurisdiction. NEWLY ELECTED COUNCILMAN Mark • Andrea Siegel, District 80 Female ieccio said. “None of us were great Backed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Gjonaj will now represent the east Bronx, Leader painters. [But if you look at the bridge Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz covering the neighborhoods of Morris • Adam Bermudez, aide to Coun- today] it’s clear and white.” Jr., Bronx Democratic Party Chair Park, Throggs Neck, Silver Beach, and cilmember Andy King who ran for the As for the high campaign spend- Marcos Crespo, unions that included City Island. Assembly seat in 2012 ing, Rivieccio said Gjonaj did what he 32BJ and 1199SEIU, Gjonaj clinched • Nathalia Fernandez, the Bronx re- had to do to win a more conservative the Democratic nomination for the receive up to $1,050 in public funds for gional representative for Gov. Andrew Democratic district. council seat by less than 400 votes in each contributor. Cuomo’s office who previously worked “Cerini happened to be a very cred- the September primary. Gjonaj’s ascent, which comes with for Gjonaj ible candidate,” Rivieccio said, add- As of Nov. 7, Gjonaj raised $838,904 a bump in pay (council members earn • Sheila Sanchez, president of North- ing that he was glad the assemblyman in net campaign contributions and $148,500 a year to the $79,500 that state west Bronx Democrats didn’t participate in the funds match- spent $1,112,625 on his campaign. He legislators earn), leaves the 80th As- Rivieccio pointed to Gjonaj’s will- ing program. “Otherwise, the city did not par ticipate in the New York City sembly District without a representa- ingness to not only support the down- would be broke,” Rivieccio said. Campaign Finance Board’s matching tive for the foreseeable future, perhaps funds program, which matches contri- until 2019, unless Cuomo calls a spe- butions from qualifying New York City cial election in the interim. residents at a $6-to-$1 rate. Candidates In a phone call before Election Day, who join the program—that aims to Anthony Rivieccio, the founder of have New Yorkers, not special inter- Northwest Bronx Democrats, said that est groups, donate to campaigns—can Gjonaj’s win as a council member is a City Steps In to Aid Troubled Kingsbridge Hts. Building

(continued from page 7) faucet or stove during September. rently being investigated by HDP, He also admits that tenants were Miguel says, “Yes, we did last a with 95 of them being reported sharing a single bathroom “for like month and a half with that, but still since August. one week.” they did fix everything.” Fire guards provided by HPD de- A tenant who went by Miguel Complaints from tenants in- clined to comment on site. says that although the building was clude non-compliance with the A spokesperson for HPD, Juliet undergoing renovations, it wasn’t Tenant Protection Plan (TPP), Pierre-Antoine, says, “Forcing resi- as bad as it appeared. “People like which provides a standard for fire dents to live in such a difficult situ- to gossip too much,” says Miguel. safety, structural safety, noise re- ation is unacceptable.” She also says He insists that, although there was strictions, health requirements, that the building received a series of some water service disruption, it and compliance with housing stan- violations and a stop work order over didn’t affect the entire building at dards. a period of five days. “HPD’s Special once. Other complaints included the Enforcement Unit is in direct contact Most complaints filed to the city kitchen and bathrooms having with this owner and will continue to Housing Preservation and Develop- been completely demolished, leav- closely monitor this situation,” she ment were by tenants on the fourth ing occupants without water, gas continues. “If repairs are not com- floor of the building in the west and no sanitary facilities to use. In pleted in a timely matter, HPD will wing. Miguel lives on the first floor some cases, sinks and toilets were Photo by Diego Barcacel Peña step in to perform Emergency Repairs in the east wing and says that while completely removed. Construction A NOTICE ALERTS residents about the for which the owner will be billed.” he didn’t have to share a bathroom, materials and tools were left in work happening in their building. Attempts to reach the owner of the he can’t imagine that the other apartments, along with dust and building, Scott Morgan, were unsuc- tenants had it that bad. The fau- debris and the fire ratings between plaints to HDP spiked in August cessful. cet produced dirty tap water while all the apartments in the west wing and picked up again in October. Additional reporting by Diego Bar- his kitchen didn’t have a working were removed. Building-wide com- There are 103 open violations cur- cacel Peña.