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ORWOODQ EWSQ FREE NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 Vol 30, No 18 • PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION •SEPTEMBER 14-27, 2017 ORWOODQ EWSQ NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014
INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: SEE PHOTOS: OVAL PARK THOUGHTS ON PRIMARY | PG. 4 CELEBRATES 80 YEARS | PG. 10 GJONAJ / CABRERA Questions Linger Over Proposed Shelter GRAB VICTORIES pg 3 Winners of Democratic September Primary Advance to General Election
Crime File: Espaillat Offi ce Robbed | pg 5
Norwood News Snapshots | pg 11 Photos by Miriam Quinones PRIMARY WINNERS. Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj (left photo) and Councilman Fernando Cabrera (right photo) were among the winners in this year’s Primary.
By WENDY JOAN virtual lock on a win over their New York City Campaign Fi- calls seeking comment. BIDDLECOMBE, DAVID CRUZ, Republican challengers in the nance Board started keeping “ T h at ’s wh at $ 70 0,0 0 0 buys? ” and REGGIE FRANCOIS November General Election track in 1989. a Bronx political insider opined Democratic state legislators given the Bronx’s overpower- The cash flush paid off, with to the Norwood News. representing the Bronx secured ing Democratic voting bloc. Gjonaj winning the Democratic The race was crowded, with victories in city council seats in nomination for the 13th Coun- four Democrats vying for the the Sept. 12 Primary, with in- City Council District 13 cil District with 38 percent of open seat that covers a large ter- cumbents in other seats walk- With nearly $700,000 in con- the vote, securing a victory by rain of the East Bronx, stretch- ing away unscathed. Though tributions, Assemblyman Mark the slimmest of margins over ing from Morris Park to City the winners simply secured the Gjonaj, representing Norwood, challenger Marjorie Velazquez, Island. Total spending for the Democratic nomination, their set a new record on cash spent who secured 34 percent of the 13th Council District seat sur- pg 14 Primary victory gives them a in a City Council race since the vote. Velazquez did not return (continued on page 15) 2 •September 14-27, 2017 • Norwood News EDITORIAL Vol. 30, No. 18 Vol. 27, No. 10 NorwoodVol. 27,News 27, No. No.is 10published 10 Bedford Park Residents: Consider a No Solicitation Zone bi-weekly on Thursdays by MosholuNorwoodNorwood Preservation NewsNews is Corporation ispublished published (MPC) On Oct. 1, the Country Club section 3400 Reservoir Oval East Norwoodbi-weekly onNews Thursdays is published by bi-weeklyBronx, New on ThursdaysYork 10467 by of the Bronx, a middleclass enclave that Mosholubi-weekly Preservation on Thursdays Corporation by MosholuPhone: Preservation 718 324 4998Corporation overlooks the Long Island Sound, will of- Mosholu3400 PreservationReservoir Oval EastCorporation 3400Fax: Reservoir 718 324 Oval2917 East E-mail: [email protected], Reservoir New York 10467Oval East ficially be considered a “non-solicitation Bronx, New York 10467 Web.:Bronx, www.norwoodnews.org New York 10467 real estate zone.” This should matter to Phone: 718 324 4998 residents living in Bedford Park. Fax: 718 324 2917 Publisher Phone: 718 324 4998 E-mail: [email protected]: 718 324 4998 This community, just five miles west Mosholu PreservationFax: 718 324 Corporation 2917 Web: www.norwoodnews.org of Country Club, should add it to its arse- E-mail: [email protected]: 718 324 2917 ExecutiveE-mail: [email protected] Director of MPC nal of neighborhood preservation tools Melissa Web:Cebollero www.norwoodnews.org Web: www.norwoodnews.org to help thwart the issue of overdevelop- DirectorPublisher of MPC CEO, Mosholu ment that’s become an ongoing problem JenniferMosholu Tausig Preservation 3UHVHUYDWLRQ Corporation Corporation within the community. PublisherEditor-in-Chief, NorwoodCEO, News Mosholu PublisherEditor-in-Chief RobertoCEO, S. Mosholu Garcia MosholuDavid Cruz, Preservation [email protected] 3UHVHUYDWLRQ Here’s the catch: there has to be MosholuDavid Cruz Preservation Corporation Corporation3UHVHUYDWLRQ proof. AccountsCorporation Receivable Corporation Dawn McEvoy Roberto S. Garcia The designation stops pesky real- Editor-in-Chief&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ Roberto S. Garcia Editor-in-ChiefDawn McEvoy DavidProofreaders Cruz tors from pitching homeowners to sell Photo by Diego Barcacel Peña David Cruz Judy$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH Noy their homes. The Country Club section HOMES SUCH AS this one on East 203rd Street in Bedford Park could be a thing of Dawn McEvoy &ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJInterns evinces a suburban-like setting. Resi- the past if real estate speculators converge on the neighborhood. Diego&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJProofreader Barcacel Peña, dents there want to keep it so even in DawnJudy McEvoy Noy StephanieDawn McEvoy Luciano, Yara Palin the face of aggressive development that’s It’s hard to determine where Bedford to meet with neighbors to get a better $FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH3URGXFWLRQ Regular$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOHNeil deMause Contributors swallowed the borough. Park ranks in the solicitation stage. But understanding over whether solicitation DawnDavid McEvoy Greene, Adi Talwar Dawn5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV McEvoy This could be a critical solution to stories have floated of speculators per- stands as a major problem. The end game Proofreader ContributorsProofreaderDavid Greene, Adi Talwar the small band of residents wanting a sonally visiting homeowners to offer is to stymie development in a neighbor- JudyWendy Noy Joan Biddlecombe, Julia Rist, JudyInterns Noy less congested Bedford Park, a neighbor- money in exchange for their house. For hood never intended for high rises. In- 3URGXFWLRQDeborahShayla Love, Cruz, Paolo Reggie Mossetti, Francois, Justin McCallum, Miriam Quinones hood that’s also grown mighty attractive residents who’ve carved a life for them- different residents should wake up and Neil3URGXFWLRQand deMause Chelsea George Neil deMause to the number of developers who’ve de- selves in Bedford Park and grown an- realize that developers can blanket the 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUVFor display Display advertising, call Advertising (718) 324-4998. cided to plant their flag on the neighbor- noyed by nagging realtors, this designa- neighborhood in the blink of an eye. David5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV Greene, Adi Talwar hood whether the project is appropriate tion offers a solution. Of course, as governments go, there is DavidSupport Greene,Call Your (718) Adi Talwar 324-4998 Interns for the neighborhood or not. Overdevel- The state Department of State ap- a bureaucratic process involving an ap- ShaylaInternsCommunity Love, Paolo Newspaper! Mossetti, Justin McCallum, SupportThe Norwood Your NewsLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE- opment appears to be the watchword for proves the zone when enough evidence plication that’s followed by hearings. andShayla Chelsea Love, George Paolo Mossetti, Justin McCallum, Communityandlication Chelsea and relies George uponNewspaper! the support of its Bedford Park these days. of “intense and repeated” solicitation is So if self-preservation, having the advertisers and readers to produce a quality The Norwood News is a not-for-profi t publication Forcommunity display advertising, newspaper. To call support (718) your 324-4998. paper, As the Bronx Times Reporter noted in presented. The evidence can be in the power to decide how you want your neigh- andForbecome displayrelies a upon member advertising, the and support receive call (718)aof subscription its 324-4998.advertisers a recent write-up on the subject, solicita- form of the solicitations or phone calls borhood to look like, matters to you, then andfor readers one year. to produce a quality community Supportnewspaper. YourTo support your paper, become tions in Country Club came in the form homeowners repeatedly receive. Should there should be no time wasted. You aSupport member and Your receive a subscription for one of glossy cards urging homeowners to a homeowner ever be confronted with should begin the process of collecting the CommunitySimply mail check Newspaper! or money order for $40 year.Communityto: Norwood News, Newspaper! 3400 Reservoir Oval East, sell for cash. Those cards were turned such a call, it should be logged and taken information, saving it, turning it to legis- TheBronx, Norwood NY 10467. News LVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE- licationSimplyThe Norwood andmail reliescheck News upon orLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE money the support order offor its $40 - to: in as evidence to their local state legisla- to their state representatives. In Bedford lators, and calling your neighbors. advertisersNorwoodlicationNorwood and News,News and relies isreaders 3400not upon responsible Reservoir theto produce support for Ovaltypo aof- quality East,its tors, who then turned them over to the Park’s case, that is to state Sen. Jamaal Whether or not you’re success- communityBronx,advertisersgraphical NY errors.10467. newspaper.and readersOpinions To expressedto supportproduce in your signed a quality paper, New York State Department of State, the Bailey and state Assemblyman Jose Ri- ful doesn’t matter. Every effort should communityletters and bylinednewspaper. columns To represent support the your sole paper, become a member and receive a subscription agency that approves or denies a zone. vera. be made to preserve the character of Norwoodbecomeopinion aof News memberthe author is not and responsible arereceive not necessarily a subscription for fortypographical thoseone year.of Mosholu errors. Preservation Opinions Corporations expressed in Realtors from Queens and Long Island For Bedford Park to make this hap- the neighborhood and avoid being ex- for one year. signedRU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS letters and bylined columns represent- also harangued homeowners by phone. pen, it needs to organize. Neighbors need ploited. Simplytheresent sole mail theopinion views check ofof theor the moneyeditor author and/or order and publisher forare $40 not to:necessarilySimply only.Norwood The mail newspaper thosecheckNews, of or3400 reserves Mosholumoney Reservoir the order Preservationright toforOval limit $40 East, Corporationor refuse advertising or Montefi it deems ore objectionable.Medical Center. Bronx,to: Norwood NY 10467. News, 3400 Reservoir Oval East, EditorialsBronx,Advertisements NY represent 10467. appearing the viewsin this paper of the cannot editor only.be usedThe withoutnewspaper the written reserves permission the ofright Nor - Norwoodto woodlimit News.or News refuse Letters is advertising not to theresponsible editor it are deems subject for typo - Public and Community Meetings graphicalobjectionable.Norwoodto condensation errors.News Advertisements andisOpinions not editing. responsible Writersexpressed appearing should for intypo signed - graphicalLQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ errors. Opinions expressed in signed lettersin this andpaper bylined cannot columns be used represent without the sole COMMUNITY BOARD 7 will hold its general board meeting on Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Sister Annunciata thelettersAnonymous written and bylinedpermission letters are columns not of published the represent Norwood but your the sole opinionname canof the be withheldauthor andif requested. are not necessarily Bethell Senior Center, 243 E. 204th St. Committee meetings are held on the following dates at the board office, News.opinion Letters of the authorto the editorand are are not subject necessarily to thosecondensation of Mosholu and Preservation editing. Writers Corporations should 229 E. 204th St., at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted: Executive Committee meets on Sept. 14; Economic Develop- those of Mosholu Preservation Corporations RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHSinclude their affi liation or special interest if- ment Committee meets on Sept. 26; Community Relations and Long Term Planning Committee meets on Sept. resentany.RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS Anonymous the views of letters the editor are not and/or published publisher - Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a butresent your the name views can of thebe withheldeditor and/or upon publisher 26 at 7:30 p.m.; and Website and Media Committee meets on Sept. 27. For more information, call (718) 944-5650. only.QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH The newspaper reserves the right to limit request.only. 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 Sept. 28 at North Central Bronx Hospital, 3224 Kos- beMosholuAdvertisements used without Preservation theappearing written Corporation inpermission this paper is a of non-cannot Nor- suth Ave., 17th floor, 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 Sept. 20 from 6 to 8 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. September 14-27, 2017 • Norwood News • 3 Cohen to Board: Consider Protesting Norwood Shelter MONEY MATTERS
By REGGIE FRANCOIS commodate more than 200 people once Following acrimony over the city built. Department of Homeless Services’ pro- Should it be a men’s only shelter, WORKSHOP posal to establish a homeless shelter members worry there could be a lot of across from an elementary school on homeless wandering about unsuper- Webster Avenue in Norwood, Commu- vised. nity Board 7 still appears to be at an “It’s not a humane solution for impasse in getting the city to recon- anyone,” said Helene Hartman-Kut- sider. nowsky. Hartman-Kutnowsky, a CB7 But Councilman Andy Cohen, who board member, said her concern was attended the board’s Sept. 12 Land Use/ for the group of homeless men that may Housing & Zoning Committee meeting, have mental illnesses or drug prob- said the city did not give him a “defini- lems. “Since there is such a big push to tive answer” on whether it will relent find housing for people, there has to be and scout for a shelter elsewhere. a way that’s humane for them. Having “They have not made the changes people sleep in a shelter and then get we have asked for,” said Cohen, “and so pushed out and have no place to go for I think it’s going to require some orga- the whole day is really not a solution.” nization on our part. I think it’s time to She also pointed out that the board’s prepare for the worst.” alternate location it proposed, a former For Jean Hill, committee chair, that social services space at 3600 Jerome means protesting. Hill noted that the Ave., did not seem reasonable either board will start a petition to organize because of its proximity to the Bronx a demonstration opposing the shelter Dance Academy School. the city is considering to build at Sam’s John Reilly, a Bedford Park resident Floor Covering at 3041 Webster Ave. with a background in housing, sus- “You just have to be proactive about pects a majority of the homeless shel- it,” said Hill. “It doesn’t take a whole ters, as part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s lot of people.” plan to build 90 shelters across the city, The property owner of the carpet coming into the Bronx borough were business submitted paperwork to the being placed in the West Bronx. September 27th city Buildings Department that would “It’s documented that a lot of these convert the property to a space al- shelters, cluster houses and everything 6:15–7:45 p.m. lowing for sleeping accommodations are being thrown into the Bronx,” said while adding another floor to the cur- Hill. “We don’t mind taking out their rent two-story property. The proposed share, but we are not going to be the Learn how to save and manage your shelter at the carpet business could ac- dumping ground for anybody.” PRQH\EHWWHU'LVFRYHUWKHEHQHÀWV of using bank savings and checking services at our FREEÀQDQFLDO education seminar.
SEDGWICK BRANCH 3899 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463 6:15–7:45 p.m. | RSVP: (718) 543-0400
Photo by Reggie Francois © 2017 Ridgewood Savings Bank COUNCILMAN ANDREW COHEN (r) has been in talks with the city Department of Homeless Services to have the agency reconsider a homeless shelter on Webster Avenue in Norwood. 4 •September 14-27, 2017 • Norwood News INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers their thoughts on the Primary Election (asked prior to the Sept. 12 Primary), particularly the races for mayor, Bronx borough president, and City Council.
The universal Pre-K has defi nitely Voting is important. Certainly, I will The mayor has been doing well. I I think de Blasio would win if a I am defi nitely coming out for the been a huge benefi t. It’s not back the mayor. I’ll really back anyone think he has six other challengers, hundred people were running against mayor. I think I was wavering, I wasn’t surprising that he (Mayor Bill de who’s a Democrat. I hope he does but I think he’ll win. You have to vote him, because he’s a good man. He’s sure, but after the debate, I think [de Blasio) has so [few] challengers. We well. As for the other races, I will read for the person who will do the most not afraid of anyone, including the Blasio] was well-informed. I’ve been just need to give him a chance. He’s the booklet before I head to the polls, good. president. I haven’t noticed much to a few of his town hall meetings and had some rough patches. For us, with but some of the words and tactics Jbhangir Jaura improvement in the last eight years, he comes very well prepared with all two little guys, it’s a huge benefi t. For that some are using today seems but I have nothing against [Borough his commissioners there. They answer City Council, I’m voting for Majorie borderline criminal. Norwood President Ruben] Diaz. I think he’s your question and I think he’s doing a good guy. I will select the entire a good job and he deserves to be Velazquez; I think she will make the Lagee Andre Greene changes that we need. Democratic line. re-elected. No doubt about it, I love Westchester Square Mohammed Abbas Ruben Diaz. I think he has brought so Andrej Kozikowski much to the Bronx... Yeah this year Pelham Bay Norwood was ugly and I’ve been in politics a long time, since 1948 when my family voted for Henry Wallace. Sylvia Lask Riverdale September 14-27, 2017 • Norwood News • 5 CRIME FILE
the victim bleeding in front of dent happened at 6:15 a.m. at —David Cruz business’s back door and leav- the store. He was rushed to a 2921 Briggs Ave. near Bedford ing with a DVD surveillance local hospital and his condi- Park, shocking residents. The system and $500 in cash. The tion is not known. Two male boy, identified as Leonardo video captured the suspect suspects were arrested sev- Marmolejos, was rushed to St. wearing a light-colored sweat- eral days later. Barnabas Hospital where he shirt, dark-colored shorts, —David Cruz was pronounced dead. black hat with a nondescript —David Cruz insignia, and dark-colored Man Stabbed Near Oval shoes. Serial Thief Strikes Again —Diego Barcacel Peña A man wanted for alleg- edly snatching a gold chain Editor’s Note: Anyone with off a 15-year-old boy is also information pertaining to any Espaillat Office Robbed wanted for a string of rob- of the above incidents is encour- Police need help in finding beries happening across the aged to call the NYPD’s Crime a thief, pictured above, who Bronx. He struck on July 20, Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577- allegedly robbed the office allegedly robbing the 15-year- TIPS (8477), or 1-800-57-PISTA of Congressman Adriano Es- old of his gold chain in front of TD Bank Thief Sought (74782) for Spanish speakers. paillat, who represents Nor- 15 E. Fordham Rd. and quickly Police need help identify- All calls are kept confidential. wood. Police say this occurred fleeing. ing a thief, pictured above, Information can also be sent to at 2530 Grand Concourse on Photo courtesy Frank da Cruz Police say the man has on the run since March after the Crime Stoppers website at Sept. 1 at 11:50 a.m. The sus- AN OFFICER LOOKS for used a variety of weapons, in- stealing $1,178 and deposit- www.nypdcrimestoppers.com, pect opened a door that led to a leads following the stabbing. cluding a gun and knives, in ing two altered money orders or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) music studio as well as a door at least six robberies happen- into a TD Bank account. The and entering TIP577. to another office. He left with A man has been arrested ing at various times of the day. money orders were addressed no items. for stabbing someone near Police later determined the to a private residence located This is not the first time Williamsbridge Oval Park, same man allegedly robbed a between Jerome Avenue and the suspect has attempted to just after an outdoor movie 16-year-old of his cell phone in Evelyn Place on March 29 at rob Espaillat’s office. Police screening that attracted the vicinity of Jerome Avenue 9 a.m., according to police. report he entered the office plenty of families. Police say and East 193rd Street. He fled Video captured the suspect in the day before at 4:22 a.m., the victim was stabbed in to St. James Park on foot. a car wearing a dark colored through a window. Police say front of 3106 Bainbridge Ave. On Aug. 10, the suspect al- hoodie, blue jeans, and a red FOLLOW US he stole two laptops and an iP- around 9 p.m. on Aug. 30 after legedly robbed a 65-year-old cap that says “Daddy.” hone. a gang-related argument. woman of her chain by using —Diego Barcacel Peña ONLINE The robber is described as Witnesses could later hear a knife to cut it off her neck in a male Hispanic with a dark a helicopter hovering around the area of Quarry Road and complexion. He stands at 5’5” the neighborhood as cops from East 181st Street at around 2 WWW. and weighs approximately 140 the 52nd Precinct tracked the p.m. lbs. Video capturing the sus- stabber. The victim was taken Hours later, within the bor- NORWOODNEWS. pect in the first incident shows to St. Barnabas Hospital and ders of the local 52nd Precinct, him wearing a dark colored was listed in critical condi- the thief allegedly robbed a ORG coat, dark colored jeans, black tion. Meantime, police say 22-year-old man’s chain by baseball cap, black gloves, a they’ve arrested one person once again cutting it from the face mask and dark colored and five others in connection victim’s neck. The thief then shoes. The second video shows with the incident. hopped an MTA bus but the him wearing a light colored A source tells the Norwood victim followed him into the coat and a surgical mask. News that teens gone “wild- bus. After an brief argument, —Diego Barcacel Peña ing” could have been respon- the suspect ran off. sible. Later that night there Police say the suspect then TO REPORT A Man Shot in the was another gang-related allegedly removed a chain Head Survives fight on Kingsbridge Road and from a 62 -year- old man in front STORY TO THE An argument between two the Grand Concourse, within of 2001 Clinton Ave. on Aug. 16 men ended with one of the men the confines of the 52nd Pre- and another two chains from Burglar Strikes NORWOOD NEWS, shot in the head near Dunkin’ cinct. Another six people were a 56-year-old man in front of Norwood Laundromat Donuts on East Gun Hill Road arrested in a dispute between 1922 Longfellow Ave. Police need help in identi- CALL US AT at DeKalb Avenue on Aug. 29. Bloods and Crips. The perpetrator is de- fying a thief, pictured above, Police say video surveillance —David Cruz scribed as a male Hispanic, who allegedly burglarized the 718-324-4998 showed the two men fighting around 20 to 25 years old, me- Mei Laundromat in Norwood. upon entering the camera 15-Year-Old Falls to Death dium complexion with a po- They say the burglary at 3200 frame, with one of the men News outlets have been re- nytail and a tattoo on his left Bainbridge Ave. occurred on pulling a gun and shooting porting the death of a 15-year- arm. He was last seen wear- Aug. 19 at 2:35 a.m. the other in the head. The per- old after falling five stories ing a black shirt and white Video shows a heavyset petrator quickly ran, leaving from a fire escape. The inci- shorts. male entering through the 6 •September 14-27, 2017 • Norwood News Vacant Newsstand a Norwood Talkin’ Trash Monolith These Days Cuomo to fix ongoing train delays via anti-trash campaign By STEPHANIE LUCIANO subway tracks. Governor Andrew Cuomo has Based on NYC Transit Perfor- announced his plan that looks to mance Dashboard, all subway lines discourage subway littering to in- must be at or above the expected crease system reliability. And the target for on-time performance. impact could cost you. The 2, 4, B and D lines, which travel “Littering is not only illegal but through Norwood, are all below tar- dangerous and directly causes hun- get by five percent or more. “This dreds of thousands of delays, incon- initiative will help stop littering-re- veniencing millions of New York- lated delays at the source... helping ers,” said Cuomo. The MTA will the MTA deliver the subway service Photo by David Cruz run a public awareness campaign that New Yorkers deserve,” Cuomo THE NEWSSTAND ON East Gun Hill Road and Rochambeau Avenue has stood dubbed “Keep it Clean” to inform said. vacant ever since it was built sometime two years ago. riders of the impact littering has on As part of the initiative, MTA is public safety. performing preventative trash re- By DAVID CRUZ roughly two years ago as part of a According to the governor, litter moval between stations and clean- The newsstand rests promi- deal to build some 300 sleeker ki- contributes to 700 fire-related inci- ing street grates. The plan is utiliz- nently in front of Montefiore Health osks in exchange for advertising dents on the tracks every year, Vio- ing special heavy equipment that System’s Moses Campus on East rights. lators will now pay double the fine if has already recovered 2.3 million Gun Hill Road at Rochambeau Av- The New York City Department they’re caught throwing trash onto pounds of trash and debris. enue in Norwood, the perfect place of Consumer Affairs (DCA), which for on-the-go candy, drinks and hands out licenses to prospective newspapers, of course. newsstand vendors, has remained Its silver exterior is hard to miss mum on why exactly no one has to the hundreds of hospital employ- snatched up the rights to the stand. ees and residents who pass by the Christine Gianakis, a spokesperson site. At a time when newspaper for DCA, said that an application for sales are dwindling, one can make the site is pending. The process, as the argument that the stand is a in most New York City projects, is goldmine. brutally bureaucratic, requiring Except there’s one issue: It’s several sign-offs and more than never been opened. “Not even once,” $1,000 in applications fees by other Maria, a nurse at Montefiore, said. city agencies before DCA hands “The doors have never been over a lease. lifted up,” said another hospital This is one of 10 pending appli- worker, pointing to the pristine cations for vendors looking to open shutters that seal the display. newsstands across the Bronx. Over- For now, the kiosk is something all, there are 13 legally operating of a neighborhood monolith, draw- newsstands in the borough. ing attention from passersby though “I haven’t seen any activity,” not enough to ever inquire why the Giovanni Jimenez, who sells knick- city built a newsstand that’s never knacks just feet from the stand, said. once been utilized. Jimenez thinks the stand would be CEMUSA, a Spain-based ad- a boon to whoever grabs the lease. Photo courtesy Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo vertising company, built the kiosk “A lot of people pass over there.” GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO (l) looks at MTA crews cleaning a train track in Brooklyn. Local Lawmakers Sound Off on Proposed DACA Nix By YARA PALIN our neighbors,” said Mayor gram that has tremendous illegally. Roughly 800,000 The lawsuit is led by Sch- New York Attorney Gen- Bill de Blasio. “That is why bipartisan support.” undocumented immigrants neiderman, Massachusetts eral Eric Schneiderman, we are joining together to Bronx Borough President face the possibility of los- Attorney General Maura along with 16 other attorneys fight the inhumane and Ruben Diaz Jr. was also criti- ing their status with nearly Healey, and their Washing- general, has filed a lawsuit to cruel decision made by Presi- cal of the Trump adminis- 42,000 of them being New ton counterpart Bob Fergu- protect Deferred Action for dent [Donald] Trump to end tration, saying Mr. Trump’s Yorkers. “Immigration is the son. Connecticut, Delaware, Childhood Arrivals (DACA) DACA protections.” “intentions were clear from lifeblood of New York State,” Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, New recipients from deportation Many other local politi- day one,” alluding to when said Schneiderman. “The de- Mexico, North Carolina, Or- after the Trump administra- cians have voiced their dis- Trump referred to Mexicans cision to end DACA is cruel, egon, Pennsylvania, Rhode tion announced that it would approval of repealing DACA. as rapists and drug dealers. inhumane, and devastating Island, Vermont, Washing- be rescinding the program. In a statement, Congressman DACA was introduced in to the 42,000 New Yorkers ton D.C. and Virginia joined The lawsuit has received Adriano Espaillat, who rep- 2012 by former President Ba- who have been able to come the suit. support from many local pol- resents Norwood, said Mr. rack Obama in an effort to out of the shadows and live a Mr. Trump has given Con- iticians. “In New York, we Trump has chosen to “cru- protect children who were full life as a result of the pro- gress six months to undo the don’t let anyone mess with elly end a successful pro- brought to the United States gram.” program. September 14-27, 2017 • Norwood News • 7 The Bronx Develops A Metro-North Station is a City Within a City Part 3 The Norwood News, in partnership with WFUV and BronxNet TV, continues its four-part series on development projects happening across the Bronx and their impact on community residents.
By JULIA RIST also commute for a shorter time.” Diaz agreed, adding development will spur job growth. “I think it’s going to be great for Connecticut and upstate [New York] like the Hudson Valley. We will be able to give access to jobs that are Sergio Linietsky has been living created at the Hutch Metro Center,” in the neighborhood of Parkchester Diaz said, referring to the mega of- for 50 years. Linietsky, a social fice complex in the Pelham Bay/Mor- worker at a community senior cen- ris Park neighborhoods. The pending ter, said that whenever he wants to go Morris Park station will be a roughly into Manhattan it becomes an ordeal half-mile walk. because of the lack of options avail- A spokesperson for Metro-North able to him. said the project is currently in the de- “To get to my friends in Midtown sign, engineering and environmental now I either take the #6 train or I wait work stages. for the express bus. Usually, the wait “When the project is complete, the can take up to an hour,” Linietsky new stations will drastically reduce said. “So many times I have to go to Photo by Julia Rist travel times for people who commute Morris Park to take a bus there be- THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF Parkchester features 171 brick style residences (back- to Manhattan and reverse commute cause they have two buses per hour.” ground) hugging the Fountain of Metropolitan Oval (foreground). to Westchester and beyond,” said the Five years from now, Linietsky spokesperson. The project is part of could get to Midtown in a half hour Co-Op City is not included on Di- the MTA’s 2015, five-year capital bud- thanks to the MTA’s plan to build a az’s wish list for rezoning since the get plan. Metro-North station in the neighbor- neighborhood is already well-popu- The addition of a station stands to hood. lated, with some 43,000 living in the complement Parkchester’s history of The plan, approved and funded neighborhood and near the enormous a city built within a city. in 2015, has sparked the question of mall of Bay Plaza. The neighborhood, financed for whether development in Parkchester On top of office space, Diaz hopes construction by the Metropolitan Life is on the horizon. Bronx Borough affordable housing will be built in Insurance Company in 1940, is home President Ruben Diaz Jr., a major those communities. to 171 brick apartment buildings, proponent of the project, thinks so. “We want to make sure we do this uniform in its exterior though distin- From the moment plans were green- for Bronxites. So, we have always guishable by small terra-cotta statues lit, Diaz has suggested upzoning kept [affordable housing] in mind as that can be seen from the top of some Parkchester and two other neighbor- we do residential development, that of the buildings. The community was hoods set to receive the stations in an we do this development with diver- intended to provide reasonably priced effort to attract more development. sity. That means keeping in mind Photo by Julia Rist housing for New Yorkers. Upzoning usually calls for taller those individuals that are low in- THE PROPOSED SITE for a Metro-North According to Parkchester Prop- buildings or types of buildings cur- come, but at the same time providing station in Parkchester can be found at erty Management, “Met Life’s plan rently unavailable in a given neigh- affordable housing for our working East Tremont Avenue and Dogwood was to develop a fully landscaped self- borhood. class and skilled professional Bronx- Drive, currently occupied by a tow truck contained community with its own “It’s been something in towns, in ites,” Diaz said. shopping centers, restaurants, and counties, and in cities that people The New York City Department company. commercial office spaces all to be at- have benefitted tremendously from,” of City Planning (DCP), which regu- tant and president of Parkchester tractively integrated among the resi- Diaz said. lates zoning across the city, has said Property Management, said that dential buildings. It was, in essence, a Hunts Point, Morris Park, and that the addition of the Metro-North many of Parkchester’s roughly 41,000 community of convenience. Co-Op City are part of the massive station has the ability to enhance residents work in Manhattan, mak- For Linietsky, Parkchester’s neigh- $695 million project, which will see Parkchester. ing for an hour commute. Uddin borly atmosphere completely differen- stations built on the existing Hell’s In a 2014 report supporting the thinks that the addition of a Metro- tiates itself from other neighborhoods Gate rail track now used by Amtrak. Metro-North plan, DCP suggested the North station is a plus, attracting in the city. “Parkchester is like an en- For residents in those communities, MTA place the station at the intersec- more residents to Parkchester while chanted forest in the city. Wonderful it could mean more stores and office tion of East Tremont Avenue and Dog- increasing property values. housing. Parkchester provides eco- spaces popping up around their com- wood Drive. One of the agency’s rec- “Transportation is very impor- nomical living and we can breathe munity. ommendations suggests the MTA “[r] tant for real estate. This is a good easy about it,” he said. “I think that we would be remiss e-examine zoning along both sides of thing,” Uddin said. “Those people It will also have an easier commute if we didn’t look at the area as a po- East Tremont Avenue to permit a mix who are coming to Manhattan from in the coming years. tential way where we can increase of uses which encourages pedestrian upstate [New York], and Connecticut, Diaz, who will be out of office by density, residential units as well as activity and re-orients the surround- like Standford, Bridgeport, and other the time the trains roll in, said the commercial and real estate spaces. ing communities towards East Trem- areas, I think slowly they will stay Bronx couldn’t be more ready. “We’re These areas are just ripe for that,” ont and the proposed station.” here. They will purchase properties focused on hurrying up and getting Diaz said. Salen Uddin, a real estate consul- here. They will live here. They will the stations built,” he said. 8 •September 14-27, 2017 • Norwood News
SARAH SESSA, 83 member for 8 months
NEW LOOK, SAME GREAT SARAH.
ELDERSERVE HEALTH IS NOW
NEW NAME, SAME GREAT CARE.
RiverSpringHealthPlans.org September 14-27, 2017 • Norwood News • 9
SARAH SESSA, 83 member for 8 months
NEW LOOK, SAME GREAT SARAH.
ELDERSERVE HEALTH IS NOW
NEW NAME, SAME GREAT CARE.
RiverSpringHealthPlans.org 10 •September 14-27, 2017 • Norwood News val The New YorkO City Department of ParksCelebration joined community stakeholders in celebrating the 80th anniversary of Williamsbridge Oval Park on Sept. 9 complete with music, signage and oral history of the park considered Norwood’s jewel. Check out these photos by Deborah Cruz
STUDENTS FROM ST. Mary’s Park tap dance team celebrate the Oval’s ASSEMBLYMAN JEFF DINOWITZ, representing the Oval side of Norwood, milestone with a performance. celebrates the Oval’s 80th anniversary with a proclamation in hand.
SARAH BISHOW, DIRECTOR of the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, (L-R) BRONX PARKS Commissioner Iris Rosa-Rodriguez, Friends of Wil- unveils the Oval’s symbolic birthday cake to guests. liamsbridge Oval Park President Sheila Sanchez, Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, Director of the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center Sarah Bishow, Community Board 7 Chair Adaline Walker-Santiago, Friends of Williamsbridge Oval member Lorita Wilson, and Community Board 7 Vice Chair Barbara Stronczer help unveil a proclamation for the Oval.
RECREATION CENTER WORKER prepares to hand out cake to kids waiting patiently to grab some before it runs out.
BRONX HISTORIAN LLOYD ULTAN and Community Board 7 chair Adaline Walker-Santiago are among the guests at the celebration. Bronx DA to Investigate NYPD Shooting Death of Unarmed Senior September 14-27, 2017 • Norwood News • 11 3URXGO\6HUYLQJ%URQ[&RPPXQLWLHV6LQFH FREE
ORWOODQ EWSQ NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014
Photo by Stephanie Luciano (L-R) BRONX AEROSPACE HIGH School students Mynor Medina, Adrian San- Photo by David Greene tiago, Molly Ramsaran, and Joslyn Batten pose in front of a new fl ight simulator A MILITARY VETERAN salutes victims of the 9/11 attacks. A ceremony marking 16 unveiled on Sept. 8. The simulator is the fi rst to come to the school. The full years since the attack happened, took place at Jacobi Medical Center at a commemo- story can be found at www.norwoodnews.org. rative gaarden honoring the nearly 150 Bronx residents killed during the attack. Fami- Photo courtesy lies of victims along with hospital staffers were on hand for the yearly ceremony. Jerome-Gun Hill BID BID EMPLOYEES ARIANA CIPRIANI (R) and SYDNEY MCCRAW Shauna Berrios (l) pose (PICTURED) of Wil- near the corner of Jerome liamsbridge landed Avenue and East 208th in the September Street next to one of three editions published pedestrian counters. The by New York Metro second counter is on Gun Parents following the Hill Road at Rochambeau magazine’s Cover Avenue, and the third is on Kids contest. The Gun Hill Road off Jerome fi ve-year-old will ap- Avenue, all within the bor- pear in all seven mag- ders of the Jerome-Gun azines from the chain, Hill Business Improve- including Bronx Par- ment District. They record ent. She also received Photo courtesy the number of pedestrians four tickets to Sesame Davler Media Group walking within the BID and Place. the direction they’re head- ing. The BID hopes to learn where the high traffi c areas are in the district.
Photo courtesy Montefi ore Health System EMILY ORTIZ, A patient at Montefi ore Health System, addresses guests at the unveiling of a garden mural painted on the wall of Montefi ore Medical Center’s Photo by David Cruz Child and Adolescent Psychiatric clinic in Norwood on Sept. 6. Ortiz, who dou- SCORES OF MUSLIMS attended a ceremony at Williamsbridge Oval Park bles as the mural manager, helped transform the brick wall into a garden while marking the start on Eid al-Adha, Islam’s most sacred festival. The event, trans- making friends and practicing art therapy in place of traditional behavioral health lating to “festival of the sacrifi ce,” acknowledges the day when the prophet treatment. The project was conceived and directed by attending psychologist Abraham sacrifi ced an animal after G-d spared his son. Muslims celebrated the Jenny Seham, Ph. D., and Montefi ore’s Healing Arts Program. holiday on Sept. 1, nine days after the new moon, abiding by religious decrees. 12 •September 14-27, 2017 • Norwood News Classifi eds Professional Directory
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NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES
Jerome-Gun Hill BID Development Awards decide how $1 million in capital questions tenant-related at by October. Board Mtg. Submissions for the annual monies can be spent on commu- the office of Sen. Gustavo Ri- The Jerome-Gun Hill Busi- Excellence in Development nity improvements. It will be vera, 2432 Grand Concourse, MMCC Trip ness Improvement District will awards are open to architects held at Lehman College’s Shus- Suite 506, each Tuesday from Mosholu Montefiore be holding its quarterly board and developers who’ve had proj- ter Hall, 3rd floor, room SH-336, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last appoint- Community Center (MMCC) meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at ects built in the Bronx. To learn President’s Conference Room, ment is at 2:30 p.m.) Appoint- offers an overnight trip to 6 p.m. at the Reservoir Keeper’s more about the awards selection on Sept. 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ments are required. To set Washington D.C. and Balti- House, 3400 Reservoir Oval E. criteria and how to apply, visit For more information, call (718) up an appointment, call (718) more, Oct. 5-6, with a visit The meeting is open to everyone. http://nygala.uli.org/apply. Sub- 549-7300. 933-2034. to the National African- For more information, and to mission deadline is Nov. 3. American History & Cul- RSVP, call Jennifer Tausig, ex- Sen. Bailey Office Hrs. Be a Mentor ture Museum. Stay includes ecutive director of the Jerome- SAFE Disposal At MMCC Sign up to be a mentor one-night hotel and several Gun Hill BID, at (718) 324-4946. Safely discard solvents, au- Constituent service hours by through iMentor, which meals. For more detailed in- tomotive chemicals, flammable the office of state Sen. Jamaal T. matches high school stu- formation and rates, call the Free College Prep Class liquids and electronic products Bailey are now available at Mo- dents with mentors to help MMCC Senior Center at (718) The SUNY Bronx Educa- on Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at sholu Montefiore Community build mentees’ soft skills 798-6601. tional Opportunity Center is the Orchard Beach Parking Lot Center (MMCC), 3450 DeKalb like communication, time hosting a free college prep course (follow Park Drive to the end) Ave., every first and third management, and optimism Health Bucks on Oct. 2. Students will be given as part of the New York City De- Wednesday of the month from 10 in their future while guiding Health Bucks coupons, pre-college level instructions partment of Sanitation’s SAFE a.m. to 1 p.m., and every second mentees through the college which offer $2 discounts on in reading, writing and math. Disposal event. For more infor- and fourth Wednesday of the application process. Mentors fruits and vegetables pur- Instructors can also help in the mation, call 311. month from 1 to 5 p.m. For more are required to commit to a chased at farmers markets, college and financial aid applica- information, call (718) 547-8854. weekly online communica- is available through the of- tion assistance. A high school di- Participatory Budgeting tion and a monthly in-person fices of Councilman Ritchie ploma or equivalent is required The Office of Councilman Tenants Support meeting at the school. To Torres, 573 E. Fordham Rd. to take part in the class. To reg- Andrew Cohen will host a public Specialists sign up, log on to www.imen- (718) 842-8100, or Council- ister and to learn more, log on toTRIP session on Participatory Bud- The Mayor’s Tenants Sup- tor.org. Mentors are typi- woman Vanessa Gibson, 1377 bronxeoc.org/register. geting, where constituents can port Unit is available to answer cally paired with a mentee Jerome Ave. (718) 588-7500. 14 •September 14-27, 2017 • Norwood News
Compiled by JUDY NOY EDITOR’S PICK Beer, Botany and Blues New York Botanical Garden presents Beer, Botany and Blues Weekend, Sept. 23 and 24 from noon to 4 p.m. for adults 21+. Enjoy classic blues performed by the Paul Josephs Blues Project at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. on the Daffodil Hill Main Stage; sample craft brews and ciders at Daffodil Hill; and learn the botany of beer from a garden scientist relating how beer is made from barley, hops, and many other plants. Visitors can also attend plant collecting demonstrations at the Clay Family Picnic Pavilions from noon to 4 p.m. and participate in lawn games including beanbag toss and lawn darts at Daffodil Hill. Admission is $15/garden members/$43 non members which includes extras. For more information, call (718) 817-8512. File photo MIND BUILDERS CREATIVE Arts Center hosts an open house on Sept. 16 featuring all kinds of free activities for kids, including keyboard lessons for food pantry, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. (see under Events for more information). Onstage to 3 p.m. Included are bargains, toys, books, clothes, and household goods. Lehman College’s Center for the For more information, call (718) 652- at the Kensico Dam. Metro North train Library Events Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. 5853. service is available from Valhalla for the Blvd. W., presents salsa legend Eddie return trip. The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Palmieri and His Salsa Orchestra, Mind Builders Creative Arts Center, Kingsbridge Rd., presents for children: Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 to 3415 Olinville Ave., presents its 4th St. Patrick’s Home for the Aged and Hands on Projects (ages 7 to 12; $65. For more information and tickets, annual Open House Street Festival Infi rm, 66 Van Cortlandt Pk. So., holds a preregistration required): School Collage call (718) 960-8833. and a Youth Talent Contest, Sept. 16 special Mass to celebrate its Carmelite Making, Sept. 14; Animal Making, Sept. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Events include Sisters, Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. For more 21; and Leaf Book Making, Sept. 28, all The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. free classes in dance, martial arts, information, call (718) 519-2800. at 4 p.m.; and Box Making, Sept. 17; Kingsbridge Rd., presents Rafael salsa, keyboard, violin, African drum, and School Bus Holder Making, Sept. Hernandez Music Festival, to honor and free performances, live music and Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. 24, both at 3:30 p.m. Adults can attend this musical composer, Sept. 24 at 2 DJ, rock climbing, and more. Contest 252nd St. in Riverdale, offers Family fi lms at 2:30 p.m.: “Macbeth,” Sept. 16; p.m., featuring a variety of performers. winners receive prizes of $100, $75 and Art Projects: Dotted Ladybug “Fences,” Sept. 23; and “The Old Man For more information, call (718) 579- $50. For more information, call (718) Backpacks Parade, to make a ladybug and the Sea,” Sept. 30; and Computer 4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. 652-7324. backpack followed by a parade, Sept. 16 and 17; and Wave Hill Ecology in Basics: Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. For more information, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or The Bronx River Bike Tour will be held a Bowl, to sculpt with rocks, sticks Events visit www.nypl.org. on Sept. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. leaving and moss, Sept. 16 and 17; both in from the Williamsbridge Oval at the the WH House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Holy Nativity Church, 3061 Bainbridge The Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., Norwood 205th Street D train station at Also scheduled are Call & Response Ave. (at 204th Street) holds a fundraiser offers for teens/young adults: Craft- 280 E. 206th St., to its source in Valhalla Dance Performance, free, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. in the Glyndor Gallery; Nature eens at 3:30 p.m.: Craft projects every Presentation: Ladybug Meet-and- Wednesday (materials are provided), Greet, to learn about these insects and Sept. 20 and 27; and fi lm: Sept. 23 at see some live ones, Sept. 17 from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Adults can attend: Knitting 3 p.m. on the grounds; and Concert, Circle: Thursdays at 3 p.m. For more featuring Manhattan Chamber Players information, call (718) 882-8239. performing classical music, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. in the WH House. Tickets are $36 The Jerome Park Library, 118 Eames plus grounds admission/$28 members Place (near Kingsbridge Road), offers (info: ext. 251). Grounds admission is for children: Preschool Storytime and free until noon Saturdays and Tuesdays Crafts at 11:15 a.m.: (ages 3 to 5), all year. For more information and a including puppetry, dramatics, crafts and schedule of events including tours and fl annel boards, Sept. 21 and 28. Adults walks, call (718) 549-3200. can attend: Computer Basics: Sept. 19 and 26 at 5:45 p.m.; and Sept. 21 and 28 at noon. For more information, call (718) Exhibits 549-5200.
The Bronx County Historical Society NOTE: Items for consideration may presents Over There, America and be mailed to our office or sent to the Great War, at the Museum of [email protected], Bronx History, 3266 Bainbridge Ave. (at and should be received by Sept. 18 208th Street), through Oct. 8. For more Photo courtesy New York Botanical Garden for the next publication date of Sept. information, call (718) 881-8900. 28. AN EVENING OF booze, blues and botany await you at the New York Bo- tanical Garden (see Editor’s Pick for more details). September 14-27, 2017 • Norwood News • 15 Gjonaj/Cabrera Secure Primary Wins (continued from page 1) Diaz, a former state Assemblyman, passed $1 million, making it the costli- was first elected to borough president est council race of 2017. The challeng- in a special election in 2009, succeed- ers sought the seat held by Councilman ing Adolfo Carrion. Jimmy Vacca, who is term-limited. He was challenged by Camella P. “Together we made history, and sent Price, who formerly served as his dep- a very clear message in the Bronx … we uty chief of staff, and Avery Selkridge, can accomplish great things together,” a Bronx resident whose Facebook page Gjonaj said, adding that he wants to im- indicates he attended Touro College prove the quality of life for seniors, and and John F. Kennedy High School. stress the importance of education for Price received 12 percent of vote children. and Selkridge two percent as of press Gjonaj said he vowed to run a clean time. “It feels good that tonight we and positive campaign despite the at- won big,” Diaz Jr. said. “Look, ladies tacks of his opponents. “Together, we and gentlemen, for the last eight years can accomplish so much more … if we we’ve been leading the Bronx in the focus on building each other up,” Gjonaj right direction, creating jobs, afford- said. able housing and fixing up our Bronx Other hopefuls included John Doyle, … we are a team working to make a bet- a community leader and City Island’s Photo by Miriam Quinones ter Bronx.” unofficial mayor, who raised nearly RUBEN DIAZ SR. (at podium) shares a moment with his son, Bronx Borough Presi- Borough presidents are charged $90,000. Doyle, who did not return calls dent Ruben Diaz Jr. (l), as state Sen. Jamaal Bailey (center) looks on. with funding organizations in their for comment, took in 19 percent of the respective boroughs, deciding on land vote. Other challengers included Victor vote. use, appointing community board and Ortiz, who secured close to five percent Cabrera’s 14th Council District was city planning members and advocating of the vote and Egidio Sementelli, who challenged by Randy Abreu, a young for residents. They cannot pass legisla- won nearly three percent of the vote as attorney who briefly served in the U.S. tion. of press time. Department of Energy under former Meantime, Diaz’s father, state Sen. Gjonaj was backed by the Bronx Dem- President Barack Obama and as a del- Ruben Diaz Sr., won a New York City ocratic Party. Elected to the 80th As- egate for former presidential candidate Council seat for the 18th Council Dis- sembly District in 2012, his exit means Bernie Sanders, and Felix Perdomo, a trict in the southeast Bronx, soundly that Norwood’s assembly district could Dominican-born schoolteacher. Abreu defeating opponents William Russell stay vacant until 2019, unless Governor secured 33 percent of the vote, a notice- Moore, Elvin Garcia, Amanda Farias Andrew Cuomo calls a special election ably impressive number for a first-time and Michael Beltzer. The contenders (which he has a track record of not do- challenger. Perdomo secured more than vied for the seat currently held by the ing). 10 percent. Photo by Reggie Francois term-limited Councilwoman Annabel Gjonaj will challenge the sole Re- “It’s indescribable to be here for a RANDY ABREU (L) speaks with a sup- Palma. Diaz Sr.’s campaign manager, publican challenger John Cerini, an third time,” said Cabrera at his brief porter at his primary night party. Abreu Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, is be- accountant from Throggs Neck, in the victory speech at Maestro’s Caterers lost to Councilman Fernando Cabrea, ing seen as his potential successor in General Election. The City Council seat in Morris Park. “I believe the next four the incumbent. the senate. offers better pay than the assembly, but years are going to be the best the Bronx bars him from working a second job, ac- has ever seen. God bless you and give want to thank each and every one of Mayor cording to council rules. God all the glory.” He did not offer spe- you.” Meantime, Mayor Bill de Blasio But by pulling 34 percent of the vote, cifics on what he has planned. John Mantz, a Fordham resident, easily won his Primary race against Velazquez can run on the Working Across the Bronx, Abreu conceded volunteered for Abreu’s campaign. He challengers Sal Albanese, Michael Families Party in the November Gen- defeat, telling a crowd of supporters was drawn to Abreu’s take on issues Tolkin, Robert Gangi, Richard Bash- eral Election. Should she win the Gen- he intends to improve the 14th Coun- because of his age and how that might ner and securing more than 40 per- eral Election, Velazquez could be the cil District, which covers Kingsbridge bring change to Bronx communities. cent of the vote and avoiding a runoff first Latina Councilmember for the dis- Heights, Fordham, University Heights, “Being young, he was more aggressive election. trict. Rumors have swirled Velazquez is and Mount Eden. about bringing change to the commu- “I told them that change can come merely a placeholder for her husband, Cabrera, who was backed by organi- nity,” said Mantz. and will come,” said de Blasio at his Jeff Lynch, Vacca’s former chief of staff zations that include the Bronx Demo- “Over the last eight years, we’ve Brooklyn campaign headquarters. who had aspirations of running for of- cratic County Committee, Local 32BJ, seen an acceleration of displacement, “This is your city. And you know it’s fice. Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, we’ve seen an acceleration of gentri- your city when you see it work for If Gjonaj wins the General Election, the New York Hotel Trades Council fication,” said Abreu. “So I hope Fer- you.” it will leave the 80th Assembly District and others, raised $106,917.14 in his bid nando does come through for our com- De Blasio, who championed educa- vacant for an indefinite time. to retain his seat. munity.” tion and criminal justice reform, also Abreu, endorsed by groups that in- faces a homelessness crisis and a city City Council District 14 clude Streets PAC, 1199SEIU, United Borough President that’s become unaffordable for low-in- Incumbent Councilmember Fer- Auto Workers and Planned Parent- Bronx Borough President Ruben come earners. nando Cabrera, a so-called “conserva- hood, raised $64,558.00, and Perdomo’s Diaz, Jr. secured the Democratic nomi- Editor’s Note: Additional report- tive Democrat” has secured the Demo- backers threw $15,519.65 toward his nation to his post for a third and final ing by David Greene. An updated ver- cratic nomination for a third term in campaign. “Unfortunately we didn’t term with more than 80 percent of the sion of this story can be found on www. office with more than 56 percent of the pull this off tonight,” said Abreu. “I vote. norwoodnews.org. G&T forceINEQUITIES hears strengths and weaknesses of gifted and talented programs
Mixed Feelings For Stagg’s Mosholu Site pg 5
Norwood Sewer Project Approved For Night Work | pg 6 REACH 40,000 testifi es before a panel focusing on the problems of the city Department of Education’s gifted and tal- by Bronx Borough President Potential Customers In The Bronx Ruben Diaz Jr. and his Brook- Monte Pilot Program n counterpart, Eric Adams, ld its first session on March The panel heard from Ma- Photo by Adi Talwar Streamlines Access sura Tidjani, a mother of two at the Bronx High School African-American boys in To Developmental cience, a specialized high School District 9 who qualified supposed to have the program Care | pg 11 ol where entry becomes a for a G&T program for the past for the past two years but did -long goal for parents. The two years. On the first day3URXGO\6HUYLQJ%URQ[&RPPXQLWLHV6LQFH of Proudlynot have Serving any programs Bronx becauseCommunities Since 1988FREE member panel heard from one of her son’s G&T class, Ti- they don’t have enough stu- s frustrated by a system djani was told that PS 199x The dents to open a class,” Tidjani SG&T seatsFREE are few in the Shakespeare School had can- told panelists, who sat jotting celed it for the school year. notes. “According to the DOE, N you have to have at least 25 chil- “When I spoke to the princi- ORWOODdren in order to open a gifted pal she Vol told me30, that No they 6 • were P Q PUBLISHEDand talented class.” UBLISHED BY INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: BYHer M MsonOSHOLU re-took the test, scoring aboveOSHOLU 97 percent, PRESERVATION which TRUMP’S TRAVEL BAN 2.0 | PG. 4 PRESERVATION (continued on page 15) C CORPORATION N ORPORATION EWS • MQ pg 14ARCH 16-29, 2017
KNOWING BRONXYOUR LEGAL BARRIERS: RIGHTS | PG. 9 INCREASE SALES RENT ROLLS When Advertising In The Award Winning QUESTIONED rd Park housing group questions legitimacy of tenants’ rent
Elevator Planned For B/D Bedford Pk. Subway Line | pg 6 NORWOOD NEWS
St. Ann’s School Teachers Want The ONLY Newspaper Covering The Stories That Answers | pg 8 Concern You In YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ector of West Bronx Housing (r), and her colleague Andrew Laiosa (l), compile rent history forms alleging
thoroughly double check ether a landlord’s rent Study: Trains Loaded Photo by Adi Talwar rease on a tenant is jus- listing the help of elected With Fatty Food Ads ble. o f f i c i a l s . T h e g r o u p h a s Pg 11 est Bronx Housing, now zeroed in on an apart- tive director of West Bronx quartered in Bedford ment building in River- Housing, has noticed an dale, where rent histories Proudly Serving Bronx Communities Since 1988 has since been col- 3URXGO\6HUYLQJ%URQ[&RPPXQLWLHV6LQFH uptick in these suspect rent FREE INTRODUCTORY - FIRST TIME ADVERTISER are suspect. They’re now these statements histories amid an afford- requesting these forms to FL/DR-1.0 forms able housing crisis that’s FREE tenants living in Norwood Spatterns while en- to making living in New York and Bedford Park. N City, including the Bronx, Sally Dunford, ORWOOD execu- almost impossible for the Vol 30, No 5 • P Q PUBLISHEDworking class. UBLISHED BY M INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: (continuedBY M OSHOLU on page 15) OSHOLU PRESERVATION THE BRONX’S RAT PROBLEM | PG. 4 PRESERVATION CORPORATION N CORPORATIONpg 14 EWS • MQ ARCH 2-15, 2017 THE CAMPAIGNCIVIC ENGAGEMENTBRONX BARRIERS: CRISIS | PG. 9 SPECIAL OFFER! TO DOWNZONE QUARTER PAGE FULL COLOR AD AS LOW AS Community Board 7 backs downzoning of Mosholu Pkwy.
CVS to Close in March pg 3
Fordham Nonprofi Looks Out for Teens t pg 7
y Van Cortlandt Avenue East (pictured) is among the streets community activists hope to ha . borders as a way to preserve ts character while stemming urther development. munity it will assess the look Photo by Adi Talwar State of the Bronx The group won a victory of the neighborhood. A mo- ve downzoned the latest CB7 Land Use/ tion presented before the full Blasts City and Trump turned from what some called using Committee meet- board at its Feb. 28 meeting a nonstarter to a mayoral is- pg 8 on Feb. 15 when the New was passed, with board mem- sue,” civil activist Anthony City Department of City bers agreeing to revisit the Rivieccio, who proposed the ing (DCP), charged with proposal by the fall. The board Proudly Serving Bronx Communities Since 1988 3URXGO\6HUYLQJ%URQ[&RPPXQLWLHV6LQFH idea for a blanket rezoning of FREE mining the character of first needs to finalize another Mosholu Parkway and its im- orhoods across the five separate independent study mediate side streets, told the $100* FREE Shs, assured the com- it had commissioned last No- * FREE CREATIVE SETUP Norwood News vember. N The plan, backed. by lo- “InVol five 30, months NoORWOOD 4 it’s • P been cal legislators and residents, QP UBLISHEDUBLISHEDlooks to prevent overdevelop- B BY Y MOSHOLU MOSHOLU MUST RUN 2 WEEKS. SECOND WEEK AT NORMAL PRICE ($145) INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: (continued on page 15) BAG FEE BAGGED FOR NOW | PG. 4 PRESERVATION PRESERVATION CORPORATION CORPORATION N • Fpg 14 EWS EBRUARYQ 16-M ARCH 1, 2017 THERE WILL BE A $25 CHARGE ON ANY EDITS OF SECOND RUN ST. ANN SCHOOLA NN-WFUVBRONX COLLABORATION BARRIERS: | PG. 9 TO CLOSE DOORS ws comes two years after parish church closed CALL 718-324-4998 or EMAIL
Trump Travel Ban Impacts Norwood pg 5 Jessica [email protected] at [email protected]
Veterans Honored At CB7 Breakfast pg 7