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ORWOODQ EWSQ NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 ORWOODQ EWSQ Vol 32, No 15 • Pu b l i s h e d By Mo s h o l u Preservation Co r p o r a t i o n • Ju l y 18-31, 2019 NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 FREE BUS PLAN COULD AXE

Detecting Signs of ProposalNORWOOD part of MTA redesign, ROUTES the first in decades Gang Culture pg 5

Fourth of July Aftermath a Mess pgs 12-13

Photo by Adi Talwar RIDERS LINE UP to board a Bx38 bus on the northbound side of Bainbridge Avenue between East 210th Street and East Gun Hill Road in Norwood, destination Co-op City.

By MICHAEL TURAY unseen in decades, and which Bx28 and the express BxM4, Norwood. The Metropolitan Transit could affect thousands of rid- which run through Norwood, Under the plan, the Bx28 Authority (MTA) and its pro- ers. are expected to be rerouted, won’t run through Mosholu posed Bronx Bus Network re- The MTA’s draft plan to while the Bx38 would be elimi- Parkway and Paul Avenue re- design plan could affect sev- improve Bronx bus service re- nated altogether. In addition, spectively, which would make eral Norwood bus lines, a move leased last month shows the the Bx30 will no longer travel to the Bx10 the only alternative pg 22 (continued on page 23) 2 • July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News EDITORIAL Vol. 32, No. 15 Vol. 27, No. 10 NorwoodVol. News 27, No.is published 10 bi-weekly on Thursdays by Take Ownership of Your Parks MosholuNorwood Preservation News Corporationis published (MPC) Norwood3400 Reservoir News isOval published East bi-weekly on Thursdays by In the last few weeks, the Norwood as much. And when they are, accord- bi-weeklyBronx, New on ThursdaysYork 10467 by MosholuPhone: Preservation 718 324 4998Corporation ing to residents we spoke to, half mea- Mosholu Preservation Corporation News has been peppered with calls 3400Fax: Reservoir 718 324 Oval2917 East E-mail: [email protected] Reservoir Oval East and personal accounts of the condi- sures appear to be adopted. Bronx, 10467 Web.:Bronx, www.norwoodnews.org New York 10467 tions at the neighborhoods nearby As for Mosholu Parkway, it’s tempt- parks, namely Mosholu Parkway and ing to barbecue in open fields run- Publisher Phone: 718 324 4998 Phone: 718 324 4998 Williamsbridge Oval Park. The parks ning parallel to a freeway under the Mosholu PreservationFax: 718 324 Corporation 2917 are routinely utilized by nearly ev- auspices of the federal government, E-mail: [email protected]: 718 324 2917 SeniorE-mail: Director [email protected] of MPC ery member of the community. From but consider the larger quality of life Melissa Web:Cebollero www.norwoodnews.org Web: www.norwoodnews.org mothers sitting on benches watching implication of the discarded trash left Executive Director of MPC their children running through sprin- behind by partygoers during the sum- Jennifer Tausig klers, to residents staying fit as they do mer weekends. There’s also the lack PublisherEditor-in-Chief, NorwoodCEO, News Mosholu Publisher CEO, Mosholu MosholuDavid Cruz, Preservation [email protected] 3UHVHUYDWLRQ laps around the track. It’s all there. of porta restrooms on the parkway. Mosholu Preservation Corporation Corporation3UHVHUYDWLRQ Yet, despite this precious amenity Where are they going to relieve them- ProofreaderCorporation Corporation Editor-in-ChiefJudy Noy Roberto S. Garcia that’s enriched the lives of many, a selves? It’s easy to look the other way Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia DavidInterns Cruz troubling aspect is rising two-fold. The when visiting the neighborhood or un- SíleDavid Moloney, Cruz Christy Rae Ammons, first is the apparent neglect of Wil- aware of the long-ranging effects. Sha-Nia Alston, Michael Turay &ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ liamsbridge Oval Park this paper has Parties happen on the parkway to DawnRegular&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ McEvoy Contributors seen in recent years. Overgrown weeds the detriment of some residents who DavidDawn McEvoyGreene, Adi Talwar can be found on the northern end to the have pleaded with the Police Depart- $FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH Contributors$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH point where they’re overwhelming the ment to enforce the “No Barbecue” Dawn McEvoy Photo courtesy George Lunney JoséDawn A.McEvoy Giralt concrete tiling. Also, there are broken rule. The local 52nd Precinct has pub- Proofreader SIGHTS LIKE THIS overfl owing trash Proofreader concrete slabs. licly stated it has taken a more relaxed Judy Noy drum in Williamsbridge Oval Park were ForJudy Noy Display Advertising Then there is the garbage. Mounds approach to its enforcement as a way of 3URGXFWLRQ starting to look the norm, until residents, of it. Even before the July 4 holiday, de-escalating any confrontations, part NeilCall3URGXFWLRQ deMause Janet Geller at and this paper, began sounding the (646)Neil deMause 581-0399 which Parks Commissioner Mitchell alarm. of a broader effort by the NYPD. 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV Silver conceded was a challenging day But what about ticketing? Is that a David5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV Greene, Adi Talwar SupportDavid Greene, Your Adi Talwar for the Parks Department given the drum. form of escalation? Could police offi- Interns cers enforce these matters without it CommunityInterns Newspaper! heavy cleanup, Oval Park had already Where is the Parks Department Shayla Love, Paolo Mossetti, Justin McCallum, noticed elements of neglect. Household on this? This paper hasn’t tracked the going awry? Or has the practice of de- andTheShayla ChelseaNorwood Love, George Paolo News Mossetti,is a not-for-profi Justin McCallum, t publicationand Chelsea and George relies upon the support of trash was piled high to the point where comings and goings of the Parks De- escalation resulted in a reduced qual- its advertisers and readers to produce a plastic shopping bags full of trash partment’s personnel, but it appears ity of life around Mosholu Parkway? Forquality display community advertising, newspaper. call (718) To 324-4998. support yourFor display paper, advertising,become a member call (718) and 324-4998. receive a were left on the side of an overflowing they’re not coming around Oval Park (continued on page 16) Supportsubscription Your for one year. Support Your Simply mail check or money order for $40 to: Community Newspaper! walker with a yellow lab service dog TheNorwoodCommunity Norwood News, News 3400Newspaper!LVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE Reservoir Oval East,- licationBronx,The Norwood NYand 10467. relies News uponLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE the support of its - named Scarlotte. I’ve read your local advertiserslication and and relies readers upon theto produce support aof quality its paper several times. Regarding the Norwoodadvertisers News and readersis not responsible to produce for a quality ,ETTERS4O4HE%DITOR communitytypographical newspaper. errors. Opinions To support expressed your paper, in story in the Vol. 32 No. 12 edition of the community newspaper. To support your paper, becomesigned letters a member and bylinedand receive columns a subscription represent Norwood News, June 6-19, 2019, “Offi- become a member and receive a subscription forthe one sole year. opinion of the author and are not cials Usher in the Kingsbridge Heights necessarilyfor one year. those of Mosholu Preservation Corporation or Montefi ore Medical Center. Rent High. Pay Low. ing charge is $868.21 for a one-bedroom Residence, A Model of Integrated Hous- Simply mail check or money order for $40 Editorials represent the views of the editor Responding to Inquiring Photogra- apartment. So someone making $25,000 ing”; Happy for residents who get to:Simply Norwood mail checkNews, or3400 money Reservoir order forOval $40 East, only.to: Norwood The newspaper News, 3400 reserves Reservoir the right Oval East, pher that appeared in Vol. 32 No. 13 edi- a year would have difficulty affording apartments, but I can’t find one. Why? Bronx,to limit NYor refuse10467. advertising it deems objectionable.Bronx, NY 10467. Advertisements appearing tion in the Norwood News, June 20-July it. All by lottery! Why not first received, Norwoodin this paper News cannot is not be responsible used without for typo - 3, 2019 regarding new rent laws. Much is made of raising the mini- first served? graphicaltheNorwood written errors.News permission isOpinions not responsible of theexpressed Norwood for intypo signed- Shavonda Lewis says $25,000 a year mum wage to $15 an hour, which would I need a one bedroom, not a studio, News.graphical Letters errors. to Opinionsthe editor expressed are subject in tosigned letters and bylined columns represent the sole is not low-income. I haven’t done a amount to $31,200 a year. That would which is a box. I have three rooms condensationletters and bylined and editing.columns Writers represent should the sole opinioninclude oftheir the affi author liation and or are special not necessarily interest if study of every other area of this coun- amount to $600 a week. You’re still un- worth of furniture in storage, no fam- opinion of the author and are not necessarily thoseany. Anonymous of Mosholu lettersPreservation are not Corporations published try, but in that salary is likely to find an apartment for $600 a ily. Live in a room in a house. Not ac- RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHSbutthose your of Mosholuname can Preservation be withheld Corporations upon - definitely low. month. cessible, etc. I’ll be homeless soon. Give resentrequest.RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS the views of the editor and/or publisher- There was a time when a reasonable So what’s really needed are jobs that me a mobility-disabled apartment, any- only.resent The the newspaper views of the reserves editor and/or the right publisher to limit oronly. refuse The advertisingnewspaper it reserves deems objectionable. the right to limit rent was considered one week’s salary. actually pay good salaries. Not only is where! So many agencies, but they don’t Advertisementsor refuse advertising appearing it deems in this objectionable. paper cannot A yearly salary of $25,000 comes out the rent too damn high, but pay is too help you if no Medicaid or low income. beMosholuAdvertisements used without Preservation theappearing written Corporation inpermission this paper is a of non-cannot Nor- to $480.77 a week. If you find a place to damn low. The purpose of working for Why? Worked for New York City Office profibe used t support without corporation the written permissionof Montefi oreof Nor- wood News. Letters to the editor are subject live for $480.77 a month, it’s likely to be a living is to make a living. of Comptroller for 30 years. Income not Medicalwood News. Center. Letters to the editor are subject to condensation and editing. Writers should a cardboard box. Richard Warren low/high enough. Make up your minds! to condensation and editing. Writers should LQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ My apartment is part of the Amal- Van Cortlandt Village So much discrimination based on in- AnonymousLQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ letters are not published but your gamated Housing Corporation Co-op, come. Discriminated cause disabled. nameAnonymous can be letters withheld are if not requested. published but your name can be withheld if requested. which is specifically made affordable Finding Affordable Apartments Diana Valle for working people. My monthly carry- I’m 68 years old, use a Rollator Parkchester

Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUHMosholu Preservation Corporation is a MedicalQRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH Center. Medical Center. July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News • 3 4 • July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers their thoughts on the city’s proposal to build borough-based jails, including one in Mott Haven, as a way of closing Rikers Island. The plan was recently rejected by Borough President.

REGEIS Why would they put a jail in the boroughs? What kind of idiot would come up with I don’t think they should close Rikers I feel very confl icted about the proposal Well, for once I’m actually in agreement Where will it be located? If they put the an idea like that? An idiot that’s running Island. I think it should be maximum to build a prison in Mott Haven. I CAREdo not with CENTER the borough president as I don’t jail here or anywhere else, how will the around Iowa trying to make himself security for all these people with rap understand why they would chooseA afive starbelieve facility that that providingsite is appropriate based relationship be between the jail and the President of the United States? People sheets who are arrested time and time densely populated area such as Mott on all of the recommendations from all residents? I wonder how it will impact the like that should be thrown in jail on Rikers again and theyREGEIS can’t rehabilitate them Haven to build a new prison. If theyexcellent insist of carethe experts in aboutthe closingBronx Rikers. I’m community and its children; for me that’s Island. Absolutely. Because what’s going to within the community, so they should keep on building new prisons, why notand choose Westchester against it because areas the location doesn’t a problem. They bring the prisoners to the end up happening is they’re going to build it open for those types of criminals. I agree areas with low population densities such meet the recommendations by the courts? I didn’t know that. I am thinking the jail in the Bronx, but they’re already with the boroughCARE president; they shouldn’t CENTERas the outskirts of Hunts Point which is commission who’s been working hard if they had a place in the neighborhood not building one on Staten Island. They’re put it there at all. He makes sense this primarily industrial. Furthermore, I wonder on closing Rikers. The whole point is that’s safe to the community, if they can probably not going to build one in Queens time. And the governor said himselfPersonalized that if building carenew prisons - Skilled will resolve rehabilitation any of to have the - Professional jail as close as possible staff protect it, then they don’t have to drive and they won’t build one in Brooklyn, but the plan is notA workable five to close Rikersstar the facilityproblems at Rikers or if theproviding problems to the courthouse...the jail should go them back and forth at a cost of millions they will build one in the Bronx. No good. Island. Therefore they should keep it open. will just be carried into the new jails. right next to the courthouse. There’s of dollars. Steve Pressman Carol Roy excellent careAlice M. in the Bronxbeen recommendations on using the Ray Yalley Kingsbridge Bedford Park Allerton underutilized family courthouse and that’s Kingsbridge actually where it should go, if the goal is to and Westchester areaskeep the jail close to the courthouse. Ed Garcia Conde Melrose REGEIS REGEIS Personalized care - REGEISSkilledREGEIS rehabilitationCARE CENTER - Professional staff CARECARE CENTER CENTER CAREAA five star star facility facility CENTER providingA providing five star facility providing excellentexcellent care care in the in Bronx excellentthe Bronx care in the Bronx Aandand five WestchesterWestchester star facilityareas areas providing excellent careand in the Westchester Bronx areas Personalized care - Skilled rehabilitation - Professional staff Personalized care - Skilledand rehabilitation Westchester - Professional areas staff 3200 Baychester Avenue Bronx, NY 10475

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T. 718-320-3700 F. 718-671-2554 www.regeiscarecenter.com July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News • 5 NEWS Raising Parental Awareness on BRIEFS Gangs in the Five-Two By JOSÉ A. GIRALT By DAVID CRUZ Within the big picture story of decades of downward crime rates, one aspect of Life Expectancy Rises street life that the NYPD continues to The Health Department an- grapple with is the lure of gangs. nounced that life expectancy in Responding to a growing concern over New York City is now an average increased gang activity in the north Bronx 81.2 years, a one-year increase neighborhoods, Deputy Inspector Thomas from more than a decade. The age- J. Alps, commanding officer of the 52nd adjusted premature death (before Precinct, said “gangs are a big problem in age 65) rate dropped by 2.4 per- the Five-Two.” cent from 2016. Teen birth rates In an ongoing effort to counter gang fell sharply over the past 10 years, life, and root it out of neighborhoods, the with a 56.2 percent decline among precinct invited members of the NYPD teens. Black New Yorkers still had Bronx Gang Squad to a summit at the the shortest life expectancy, at 77.3 Bronx Library Center on July 3. The years, according to the health sta- meeting included a slideshow and Q&A tistics. And people living in very session informing parents, children, and high-poverty neighborhoods had residents what to look out for if they sus- Photo by José A. Giralt AN OFFICER (R) with the Bronx Gang Squad responds to questions from the audi- a premature death rate twice as pect their children are being roped into ence during the presentation “Gang Awareness for Parents” organized by the 52nd high as people living in low-pov- gang life. In some cases, children as young Precinct inside the auditorium of the Bronx Library Center on July 3. erty neighborhoods. as 12 are being recruited. Among the signs mentioned were a 9/11 Bill child consistently dressing in certain col- Sgt. Leo Nugent, who led the presentation, any one sign as proof of gang involvement U.S. Senators Kirsten Gilli- ors preferred by some gangs, a student revealed that sometimes they do work of a child but instead to see the whole spec- brand and Charles Schumer have suddenly struggling with schoolwork, and together. “Bloods and Crips will work trum of behavior as raising concern. proposed a bill to rename the 9/11 the use of certain social media phone apps together if there’s money in it for both of Helping kids stay away from gangs is Victims Compensation Fund so it to conceal private communications from them,” said Nugent. “After the crime, they not just a matter of constant supervision includes the name of NYPD Det. parents. go back to hating each other.” of their social media habits. The Gang Luis Alvarez, who died this month The notorious Bloods, Crips, and Trin- Social media apps often serve as the Squad promotes Active, Communicate, after battling cancer linked to his itarios gangs are among the most active tool of communication for gangs, accord- and Educate (ACE). time spent at Ground Zero follow- groups in the Fordham and Bedford Park ing to Nugent. He highlighted messag- In general, parents are encouraged to ing the 9/11 attacks. Legislators neighborhoods with the use of their indi- ing apps including Whisper, Skout, and take a more active role in their children’s look to rename the bill the “Never vidual colors, red, blue, and lime green, Grindr, and even the dating app Tin- lives if they hope to counter some of the al- Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, respectively. der, as these frequently used. The use of lure of gang life. The Gang Squad reminds Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Per- There are, however, smaller groups emojis has also become a new shorthand parents of the importance of having con- manent Authorization of the Sep- of gangs throughout the north Bronx for gangs to communicate their affilia- versations with kids that include listening tember 11th Victim Compensa- that stake claim to certain streets such tion. One example in the slide presenta- and offering praise. tion Fund Act.” James Zadroga as the gang Mosholu Money Over Bitches tion showed the emojis of a person in a Even when kids do the right thing and Ray Pfeifer were also first (MMOB) that was busted in April 2017 wheelchair, a faucet with a glass of water, and reject joining a gang, recruitment ef- responders who died from 9/11-re- for operating a drug operation mostly on a non-descript person and the letter “P” to forts can rattle some families. One young lated illnesses. Knox and Gates places in Norwood. collectively signify “CRIP.” man at the summit shared his story of As intense as gang rivalries can get, Parents are cautioned to not look at (continued on page 16) Increases for Pre-K Teachers ­­­­The Day Care Council of New York and the union representing fice and New York City Council Speak- pay. Figueroa is survived by his wife men for the 2014 killing of a 20-year- pre-K teachers announced a tenta- er’s Office helped in reaching the ten- and two children. old in the Allerton section of the tive contract agreement that will tative deal. Bronx. Theryn Jones, Gyancarlos Es- boost the salaries of 4,241 early Blackout pinal, and Arius Hopkins face mur- childhood education employees. Union Boss Dies at 57 The west side of Manhattan plunged der charges in the death of Shaquille The teachers are represented by Hector Figueroa, leader of 32BJ into darkness on July 13 following a Malcolm. Investigators say Espinal District Council 1707 Local 205, SEIU, the largest building trades blackout that lasted five hours. Con had paid Hopkins and a cooperating with members who look after more union with 50,000 members, many liv- Edison, the utility company that pro- witness to kill Malcolm after the trio than 10,000 students. If approved, ing in the Bronx, died unexpectedly on vides electricity to Manhattan, was suspected Malcolm was moving into DC 1707 members with a Master’s July 12 from an apparent heart attack. not sure what caused the outage. Offi- their drug territory. Malcolm was Degree will see their pay go from He was 57. Figueroa rose to promi- cials are now calling for an investiga- shot multiple times in the stairwell of its current $47,868 yearly salary to nence as a fighter of workers’ rights, tion into what caused the blackout. an apartment building located at 2818 $68,652 by the Oct. 1, 2021. The cost lobbying Albany this year to pass a Bronx Pk. E., dying at the scene. The of members’ healthcare plans will farm workers bill that addresses work- Men Charged in Bronx Murder suspects also face weapons and drug also be reduced. The Mayor’s Of- ing conditions and mandates overtime Authorities have charged three possession charges. 6 • July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News Monroe College New Senior Residence in the Works Along Webster Avenue Hacked By DAVID CRUZ Monroe College’s website and files are back up after it had been reportedly hacked, with hackers demanding $2 mil- lion worth of Bitcoin to undo the now en- crypted files. The breach, first reported by the New York Daily News, is now being investigated by the NYPD. Monroe College, founded in 1933, has campuses in Fordham, Man- hattan, and New Rochelle in Westchester County. Officials at the school had turned to its Facebook account to alert students of the outage. In a letter from Marc Jerome, Mon- Photo by Síle Moloney roe College president, he said the school is THE PARKING GARAGE at 2850 Webster Ave. is expected to be converted into a 12-story affordable housing complex for working “feverishly to bring everything seniors, according to a post by YIMBY New York on July 4. back online, and we are working with the appropriate authorities to resolve the situ- By MICHAEL TURAY of 499 square feet. The development kler, standpipe system, underground ation as quickly as possible.” The years-old rezoning of Web- group applied for permits that are plumbing, and foundational work are “In the meantime, Monroe continues to ster Avenue could advance once still pending before the Buildings De- also included. Among the features, operate. We’re simply doing it the way col- again with the construction of a 12- partment. the concrete-based structure will lege’s did before email and Internet, which story affordable housing senior resi- The building is expected to stand also include a cellar and a 30-foot- results in more personal interaction,” Je- dence near Bedford Park looming. at 113 feet yielding 107,158 square feet. long rear yard. The address had pre- rome wrote. The property at 2850 Webster Ave. Douglaston Development has recon- viously been linked to a Kings Laun- Sources told the Daily News that the near Bedford Park Boulevard is ex- structed multiple Bronx properties, dry and Clean City Laundromat, with breach had impacted the colleges’ network pected to see a 189-unit property ex- including a 14-story senior living neither being successful enough to of campuses and facilities. Roughly 8,000 clusively for seniors. The property building at 3726 Henry Hudson Pkwy stay in business. students currently attend the school. was recently owned by the New York near Riverdale and a 12-story mixed The news continues the building The incident didn’t impact employee Botanical Garden before selling it to income development at 2605 Grand boom happening on Webster Avenue payroll records, according to Monroe Col- Douglaston Development. The units, Concourse. between East Gun Hill and Fordham lege spokeswoman Jackie Ruegger. once built, will have an average size A work order for a new sprin- roads, which was rezoned in 2011.

BP Gas Station Bronx Park Goes to the Dogs Robbed By CHRISTY RAE AMMONS Police are asking for help in iden- tifying a man (pictured below) who robbed the BP gas station at 3059 Web- ster Ave. on June 6. Around 7 a.m., a 30- to 40-year-old black man wearing a dark hoodie, dark pants, and glasses broke into a locked room behind the store. He took as much cash as he could before fleeing. Anyone with information in regard to the identity of this man is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Photo by David Cruz PARKS COMMISSIONER MITCHELL Silver (5th from right), former Councilmember James Vacca (4th from right), Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association president Edith Blitzer (3rd from right), and Councilmember Nathalia Fernandez (far right) cut the ribbon at the opening of the new Dog Run at Bronx River Park, and Councilmember Mark Gjonaj (4th from left) came out to show his support. The new Dog Run features separate areas for large and small dogs, natural boulders used as dog play elements, new benches, and a four-foot-tall perimeter chain link fence. July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News • 7

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By SÍLE MOLONEY still has to approve the change to the NYC Health + Hospitals has con- operating license making the merger firmed that it plans to operate Jacobi effective date still unknown. Medical Center (Jacobi) and North Doyle confirmed that staff at the two Central Bronx Hospital (NCBH) under hospitals have already been shared for one license, subject to the approval of the last 20 years but this latest effort to the state Department of Health (DOH). operate under one license will enhance The news could make it easier for pa- the existing model by streamlining the tients to be seen a lot faster, by cutting staff credentialing process for new down wait times for patient transfers doctors and reducing wait times for between the two publicly-funded hos- patients. pitals. This was confirmed in the merger “The license merger will stream- application record provided by the line the transfer process between state DOH which stated that the pur- hospitals for patients and the creden- pose of the merger is to further create a tialing process for our clinicians,” coordinated, highly integrated system said John Doyle, spokesman for NYC with the objectives of improving qual- Health + Hospitals, “In short, it allows ity, increasing access and lowering the us to better navigate some regulatory costs of healthcare in the communities hurdles to better serve our patients served by Jacobi and NCBH. and clinical staff.” The merger won’t cost the network Jacobi is a 457-bed teaching hospital anything. affiliated with the Albert Einstein Col- Logistically, Doyle said the change lege of Medicine (Einstein), located at will enable hospital management to 1400 Pelham Pkwy. S., four miles from devote resources to support a planned NCBH, a 213-bed Einstein teaching site, service expansion at NCBH. The plan sister facility of Jacobi, located at 3424 is to expand outpatient services and Kossuth Ave. and East 210th Street in ambulatory surgery at NCBH, while Norwood. “It is important to note that trauma and other more complex proce- there are no bed count, staff, or service dures will be the focus at Jacobi. reductions as part of this effort,” Doyle The state DOH said that the Cer- added. tificate of Need application, which is On May 30, the NYC Health + Hospi- currently under review, would make tals Board of Directors authorized its NCBH a division of Jacobi and this network to submit a Certificate of Need would include the adoption of the application to the state DOH in respect name, “North Central Bronx Hospital, to the proposed merger. Though the a Division of NYC Health + Hospitals/ wheels are in motion, the state DOH Jacobi.”

Photo by Síle Moloney PEOPLE PASS NORTH Central Bronx Hospital on July 11. Subject to approval by the state Department of Health, the hospital is expected to merge with Jacobi Medical Center according to North Bronx Healthcare Network. July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News • 9 10 • July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News A Bengali Women’s Empowerment Group Walks a Tightrope in Norwood By SÍLE MOLONEY surveys based on the responses she’s Sanjana Khan and Ayesha Akhtar received. “One of my favorite ques- grew up just a block apart in Norwood. tions for the women who have been Both their families hail from the city here for 20-plus years is, if this had of Sylhet in eastern Bangladesh on been happening 20 years ago, would the Surma River. Yet, it took a Bronx this have helped them, and every sin- narratives event last August at the gle woman was like, I wish this existed for the two 20 years ago!” to finally meet. A month later, they Laal means “red” in Bangla. The founded Laal, a non-profit group sup- name, and its color, symbolizes the porting Bengali women in Norwood to mark of menstruation, the alta (hen- live healthy, engaged, joyful lives. na-like tattoo) Bengali women use to The two women spent June 23 adorn themselves, the red saree Ben- “womanning” the group’s table stand gali women wear on their wedding at the “Bangla Bazzar Street Fair,” day, the red bindi for which Bengali happening at Decatur Avenue and women are famous, and the red sun

East 204th Street. Together, with a few that is in the center of the Bangladeshi Photo by Síle Moloney other volunteers, they were kept busy flag. The name serves as a reminder of SANJANA KHAN (R) speaks during the “Bangla Bazzar Street Fair” on June 23 while all day fielding questions and handing the strength and resilience of Bengali standing alongside Ayesha Akhtar, both co-founders of Laal, a non-profit supporting out questionnaires to local Bengali women. Bengali women in Norwood. women. “There’s no women here,” Khan “It’s our needs assessment because noted, referring specifically to the tion has increased in Norwood, carv- formation, and isolation, among oth- we’re planning our fall and spring absence of Bengali women during the ing a space for themselves that’s in- ers. Akhtar added that the way public programming and so, we really want formal presentations and awards por- sular and part of the neighborhood’s information is usually obtained in to get to know what the women want,” tion of the fair. “There’s no represen- transformative cultural fabric. U.S. the Bengali community is through said Akhtar, 29. tation. As always.” Census estimates show the number word-of-mouth rather than from city Khan, 28, senses the value in these Over the years the Bengali popula- of foreign-born Bangladeshis within agency websites. Community District 7, which covers According to Khan, these factors Bedford Park and Norwood, is 2,445, created additional challenges for a representing 4.2 percent of the dis- community already dealing with trict’s population. “This community the effects of Islamophobia, and one is growing,” said Khan. “We’re huge!” which, Khan said, holds a certain The figures fall in line with the level of distrust towards police. Ac- overall Bangladeshi population of cording to 2014 U.S. State Department New York City, which grew 42 per- estimates, 89.9 percent of the popula- cent in just three years from 34,237 in tion of Bangladesh are Muslims. 2008 to 48,677 in 2011, according to the All of these circumstances ampli- Asian American Federation, a policy fied the need for bottom-up support think tank group. About 20 percent of services tailored specifically to Ben- that population resides in the Bronx. gali women to help them integrate into American society. It is here that Barriers to Integration Khan and Akhtar play a role through The federation places Bangla- their work with Laal, delicately strad- deshis among the poorest of the city’s dling the sensitive line between Ben- Asian ethnic groups, with one in gali and American culture. three Bangladeshis living below the “We both went away for college, poverty line. Khan said that Bangla- which is very rare,” said Akhtar. Re- deshis are now arriving from more ferring to their respective alma mat- rural areas where the role of women ers, she said, “They are both very lib- is more traditional, largely dependent eral arts schools, very away, and very on men. removed from here.” Specific issues faced by Bengali Yet, they say family roots brought women in the states include inad- them back home to Norwood. “We left equate command of the English lan- but came back here in the Bronx, do- guage, despite some having lived in ing it for our communities. So yeah, the U.S. for over 20 years, fear of trav- we’re here,” said Khan. “We know ex- elling beyond the confines of their lo- actly what we’re going into. We grew cal community, partly due to a lack of up in it.” understanding of the city’s bus and This story is part of a two-part se- subway systems, accessing public in- ries on Laal. July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News • 11 12 • July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News FOURTH OF JULY LEAVES By CHRISTY RAE AMMONS Anthony Rivieccio, a longtime Despite signs banning open Bedford Park resident who’s raised flames at certain green spaces across the issue of illegal barbecues for the Bronx, every year on July 4, for years, took stock of the illegal barbe- at least five years, ashes, bottles, cues around the area on July 4 as he’s and leftover trash are found along done before. He found what he con- Mosholu Parkway the day after the sidered newer residents picnicking, holiday. The grassy strip that’s lined partying, littering, barbecuing, and with benches on either side is home to playing loud music for hours on end. several dozen trees, which the Parks He documented the barbecuing, send- Department is mandated to protect ing the information to Ischia Bravo, from fires. Community Board 7’s district man- Yet despite several community ager. Police were apparently called meetings, and a history of complaints but Rivieccio said they never showed from Community Board 7 urging up. the Parks Department and NYPD to “In the last three or four months, step up its ‘no barbecue’ enforcement there has been a neighborhood push ahead of the agency’s busiest time of to be sure that this did not happen,” the year, this year was no exception Rivieccio said. “About a month ago along Mosholu Parkway. The Parks at the Parks Committee meeting in Photo by Christy Rae Ammons Department, despite emphasizing its Community Board 7, 20 neighborhood PILES OF TRASH are found on Mosholu Parkway near Bainbridge Avenue on July 8. goal of squashing parties in ‘no bar- residents showed up and complained becue’ zones, did little to stop it. The about the conditions that some of our mess behind was apparent. dispose of coals. As such, areas with coals had already become a problem new neighbors were doing with the Barbecuing is not forbidden in all no barbecue pits such as Mosholu for the Parks Department this year parkway.” areas of the Bronx. Several parks, Parkway are restricted from an open- when trash containing hot coals was Barbara Stronczer, chair of Com- such as , have flame cookout, given how hot coals unknowingly dumped into a garbage munity Board 7’s Parks Committee, barbecue pits and designated areas to can jeopardize the health of trees. Hot truck compactor, causing a fire. is on Rivieccio’s side, largely oppos- State of Oval Park Roils Residents, Parks Dept. Responds By DAVID CRUZ tions of the park, even proached them about the state of the The black bags were finally filled ranking it passable in park. “I was told, ‘Well, I’m not do- with trash. The grass trimmed. The May, evidence of a park ing that now,’” said Quaranta of the overflowing trash bins cleared. The overdue for a cleanup cleanup crews. In one instance, she checkmarks made for a productive persists. Among the was told by a crew member that they cleanup at Williamsbridge Oval Park. more unsightly el- wouldn’t be “doing that right now,” Yet credit for the several cleanup ements was a torn adding they only got “another half jobs goes to the handful of volunteers bag full of discarded hour” of work. living near the park. In the space of clothes, damp from a For its part, DPR maintains it has several months, the group has taken weekend rainstorm. It given the park special attention, de- it upon itself to do the work of the had been found at the ploying extra personnel and even giv- agency, whose track record for reliable Photo by Christy Rae Ammons northern entrance of ing the park a passable grade after it cleanliness is spotty as of late. George CLEANUP CREWS CLEAR out debris near the en- the park by the Reser- was inspected in May. Lunney of Norwood wasn’t taking it ly- trance of the Oval Park on July 8, several days after the voir Keeper’s House In a statement, a spokesperson for ing down. “We’re not getting any assis- garbage was left over. (home of the Norwood DPR said the agency “hear[s] the con- tance whatsoever from the complaints News). Park crews cerns and Bronx Borough Commissioner we made with either 311 or with Parks videotapes and photographs.’” did haul out mounds Iris Rodriguez-Rosa is actively conduct- Department officials directly, includ- Lunney did score a victory seeing of litter on July 9, but the clothes re- ing spot checks at Williamsbridge Oval ing Liam Kavanagh who’s the deputy DPR replace the worn-out American mained. for the foreseeable future to ensure the commissioner,” said Lunney. flag for a new one. Elizabeth Quaranta, president of park’s maintenance meets our expec- As residents filed 14 complaints The group has ventured out on Friends of Mosholu Parkland, a volun- tations.” An effort is under way to de- linked to park conditions with 311, hands and knees several times, ex- teer group that maintains nearby Mo- termine how to properly spend DPR’s Lunney spent the last few months ha- hausted over the agency’s slow re- sholu Parkway, was also struck by the increased funds it recently received as ranguing the Department of Parks and sponse to maintain the luster of the park’s untidiness as of late. She too has part of the New York City budget. Recreation (DPR) for consistent service park. Settled in the heart of Norwood, found the park in poor shape as of late. After noticing the pile of clothes still of the park. “I emailed [Kavanagh] and Williamsbridge Oval Park represents “Mosholu [Parkway’s] cleaner than the left behind, Quaranta’s group went out contacted him several times and his of- one of the neighborhood’s prized trea- Oval,” said Quaranta. For Lunney, the to gather the clothes. fice about broken items in the park, in sures. park was in a better state last year. Two days later a squad of parks em- the playground areas, the trash that’s And even as DPR has deployed Quaranta’s also found cleanup ployees showed up for a massive cleanup everywhere. And I said, ‘We do have parks inspectors to examine condi- crews shirk their duties when she ap- job. July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News • 13 A MESS AT LOCAL PARKS should clean up that night, the next much refuge we had to pick up af- day.” ter the Fourth of July. It’s just one The garbage problem didn’t just of those big, celebratory days that extend beyond Mosholu Parkway. At people come out, and barbecuing is Williamsbridge Oval Park, leftover synonymous with July 4.” fireworks were spotted at the edge The Parks Department told of the northern entrance. Inside the the Norwood News in an email that park, heaps of trash spilled out of the a Parks Enforcement Patrol unit was trash drums. In some cases, the gar- posted at the parkway, yet barbecu- bage had accumulated well before ing and partying still went on for the July 4 festivities. There were also over three hours on July 4. piles of ash and charcoal inside the The problem of illegal barbecues park. also extended beyond Norwood. The Bronx Borough Parks com- Roxanne Delgado, founder of missioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa urged Friends of Pelham Parkway, was residents to pick up after themselves. outraged over the ongoing break- “We ask the community to please ing of the rules that could put wild- take the garbage with them and to life in danger across the Bronx. “It please be able to be respectful to our became the norm because of the parks and our community. We try lack of enforcement,” Delgado said. the best that we can to get to all sites “In other parks, they have zero tol- as soon as we can.” erance. They see a grill and boom, Parks commissioner Mitchell they’re out there. Because of that Silver explained that the agency is constant enforcement, it doesn’t hap- working on the problem, though con- pen there.” ceding that July 4 is a busy day for Delgado was upset by the bar- barbecuing across the city. “Right becuing because of the plumes of now we know there are certain ar- smoke, which could damage trees or eas where barbecue is not permitted. people’s lungs. “You could bring ev- We’re working with our Parks En- erything else besides the grill,” she forcement Patrol and NYPD to make told the Norwood News. “It’s not fair. sure people understand the rules,” The parkway belongs to everyone.” Silver told the Norwood News at an unrelated event on July 9. “But the Editor’s Note: Anthony Riviec- Fourth of July is one of those days. cio writes the Financial Focus col- All of our parks were overwhelmed. umn that appears on the Norwood I can’t even begin to tell you how News website. Photo by Christy Rae Ammons A PORTABLE BARBECUE grill carton (pictured) is among the items found on July 8 along Mosholu Parkway. ing the barbecuing at Mosholu Park- point where people put speakers in way. “[Mosholu Parkway] is not an the trees. And late at night they were official barbecue site. There are sites still blasting the music.” that the Parks Department lists for The aftermath from the parties barbecuing,” said Stronczer. “You was apparent even five days after the gotta realize it’s very close to people’s holiday, when crews from the Parks windows, too, and nobody wants that Department finally picked up the smoke blowing into your window heaps of trash left behind. There was when it’s this hot. And a lot of the also an abundance of full garbage people come and use the parkway and bags, including a bag of empty lighter don’t clean up after themselves. fluid boxes and an empty box for a Referring to a meeting that oc- new grill resting beside trash cans curred on June 26, Stronczer ex- where Bainbridge Avenue meets the plained that residents pushed for a parkway. change before the holiday. “A whole “I think it’s a shame,” John Lund, crew of people came out from the a Bronx resident sitting on a bench north side of the parkway. They’re at Mosholu, told the Norwood News. Photo courtesy Northwest Bronx Democrats Facebook page having terrible problems with litter “This is like a good part of the Bronx A HAMMOCK CAN be spotted (pictured far right) during the July 4 celebrations along after these parties, loud music to the here. It’s a beautiful park and they Mosholu Parkway. 14 • July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News CB7 Backs Proposed Bike-Friendly Changes to Southern Boulevard By CHRISTY RAE AMMONS Community Board 7 voted to sup- port a plan by the city Department of Transportation (DOT) that would overhaul traffic patterns on the north- bound lanes of Southern Boulevard. As part of its last pieces of business before going on its summer break, the board voted to send a letter to the DOT backing the project. The plan dubbed Southern Boulevard Traffic Calming and Protected Bike Lanes Safety Proj- ect looks to narrow the northbound roadway, and add a two-way protected bike lane. The hope is to discourage speeding and make the road safer for pedestrians and cyclists. News of the board’s backing comes as the city grapples with a string of cyclists deaths, the latest happening in Brook- lyn. So far, 15 cyclists have died on the city’s streets this year, prompting advocates to call the deaths part of a crisis. Depiction courtesy DOT Southern Boulevard has two lanes A DEPICTION OF the existing layout of Southern Boulevard and a comparison of what it would look like if the proposed changes on each side of the divided road lines go through. with trees. Traffic is busy and cars appear to go faster than the citywide 25 mph limit, making the wide street lanes of traffic both ways on South- the middle of the road for pedestri- Park Boulevard, and bike lanes for hard to cross. Pedestrians crossing the ern Boulevard. The right northbound ans to stand while waiting to cross both directions from the Botanical road often get stuck in the middle, cre- lane, however, would be narrowed. with painted curbs and signaled street Square Metro-North station to the ating a possibly dangerous situation. It’s currently twice as wide as the left crossing for added safety. Mosholu Parkway. The Southern Boulevard Traffic northbound lane, allowing space for a On the boulevard’s southern The goal of the added bike space Calming and Protected Bike Lanes dedicated bike lane. lane, the right turning lane that is to provide access for the West Safety Project would keep the two The DOT would also add areas in would take drivers to Mosholu Bronx to the Greenway system, Parkway would also be extended, which connects cyclists to the providing space for 50 vehicles. parks of the Bronx and other bor- So-called bus boarding islands oughs. The DOT also hopes that Citi Bike to Expand in the Bronx are proposed to be part of the bike the bike lanes will encourage resi- By SÍLE MOLONEY To mark the occasion, the Com- lane. These boarding islands–al- dents to go out and exercise. The City Department of Transpor- missioner, elected officials, includ- ready installed in states such as In 2017, there were 444 bicycle tation (DOT) announced the Phase 3 ing Bronx Borough President Ruben California–would be designed as crashes involving motor vehicles expansion of its Citi Bike initiative on Diaz Jr., Lyft representatives and ad- ramps so that cyclists could still in the city, resulting in 451 injuries July 16, which will bring bike sharing vocates took to the saddle to ride Citi ride over them, encouraging them and one fatality. The 52nd Precinct, to various neighborhoods Bikes down the in to slow their speed. Unlike curb covering a portion of Southern including Mott Haven, Melrose, Port the Bronx ahead of the open-air press cuts that allow buses to pick up or Boulevard, recorded 36 bike-re- Morris, Highbridge, Claremont, Mor- conference which was held outside the drop off passengers without dis- lated crashes and injuries. risania, Longwood, Concourse, and Bronx County Courthouse. turbing the flow of traffic, buses The DOT has been working to Mt. Eden in the next year. Community Trottenberg confirmed that Citi will stop on the street, allowing for create more bike lanes in order to Board consultation will start this fall Bike membership would be made avail- faster pickups and drop offs for rid- make the roads safer for cyclists and stations will be installed in 2020. able to SNAP recipients and NYCHA ers. and the sidewalks safer for pedes- DOT Commissioner Polly Trotten- residents and that the city is also en- The northbound bike lane would trians. In 2017 and 2018, the DOT berg confirmed that a $100 million in- suring the program will be accessible make connections to the Mosholu- installed 45.3 miles of bike lanes vestment to expand the bike program to people with disabilities. Pelham and Bronx River Green- throughout the city. through 2023 has been made by Lyft She also confirmed that, according ways, a system of bicycle paths that This year, they plan to install (Citi Bike’s parent company) which will to DOT estimates, New York City is connect the parks in the Bronx and 30.3 miles of bike lanes. More than also cover previously under-served currently the eighth largest bike share other boroughs. The DOT would two miles of the 30.3 miles of bike neighborhoods in northern Manhat- system in the world with around 14,000 install an eastbound curbside bike lanes are in progress, while the tan, Brooklyn and Queens. A $300,000 bikes. “When we are done with this ex- lane from Bedford Park to the New remaining 28 miles are still in de- expansion grant program, sponsored pansion, we will be at 40,000 bikes, she York Botanical Garden’s Mosholu velopment, including two projects by HealthFirst, was also announced said, drawing applause from those gath- entrance, westbound bike lanes on in the Bronx, the Southern Boule- as well as a new handcycle pilot for the ered. “We will be the second or third a path from the Botanical Square vard project and the Willis Avenue disability community. largest bike system in the world.” Metro-North station to Bedford project. July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News • 15

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PI: Dr. Erin Hazlett MIRB#: 01708 16 • July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News Raising Parental Awareness Take Ownership of Your Parks On Gangs in the Five-Two (continued from page 2) come from opponents believing the Reading a situation is one thing. city caved. The problem could fix the (continued from page 5) the immediate family. Jayson Gonzalez Knowingly allowing revelers to legality issue. Parks will just have to being recruited as a high school student works within the Bronx community help- skirt the rules is another. It’s a hot do its part in enforcing cleanup while by a neighborhood gang even though he ing young people find organizations such potato, sure, one exacerbated by the the NYPD will have to do its part in never expressed interest in them. Inspec- as Neighborhood Benches which helps shared responsibility between the enforcing the noise ordinances. tor Alps promised to help the young man break cycles of violence in families by Police Department and Parks. The lack of enforcement has who preferred remaining anonymous to promoting positive role models and teach- The New York City Council and caused one community activist, An- the Norwood News. ing leadership skills. Mayor’s Office recently announced a thony Rivieccio, to scale back his For other kids who do end up in gangs, “I liked what I heard tonight,” Gonza- boost in the budget for the New York activism for improved quality of it is the sense of being heard and appre- lez said after the summit. “But our com- City Parks Department. With all this life, believing that despite months ciated, at least in the early stages, that munities need more involvement from clamor for a beautiful park, it would of pleas from Community Board 7’s lures them in. Though the initial pitch parents, teachers, and organizations. We behoove the agency to consider beef- Parks Committee toward enforce- for a gang promotes a family-like environ- can’t just leave it up to the police to fix ing up its maintenance crews. It ment, the Police Department and ment, it is oftentimes followed by violent these problems.” seems the roving cleanup crews it Parks Department do little to en- initiation rites. Gonzalez’s words were echoed by employs are just not enough. force it. The Gang Squad shared videos, pref- some of the people who waited after the Or could the solution be creat- This is a test for Community aced with a warning of violent content meeting to speak with Inspector Alps and ing one section of Mosholu Parkway Board 7’s new leadership of Emman- involving minors, with the audience of the Neighborhood Coordination Officers devoted to legal barbecuing? It’s a uel Martinez. Will he call on enforc- about 35 attendees showing beatings (NCO) present with their concerns. Alps possible fix, though the rancor will ing the rules, or look the other way? meant to initiate new gang members or encouraged the public’s input. “It’s the as a disciplinary response to those who police working with the community to- break gang code. gether in a proactive manner through ed- Rather than scare off new members ucation to stop the youths being attracted with these beatings, it brings a sense of to these gangs,” said Alps. Got a Story? belonging, responsibility, and structure The multi-faceted approach to help kids according to the presenters at the sum- reject gang life is seen as critical by those Call 718-324-4998 mit. in the front lines of the campaign. Nugent One reason the Gang Squad promotes from the gang squad, gave a stark message the ACE program in their outreach efforts to parents. “We’re here today to help you is to engage a broader community beyond reach your kids before we do” he said. July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News • 17

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Constituent Services and vegetables will up for sale State Sen. Alessandra at the Norwood Youth Market, Biaggi provides constituent East Gun Hill Road and DeKalb services at Community Board Avenue, each Thursday from 10 7, 229-A E. 204th St., every sec- a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 21. ond Thursday of the month Vendors accept cash, SNAP/ from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more EBT, debit/credit, WIC and se- information, call Commu- nior FMNP coupons. For more nity Board 7 at (718) 933-5650 information, go to grownyc. or Biaggi’s office at (718) 822- org/norwoodyouthmarket. 2049. Right to Counsel Accompanying the Elderly Right to Counsel (RTC)— Volunteer to visit the el- which assigns a free attorney derly once a week through the to those sued for eviction in city Department of Aging’s housing court and in NYCHA Friendly Visiting Program of termination of tenancy hear- Neighborhood SHOPP. Volun- ings and who are income eli- teers donate their time to ac- gible—is available to tenants company the elderly once a who live in Bronx zip codes week for an hour as a means 10457, 10467, and 10468. If a ten- of improving their mental ant is not income-eligible, they health. Volunteers will need to have the right to a one-off legal undergo a background check consultation or advice session. and commit six months to the Tenants facing eviction or ha- program. For more informa- rassment from management tion, call 311. can call Nova Lucero at the Northwest Bronx Community Norwood Youth Market & Clergy Coalition for support Affordably priced fruits at (917) 952-5494. July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News • 19

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ONE TON OF FUN The Musical “YOU BELONG Tippin’ Toppin’ TO ME” the Scales the Fun 2ND CERTIFICATE MUST BE OF EQUAL VALUE. Both Gift Certificates must be purchased at the same time. Discount applies to Gift Certificates for Two only. SPECIAL GUEST COMEDIAN ADULT COMEDY Discount may not be applied to previous or future purchases. Cannot be used with any other coupons or discounts. Gift Certificates not valid on Gold Star Performances. SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 SATURDAY, AUGUST 31 www.BroadwayTheatre.com GROUP SALES (914) 592-2225 BOX OFFICE (914) 592-2222 LUXURY BOXES (914) 592-8730 1 BROADWAY PLAZA ELMSFORD, NEW YORK 10523 A Proud Sponsor of WBT GPS: 75 CLEARBROOK ROAD, ELMSFORD, NY DOWNLOAD THE WBT APP 1HƂEKCN$CPMQH9$6 FOR SPECIAL “APP ONLY” OFFERS Limit 1 per person. Cannot be combined with any other offer. AMERICAN EXPRESS / VISA / MASTERCARD / DISCOVER The management reserves the right to make schedule or program changes if required. All sales final. No cash or credit card refunds. A TASTE OF BROADWAY AND FINE DINING AWAITS YOU AT THE WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE 20 • July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News Classifi eds Professional Directory

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Come to Madame P’s Beauty World. We specialize in haircutting, hair care, hair coloring, all relaxers, Wave Nouveau, weaving to stimulate hair growth and carefree curls. We also offer press and curl. 20% off for seniors. 10% off for college students with picture ID. 617 E. Fordham Road (Fordham University section). Call today for your appointment: (347) 284-3834. WEB DESIGN HELP

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Trip to Hershey Park, Pennsylvania, Saturday, Aug. 31 at 8 a.m. from East 163rd Street and Southern Boulevard. For more information, please contact Eddie at (718) 757-5485. July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News • 21

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*While supplies last. Limit one per household, with no obligation to enroll. Coverage is provided by Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc., Healthfirst PHSP, Inc., and/or Healthfirst Insurance Company, Inc. (together, “Healthfirst”). Plans contain exclusions and limitations. Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc. offers HMO plans that contract with the Federal Government. Enrollment in Healthfirst Medicare Plan depends on contract renewal. Benefits and service area may vary by plan. 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)。 A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodations of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-888-260-1010 and TTY 1-888-542-3821. SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2019 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved. © 2019 HF Management Services, LLC 0650-19 H3359_SLS19_23 0519-19_M 22 • July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News

Beautiful Bronx Trolley Tour, July 20, rain or shine, visiting the Hall of Fame on the Bronx Community College campus, Parkchester, Pelham and Mosholu parkways, and lunch in Little Italy (not included). Meet at the Jerome/Bainbridge avenues gate of the Woodlawn Cemetery at 11:45 a.m. Tour begins at noon. Compiled by JUDY NOY Tickets must be purchased in advance at woodlawntours.org and all sales are final; no refunds. For more information, call EDITOR’S PICK (718) 920-1469. Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. 252nd St. in Riverdale, offers the following summer concerts: Vasser Tejeda & BAE Free Concerts Palotre performing Afro-Dominican Jazz, July 24; and Rana Santacruz performing Bronx Arts Ensemble presents two free West African Drumming a variety of music, July 31; both on the and Dance shows on July 21 - at 2 p.m. in the Van Cortlandt Great Lawn at 7 p.m. ($12; $8/students/ House Museum, 6036 Van Cortlandt Park, and at 4 p.m. in the seniors; $6/age 6+; free/WH members McGinley Ballroom of Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd. and under age 6; no refunds; bring picnic and folding chair). Grounds admission is Also scheduled is Oldies, Pop, and R&B Favorites, July 28 at 2 free until noon Tuesdays and Saturdays p.m. in the Van Cortlandt House Museum. For more information, all year. For more information and a visit bronxartsensemble.org. schedule of events including tours and walks, call (718) 549-3200.

mat; some are available to those who Exhibits Onstage don’t have one. For more information and to RSVP, call (718) 324-4468. NY Botanical Garden presents its largest Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz exhibition ever, Brazilian Modern: Photo courtesy Bronx Arts Ensemble Jr. presents Sunday summer concerts WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING and Lehman College, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. The Living Art of Roberto Burle at Orchard Beach at the main stage at W., presents Boogie Down Dance Day, Marx, through Sept. 29, featuring lush Dance are scheduled for Van Cor- section 9, subject to change, including July 27 from noon to 6 p.m. Attendees gardens with a curated gallery of his tandt House Museum as part of a se- Frankie Negron on July 21 and can participate in free dance classes vibrant paintings, drawings and textiles. ries of shows sponsored by the Bronx Raulín Rosendo on July 28. For more In addition, the sights and sounds of from hip-hop to house (in the Music Arts Ensemble (see Editor’s Pick for information, call (718) 590-8989. Brazil and its lively contributions to Building), and ballet to theatre jazz (in details). the APEX athletic facility), culminating music and dance are included. For more The Botanical Garden offers a variety in a freestyle dance battle and mixture. information, call (718) 817-8700. Asians,” July 3; “The Meg,” July 31; of Brazilian musical performances Participants must RSVP at www. and “Spider-man: Into the Spider,” weekends in July. For detailed boogiedowndanceday.splashthat.com The Museum of Bronx History, 3266 Aug. 1; and Computer Basics: information, fees, and a schedule, call and register for the programs either as Bainbridge Ave., presents exhibition, July 22 at 4:30 p.m.; and Microsoft (718) 817-8700. dancers or audience members. For more The Bronx Goes to the Movies, through Word for Beginners: July 23 at information, visit www.lehman.edu. Oct. 6. For more information, call (718) 1 p.m. For more information, call Events 881-8900. (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit www. PBBX Community Affairs presents nypl.org. Williamsbridge Oval offers a variety Harmony Day Picnic, July 23 at 9:30 The Museum of Bronx History, 3266 of free summer programs including a.m. at Van Courtlandt Park South Bainbridge Ave. (208th Street), presents Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th sports, exercise, and dance. For more and Broadway. Free admission with A History of the Bronx Latino, ongoing. St., offers for children: Toddler information and a detailed schedule, call camp registration. Events include Dunk Hours: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Storytime at 11 a.m.: (ages 18 (718) 543-8672. the Cop, carnival games, sports and and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. For more months to 3 years), interactive activities, rock wall, bounce house, free information, call (718) 881-8900. stories, action songs, fingerplays, Montefiore Moses Community Advisory giveaways, refreshments, raffles and and crafts, July 22, 25 and 29 and Board presents Yoga on the Parkway, prizes. For more information, call (718) Library Events Aug. 1; and for ages 5 to 12: Crafty July 26 at 6 p.m. Arrive by 5:45 p.m. at 299-4503/4. Fridays at 3 p.m.: crafts, July 19 East Mosholu Parkway North between Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge and 26; and STEM: Kids Science Hull and Webster avenues. Bring a yoga Bronx County Historical Society presents Rd., presents for children ages 5 to 12: at 3 p.m.: Space, July 23 and 30. Open Greenhouse: Teens/young adults can attend: Kids with a green film: “Bumblebee,” July 27 at 1:30 thumb can work on p.m. Adults can enjoy: Knitting indoor greenhouse Circle: Thursdays at 3 p.m. For garden, July 8 at more information, call (718) 882- 2:30 p.m.; and 8239. Birds of Prey at 3 p.m.: to learn about Jerome Park Library, 118 Eames Pl. hawks, owl, and (near Kingsbridge Road), offers for falcons, July 19 and children ages 5 to 12: film: “Spider- 26. Teens/young man: Into the Spiderverse,” July adults can enjoy 20 at 2 p.m. Teens/young adults Pizza and movie can enjoy: film: “The Warriors,” at 5 p.m.: July 18 July 5 at 3 p.m. Adults can attend: and 25 and Aug. Computer Basics at noon: July 25 1; and film:July and Aug. 1. For more information, 27 at 4 p.m. Adults call (718) 549-5200. can attend: film screenings at 2:30 p.m.: “Rampage,” NOTE: Items for consideration may July 20; and be mailed to our office or sent to “Ghostbusters,” July [email protected], 27; and films at 2 and should be received by July 22 p.m.: “Bumblebee,” for the next publication date of Aug. July 29; “Crazy Rich 1. July 18-31, 2019 • Norwood News • 23 Bus Plan Could Axe Norwood Routes

(continued from page 1) charge vehicles a fee when they enter for riders to Mosholu Parkway North. Manhattan south of 60th Street. The In total, 23 stops are proposed to be dis- plan, which won’t be implemented until continued, with nine new stops being 2021, looks to reduce congestion and en- introduced. The proposed plan will also courage Bronx residents to utilize other remove 15 of the 79 remaining stops for ways of transportation. While riders will the line. This will cut the number of stops have no choice but to rise to the occasion, by 19 percent and “improve stop spacing they will no doubt be inconvenienced. to an average of 1,005 feet,” according to The ridership of elderly and disabled the report. travelers could be affected by these po- The Bx38 is proposed to have all tential sudden changes. With limited op- 49 stops eliminated, five of which run tions such as Access-a-Ride or an Uber, through Bainbridge Avenue in Norwood. many fear the route alterations will over- The line begins on East 192nd Street and burden their commute. Valentine Avenue traveling all the way “They can’t get there on time, you to Bay Plaza Mall in Co-op City. Many call them at night in advance and they riders value the convenience of this bus still show up late,” said a woman, who line and don’t understand why it would declined to be named, on her experience be terminated. with Access-a-Ride. “You have 43,000 people ready to be af- “These buses are very slow. Since I’m fected if they cut this line. This proposal disabled, I usually take a cab to my doc- is madness, when you look at it, it’s re- tor appointments, but I feel sorry for the ally going to hurt Co-op [City] more than people who have to take these buses, it’s anybody else,” said Synthia Miller, as ridiculous,” said Janet Farley, a rider on she stood outside of Montefiore Medical the Bx30 bus. Center on Bainbridge Avenue waiting for The plan also aims to improve overall the bus. customer experience. The MTA wants to The plan also proposes to eliminate implement “real-time seat availability BxM4 express service along Jerome and information to show how full the bus is Bainbridge avenues. Riders will no lon- via web and mobile applications,” ac- ger get service between Katonah Avenue cording to the report. They also encour- and East 237th Street in Woodlawn and age riders to utilize One Metro New York the Grand Concourse and East 158th (OMNY), their new tap-to-pay technology Street in Melrose. The bus will no lon- that would eventually eliminate all Met- ger run through the Grand Concourse roCards in 2023. All of these facets look and is proposed to be redirected onto the to expedite the bus boarding process for Major Deegan Expressway. In total, the customers, one aspect that could help line could have 30 of its 43 stops discon- buses run smoothly. It’s a proposal Dan- tinued, with two of them being officially iel Pearlstein, policy and communica- removed. tions director for Riders Alliance, a tran- The Bx30 is proposed to no longer sit advocacy group, looks forward to. travel into Norwood but instead would “As bus advocates, we’ve been push- end at Pelham Parkway and White Plains ing for a new system because right now Road. The last five stops are currently in what we’ve got is everybody has to board Norwood, running from Bainbridge Av- the bus up front, everybody has to dip enue and East 210th Street through East their card which takes a bunch of time. 206th Street and Rochambeau Avenue. We’re looking forward to a system of all- This would inconvenience riders head- door boarding, where you can board and ing for Norwood since they would have pay a fare at any door of the bus,” said to transfer buses which would lengthen Pearlstein. their travel time. In total the line could Opinions from the community will be FREE GIFT have 54 of its 91 stops discontinued, with vital for the final plan come September, (while supplies last) eight of them being officially removed. MTA spokeswoman Amanda Kwan ac- To new customers who enroll in our knowledged. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, LOYALTY PROGRAM and bring this Ad whose district partially covers Norwood, “There’s several rounds of commu- criticized these suggested changes. In a nity outreach during the entire process, letter to MTA president Andrew Byford, including another round of open houses Dinowitz expressed his frustrations, to gather public input on the proposed fi- writing “the draft plan appears to overly nal plan when it’s released in September,” burden Norwood with service reductions wrote Kwan. “After we review the public and it is unclear whether frequency im- feedback on the final plan and make any provements will be sufficient to compen- changes, we will send the proposal to the sate for this loss in network coverage.” MTA Board for approval,” she added. Dinowitz added, “The Bx10 is chroni- Residents can voice their opinions cally plagued by bus bunching and unre- to the MTA in July. Bronx Community Board 8, which represents Kingsbridge, liability and I believe it would be signifi- $6 GENERICS = 30 DAY SUPPLY* cantly overburdened by these changes. will host Byford for a “Community Con- *Formulary & pricing subject to change without any notice. The plan proposes to eliminate BxM4 versation” on July 18 at IN-Tech Acad- emy, located at 2975 Tibbett Ave. The pub- Flat fee prices may not apply to all manufacturers. express bus service. There are simply immunization services, ostomy supplies, Nebulizer, lic is encouraged to come out and discuss May not apply if prohibited by law. Conditions apply. not enough accessible subway stations Rollator, Blood pressure machine See Pharmacy staff for more details. throughout the city for disabled riders to the Bronx Bus redesign from 7 to 9 p.m., use the subway instead of the BxM4.” with doors opening at 6 p.m. The proposal aims to address sev- On July 29 from 4 to 8 p.m., the MTA 255 E. Gun Hill Road Bronx, NY 10467 eral bus issues such as reliability, wait will also have personnel engage with Tel: 718-654-2200 Fax: 718-515-9118 community members using a street time, and traffic congestion, a move Visit our website that aligns with the MTA’s impending van set up on Broadway and West 231st www.ovalpharmacy.com Congestion Pricing Plan, which would Street. Oval Pharmacy @255 GUN HILL ROAD