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Vol 28,ORWOOD No 6 Q• PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION • MARCHEWSQ 19-APRIL 1, 2015 NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014

INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: BRONX BELTWAY: THE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING DEBATE | PG. 4 CRESPO NAMED NEW DEMS COUNTY LEADER | PG. 10 CRIME SPIKE IN 52ND

Stringer to Related: Come to the Table PRECINCT BORDERS pg 2 Increase in robberies near Norwood/Bedford Park to blame

Movie Nights Coming to Oval pg 8

Be Healthy: The Photo by Jenny Sharp Benefi ts of Breakfast EAST 194TH STREET has seen its share of crime in recent weeks, including an attempted robbery at the Al-Tair Grocery Store (far left) on pg 12 Feb. 18.

By DAVID CRUZ show the 52nd Precinct, cover- cording to figures that ended person. On one hand it’s number ing Norwood, Bedford Park, March 8 by CompStat, the Alarming community two. On the other hand, it’s Kingsbridge and Fordham ties NYPD’s crime gathering tool. stakeholders is that most rob- number four. But regardless with the 43rd Precinct with the Powering that crime spike are beries have drifted to Nor- of how crime is assessed in second most reported crimes robberies, where 90 cases were wood and Bedford Park (coded the 52nd Precinct, the trend out of the 12 Bronx precincts. reported this year up from as NYPD sectors H, I, J, K, M has shifted upward, resist- The 52nd Precinct has expe- 67 the same time a year ago, and N), sleepier communities ing a continued drop in crime rienced 345 crimes compared according to statistics. New within the precinct’s watch. across . to 331 the same time last year, York State penal law defines Crime is cyclical, with types Out&About Numerical statistics com- translating to a 4.23 percent robberies as a person forcibly of incidents varying accord- piled weekly by the NYPD increase so far this year, ac- stealing an item from another (continued on page 19) pg 18 2 • March 19-April 1, 2015 • Norwood News IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST Vol. 28, No. 6 Vol. 27, No. 10 NorwoodVol. News 27, No.is published 10 Stringer Urges Related to Resolve Heat Issue bi-weeklyVol. 27, on No.Thursdays 10 by MosholuNorwood Preservation News Corporationis published (MPC) By DAVID CRUZ HPD routinely calls management Norwood3400 Reservoir News isOval published East bi-weeklyNorwood News on Thursdays is published by Following pressure from com- to alert them they’re sending an bi-weeklyBronx, New on ThursdaysYork 10467 by Mosholubi-weeklyPhone: Preservation on 718 Thursdays 324 4998Corporation by munity activists and elected offi- inspector before making a stop. MosholuMosholu Preservation Corporation Corporation 3400Fax: Reservoir 718 324 Oval2917 East E-mail: [email protected] Reservoir Oval Oval East East cials, Comptroller Scott Stringer The letter demonstrates a more Web.:Bronx, www.norwoodnews.org 10467 Bronx,Bronx, New New York York 10467 10467 has sent a letter to the head of a pronounced lead Stringer’s office multi-billion real estate firm to re- has taken since heat issues in sev- Publisher Phone: 718 324 4998 Phone: 718 324 4998 solve nagging heat issues in build- eral buildings, mainly scattered Mosholu PreservationPhone:Fax:Fax: 718718 718 324 324 Corporation 3242917 2917 4998 (MPC) E-mail: [email protected] ings purchased with city pension throughout the northwest Bronx, Executive Director,Fax: 718 MPC 324 2917 E-mail: Web:[email protected] www.norwoodnews.org RobertoE-mail:Web: S. [email protected] Garcia www.norwoodnews.org funds. Among the bigger requests began to surface. Stringer’s ap- Web: www.norwoodnews.org Deputy Director, MPC is the real estate giant to come to proach towed the line between pub- MarciaPublisher Cameron CEO, Mosholu the table. lic servant and arbiter, attempting Mosholu Preservation 3UHVHUYDWLRQ PublisherEditor-in-Chief, NorwoodCEO, News Mosholu Offering a diplomatic take on to promote damage control before PublisherCorporation Corporation MosholuDavid Cruz Preservation 3UHVHUYDWLRQCEO, Mosholu a mounting situation, Stringer the situation worsened. His of- MosholuEditor-in-Chief Preservation Roberto S. Garcia CorporationAccounts Receivable Corporation3UHVHUYDWLRQ drafted the letter to Jeff Blau, fice had been working behind the CorporationDavid Cruz Dawn McEvoy RobertoCorporation S. Garcia CEO of The Related Companies, scenes with several Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia DavidSalesEditor-in-Chief&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ Cruz Representative requesting Blau send representa- Council members whose districts VivianDavidDawn CruzCarter McEvoy tives to hear out residents expe- overlap with Related’s buildings, Proofreader$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH riencing heat issues in one of 36 according to sources. &ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJJudyDawn Noy McEvoy &ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ buildings the firm purchased. A Many tenants blamed Related’s DawnProofreader McEvoy RegularDawn McEvoy Contributors portion of the $253 million used subsidiary group, Simply Better $FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOHDavidJudy Greene,Noy Adi Talwar $FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH to buy the Bronx properties two Apartment Homes, for allegedly DawnInterns3URGXFWLRQ McEvoy DawnNeil deMauseMcEvoy years ago was made available ignoring mounting complaints. ProofreaderJenny Sharp 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV Proofreader through the New York City Pen- Tenants at 3013 Valentine Ave., a File Photo/Jenny Sharp JudyContributorsDavid Noy Greene, Adi Talwar KimberlyJudy Noy Jacobs, Janaki Chadha sion Fund, which puts a portion of Related-owned building, pointed COMPTROLLER SCOTT STRINGER 3URGXFWLRQInterns the funds into real estate deals ex- to newly installed heat sensors de- whose of ce monitors investments made Neil3URGXFWLRQShayla deMause Love, Paolo Mossetti, Justin McCallum, Neiland deMause ChelseaFor display George advertising, pecting a healthy rate of return. signed to turn on a boiler should by the New York City Pension Funds, 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV drafted a letter to The Related Companies 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUVcall (718) 324-4998. “…[A] dialogue must be estab- temperatures fall below a certain DavidFor displayGreene, advertising, Adi Talwar call (718) 324-4998. David Greene, Adi Talwar lished to correct outstanding is- threshold. requesting it meet with frustrated tenants InternsSupport Your living in the rm’s buildings bought with Support Your sues,” wrote Stringer, in a letter The company has made at- ShaylaInterns Love, Paolo Mossetti, Justin McCallum, city pension funds. CommunityCommunity Newspaper!Newspaper! he drafted March 12. tempts in fixing some of the issues, andShayla Chelsea Love, George Paolo Mossetti, Justin McCallum, TheandThe Norwood Chelsea Norwood News George News is aLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE not-for-pro t publication- Stringer, whose office serves as Stringer notes, which include the andlication relies and upon relies the upon support the support of its of itsadvertisers a custodian to Pension Fund in- “responsiveness of the manage- wrote in a statement that it shares Forandadvertisers display readers advertising, andto producereaders to call aproduce quality (718) a quality324-4998.community newspaper.Forcommunity display advertising,newspaper.To support To yourcall support (718) paper, your 324-4998. paper,become vestments, explained in his letter ment company, timelessness of “the Comptroller’s belief that an a memberbecome a andmember receive and receive a subscription a subscription for one to Blau that city investments such repairs, lack of heat and outstand- open and ongoing dialogue with Supportyear.for one year. Your Support Your as the Related’s Bronx portfolio ing billing issues.” He also notes our tenants is of the utmost im- Community Newspaper! Simply mail check or money order for $40 “can only be marked as a success that should representatives come portance and we have taken a va- TheSimplyCommunity Norwood mail check News Newspaper! orLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE money order for $40- to: NorwoodTheto: Norwood Norwood News, News, News 3400 3400LVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE Reservoir Reservoir Oval Oval East, East, - if they are both achieving their forward, it could help both sides riety of steps to rectify any issues. licationBronx,Bronx, NYand NY 10467. 10467.relies upon the support of its advertiserslication and and relies readers upon theto produce support aof quality its financial and broader economic come to the table, eliminating the We have established a clear proto- advertisers and readers to produce a quality communityNorwoodNorwood News Newsnewspaper. is is not not responsible responsible To support for typo yourfor- paper, goals.” During the height of the middle man. “It provides [Blau], col to ensure we respond directly communitygraphical errors. newspaper. Opinions To expressed support in yoursigned paper, becometypographical a member errors. and Opinions receive expresseda subscription in winter, 1200 complaints were filed or [Blau’s] designee, with the op- and in a timely manner to tenant signedbecomeletters letters anda member bylined and columnsbylined and receive represent columns a subscriptionthe represent sole for one year. against Related with the New York portunity to hear directly from concerns. Simply Better has and theforopinion onesole year. opinion of the author of the and authorare not necessarilyand are not necessarilythose of Mosholu those Preservation of Mosholu Corporations Preservation City Housing Preservation and residents about concerns without will continue to speak to and meet SimplyCorporationRU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS mail check or Monte or money ore Medical order for Center. $40- Simplyresent mail the views check of theor moneyeditor and/or order publisher for $40 Development Department (HPD). third-party interpreters,” wrote with the Comptroller’s office, ten- to:Editorials Norwood represent News, 3400 the views Reservoir of the Oval editor East, only. The newspaper reserves the right to limit Stringer. ant constituencies and elected of- only.to: Norwood The newspaper News, 3400 reserves Reservoir the right Oval East, Some of the charges, mainly heat Bronx,or refuse NY advertising10467. it deems objectionable. toBronx, limit NYor refuse 10467. advertising it deems issues, were declared unfounded. A representative from Related ficials.” Advertisements appearing in this paper cannot objectionable. Advertisements appearing Norwoodbe used Newswithout is the not written responsible permission for of Nortypo- - in this paper cannot be used without graphicalNorwoodwood News. errors.News Letters isOpinions not to theresponsible editor expressed are subject for intypo signed- thegraphicalto written condensation errors. permission and Opinions editing. of the Writersexpressed Norwood should in signed lettersNews. andLetters bylined to the columns editor representare subject the to sole lettersLQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ and bylined columns represent the sole opinioncondensation of the authorand editing. and are Writers not necessarily should opinionAnonymous of the letters author are andnot published are not butnecessarily your thoseincludename of cantheirMosholu be af withheld liation Preservation if requested.or special Corporations interest if Public and Community Meetings RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHSany.those Anonymous of Mosholu lettersPreservation are not Corporations published - but your name can be withheld upon COMMUNITY BOARD 7 committees are held on the following dates at the board office, 229 E. 204th St., at 6:30 resentRU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS the views of the editor and/or publisher- request. p.m. unless otherwise noted: Education/Libraries & Youth Services meets March 19; Website/Acknowledgement & only.resent The the newspaper views of the reserves editor and/or the right publisher to limit only.Mosholu The newspaperPreservation Corporationreserves theis a right to limit Media meets March 23; Parks & Recreation meets March 25; Economic Development meets March 31; Community or refuseQRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH advertising it deems objectionable. or refuse advertising it deems objectionable. AdvertisementsMedical Center. appearing in this paper cannot Relations/LTP meets March 31 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call the Board office at (718) 933-5650. beAdvertisements used without theappearing written inpermission this paper of cannot Nor- be used without the written permission of Nor- wood News. Letters to the editor are subject THE BEFORD MOSHOLU COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION meets at 400 E. Mosholu Pkwy, So., Apt. B1 (lobby Mosholuwood News. Preservation Letters to Corporationthe editor are is subject a non- topro condensation t support corporation and editing. of Writers Monte should ore floor), on April 1 at 8 p.m. For more information, call (718) 367-2230. to condensation and editing. Writers should LQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\Medical Center. AnonymousLQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ letters are not published but your THE 52ND PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL meets March 26 at Fordham United Methodist Church, 2543 nameAnonymous can be letters withheld are if not requested. published but your name can be withheld if requested. Marion Ave., from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call (718) 220-5824.

Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUHMosholu Preservation Corporation is a MedicalQRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH Center. Medical Center. March 19-April 1, 2015 • Norwood News • 3 Office Building Home to Struggling Nonprofit Up for Sale

By DAVID CRUZ tion for over a decade. A Massey An office building home to a Knakal spokeswoman could not struggling social services firm disclose the name of the owner. in Norwood is up for sale, amid Building records show the site heavy selling and buying in to be owned by Astro Health & the Bronx. Rehabilitation Services, Inc. The building has been home The listing noted the M-1 to Federation Employment & “zoning and configuration are Guidance Service (FEGS), an ideal for a user such as a not- 81-year non-profit that offers ed- for-profit or possibly even rede- ucation, healthcare, disability velopment,” a buzzword that’s care, housing and employment been heard around the Bronx in services primarily for the Jew- Photo by Jenny Sharp recent months. ish community, according to ThIS building housing offices for FEGS at 3600 Jerome Ave. is up for sale. The Some amenities at the site its website. The organization struggling nonprofit is reportedly on the brink of bankruptcy. include an indoor garage, 100 boasts 350 other locations city- small offices, 30 classrooms, 20 wide. A report in the New York to the last stop on the #4 subway also across the street from the bathrooms and some conference Daily News in January said the line and is walking distance Croton Water Filtration Plant, and staff break-rooms. It’s un- firm is on the edge of filing for from Woodlawn Cemetery. It’s which has undergone construc- clear whether FEGS will vacate bankruptcy after laying off sev- the property. A spokesperson eral dozen employees and re- did not return call seeking com- vealing it’s $20 million in debt. ment. Massey Knakal Realty Ser- Norwood especially has seen vices, the real estate firm re- a swell of redevelopment, pri- cently acquired by Cushman marily along , and Wakefield, has priced the which now includes several two-story building, 3600 Jerome projects ranging from mixed- Ave., for $13.5 million, according Images courtesy Massey Knakal use apartment buildings to sup- to its latest listing. The 50,000- IMAGES TAKEN FROM Massey Knakal’s listing of 3600 Jerome Ave., a sizeable two- portive housing shape the cor- square-foot property is adjacent story office building on the market for $13.5 million. ridor.

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OPEN HOUSE each Saturday in March 10:00am—1:00pm Contact Samantha 914.668.7500 4 • March 19-April 1, 2015 • Norwood News INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER By DAVID GREENE With news that The Doe Fund is building supportive housing in Norwood for those living with HIV/AIDS, we asked residents whether everyone deserves a decent place to live or if the infected should live elsewhere.

I was caught by surprise by this, I think it’s a great idea and it will There’s a stigma that goes with HIV It’s all right with me as long as they Everybody has the right to low- but it all comes down to one only help these folks live more and AIDS. People always assume don’t infect me. It doesn’t bother income housing and this is the thing: knowing the basics about productive lives. that they are drug abusers and me in any way. Everybody deserves community of the working poor, protection and really following it --Keisha Raymond that’s not the case. Of course they a place to live. No one deserves to so welcome. Would we get in through. That’s the common law deserve a place to live. be homeless. there? Probably not. It seems that of the whole world; you don’t want --Michael Villanueva they’re building these places in to catch something you don’t want --Geraldine O’Neil the working poor neighborhoods, so you protect yourself. But this but the income guidelines are for community as a whole accepting the middle class, which we don’t a building for that, affordable qualify for. Why is it only here in the housing, I think it’s all right, but at Bronx? This is the fi rst I’m hearing the same time I think they should about it period. If you never would be asking the community instead have said anything and if I didn’t of just going ahead and doing a see the picture, I never would have project. Editor’s Note: Have an idea for an Inquiring Photographer question? Send suggestions to dcruz@ known. --David Sanchez norwoodnews.org. --Lisa Overton March 19-April 1, 2015 • Norwood News • 5 Stagg Purchases Corner Parcel Off

By DAVID CRUZ erty that covers a large square block at A vacant parcel of property at a the north end of the Grand Concourse. prominent part of Bedford Park is During the turn of the century, the slated to become the next signature de- Grand Concourse was rising, with Art velopment by a real estate giant. Deco buildings comprising the arte- The Stagg Group, which has been rial roadway’s landscape that exists to- buying properties in Bedford Park/ day. The Pickwick Arms is known for Norwood, purchased a defunct me- its English Tudor-style presentation chanic shop, once known as Norwood and one of the older buildings along Auto Diagnostic Center, at 150 Van the Concourse, built sometime at the Cortlandt Ave. E. at the corner of the turn of the 20th century. Grand Concourse. Through loans, The “This is an opportunity to make a Stagg Group purchased the site for $7.1 design statement that honors those im- million to convert it to what it dubbed portant New York City roadways and “signature development,” another the Art Deco heritage of the Grand sign the developer’s here to stay in the Concourse,” said Carrion, in a state- northwest Bronx. ment. Carrion hinted that Bedford The property was marketed and Park’s amenities–“parks, great trans- sold through Massey Knakal, the real portation, and shopping”–contributed estate firm that was recently swal- to the purchase. lowed up by Cushman and Wakefield. The latest purchase comes amid a The Stagg Group purchased the prop- string of properties The Stagg Group erties entirely through loans, accord- Photo by Jenny Sharp has snatched up in the last year. It re- ing to a report by the Commercial Ob- THIS VACANT MECHANIC shop at the corner of the Grand Concourse and East Van cently purchased a property at 3084 server. The property had sat vacant for Cortlandt Avenue will see a new project by The Stagg Group. Webster Ave. at the corner of 203rd quite some time, with a vintage U.S. Street, for $4.1 million. The firm did Army truck seen parked at the gated includes roughly 220 to 250 units of is required should The Stagg Group not reveal their intentions toward the shop that was recently removed. housing. Zoning maps indicate that build that high. space as of press time. It’s currently Adolfo Carrion, The Stagg Group’s the property is deemed an R8 zone, The firm was eager to buy the prop- seeking tenants for its trio of buildings executive vice president, said the firm which clears projects that can run up- erty, given its location near the Pick- on Webster Avenue dubbed The Bed- will create mixed-used housing that wards to 17 stories. Off-street parking wick Arms, a historic piece of prop- ford Manor.

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By JENNY SHARP cation. This disparity has led many The DOE offers two forms of free though the implementation of his The admissions race to the city’s education advocates and elected of- SHSAT prep. The first is a 114-page recommendations is slow or in many specialized high schools continues to ficials to question the fairness of the online handbook, complete with test cases gone nowhere. In 2014 the DOE show signs that Bronx students are entry process, particularly the lack taking strategies and two practice reported that only 10 percent of stu- falling behind with little recourse. of test preparation options available exams. The only other form of free dents attending specialized high A review by the Norwood News in the Bronx. preparation is DREAM–SHSI, a 22- schools were black and Hispanic-- found the deck is certainly stacked Obtaining a coveted spot comes month intensive program for middle demographics that represent a large against Bronx students when prepar- down to one metric: the score on the school students that meets on week- portion of the Bronx. ing for the specialized high school Specialized High School Admissions ends. But acceptance to this program Asked whether the free test prep exam. The push to equalize the pro- Test (SHSAT), a 150-minute, stan- is not a given. To be eligible, students options would expand in the Bronx, cess has stalled some, with little fol- dardized test comprised of two sec- must meet economic and academic Diaz’s spokesman, John DeSio, said low-through on proposed reform. tions--math and verbal. Entry into requirements, including at least a 90 “We’re confident that in partnership The city’s specialized high schools LaGuardia High School of Music and percent 5th grade attendance rate. with Chancellor [Carmen] Farina are nine elite public schools, which Art, another specialized high school, According to a 2012 report by Bor- and the Department of Education have the ability to turn a student requires students to audition. ough President Ruben Diaz Jr. enti- we can increase access to test prep into a successful professional, aca- The Department of Education tled “An Action Plan for Fixing the services for our public school stu- demic, or even a Nobel Laureate. The (DOE) reports that roughly 27,000 Specialized High School Admissions dents.” schools offer a variety of advanced 8th graders took the SHSAT in 2015 Process,” the attendance provision Others, such as Marvin Shelton, placement and honors classes, extra- with only 5,103 accepted. This means significantly affects the eligibility president of the Community Educa- curricular activities, and esteemed that 19 percent of test takers gained of Bronx children who are hospital- tion Council in School District 10, be- faculty--resources akin to expensive admission to one of their high school ized for asthma-related illnesses lieve fundamental problems must be private schools. choices. 70 percent more than students in fixed before change is possible. “Test Of the nearly 17,000 New York other boroughs. Diaz recommended prep is test prep. It’s not knowledge. City students attending specialized Scant Test Prep expanding criteria for admission You have to recognize potential early high school in 2014, only 1,131 were So how does one outscore 81 per- and creating more specialized high on and nurture it,” said Shelton in a Bronx residents, according to sta- cent of New York City’s high achiev- schools. phone interview. He advocated the tistics from the Department of Edu- ing 8th graders? need for better primary education Paying for Test Help and the creation of a borough-based If parents want help beyond these gifted and talented program (G&T), two resources, they must pay. The which would begin test preparation same report states that there are 14 at a younger age, with content rather private companies that offer both in- than test-taking strategies. dividual and group tutoring for the At the most basic level--Bronx SHSAT. Prices range from around schools and parents need more $162 for a one-on-one session to school resources, according to law- $3,600 for a semester of group tutor- makers. And resources need fund- ing. Even if parents are able to pay ing. these fees, only three of the 14 com- With Assemblyman Carl Heastie panies have locations in the Bronx, rising to the position of State Assem- which include Kaplan Test Prep. bly Speaker, Bronx politicians and That is 64 percent fewer locations community members are optimistic when compared to . that the borough will finally get the “We choose locations based on a attention from Albany that it needs. number of factors, including where On March 11, Heastie and the Demo- demand and need is greatest, as cratically controlled Assembly pro- well as accessibility for students,” posed adding $1.8 billion in next said Kennon Miller, executive direc- year’s fiscal budget towards aiding tor of educational partnerships for public schools. Kaplan K12. Miller also notes that When asked whether any of these the organization routinely partners proposed funds would go towards with area schools to offer test prep bettering and increasing SHSAT courses, though it’s unclear over test prep in the Bronx, Assembly- how many schools it partners with man Michael Blake of the 79th Dis- yearly. trict in the South Bronx acknowl- edged the inherent bias within the Course of Action current system. “Until you make Although politicians have no- sure that someone has the tools and ticed, their push to revamp the sys- the resources to be ready for those tem is somewhat stagnated. Diaz’s tests,” said Blake, “you’re creating report was released three years ago, an unfair scenario.” March 19-April 1, 2015 • Norwood News • 7 Parents, Advocates Hail Passage of Toxic School Bill

By KIMBERLY JACOBS to the DOE detailing the toxic status of Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the In- the school. tro 126 bill inspired by a toxic exposure “I was stunned when the school case in P.S. 51 in Norwood, last month. chancellor got up during a meeting and Parents and teachers at the school were said ‘we knew about it 90 days before outraged after learning high traces of school ended’,” said Adaline Walker- trichloroethylene, a cancer causing Santiago, chair of Community Board 7, toxin, coursed throughout the school, remembering when she first found out creating a hazardous environment. Af- about PS 51. ter four years of ensuring this never Although Walker-Santiago and happens again, parents finally felt like Hill’s children no longer attended the a step in the right direction has been school they were still driven to ensure made by the bill’s passage. this never happened to anyone else’s “I practically lived there,” said Jean child, which included those of Marisol Hill, a parent whose child attended the Carrero. “You send your kids to school school several years ago. “We as par- to learn, and have to worry about them ents were devastated when we found being exposed to toxic chemicals. It’s out, but at least we made a step in the ridiculous. No parent should have to go right direction.” through this,” said Carrero. The measure now mandates the Parents soon mobilized, drawing at- DOE release findings of environmental tention to the school’s toxicity, though reports at school buildings at a faster many felt the fight to be hopeless. As rate. Parents were initially angry over the years passed, many became hope- the building being hazardous. Their less and frustrated, but some continued frustrations mounted after learn- to advocate and seek answers. “We had ing school officials waited six months to support one another as parents, but before disclosing the information to some lost hope,” said Hill. them. “We didn’t see a risk for students “Some of the key achievements of but we did for teachers who may the legislation include increasing the have been pregnant at the time,” said City Council’s oversight of school en- James Bower from the Department of vironmental health, improving the Health (DOH). At least one teacher at transparency of school leasing deci- PS 51 miscarried while working at the sions, and ensuring parents and staff school. Bower also said “the amount get prompt and complete notice of envi- [students] were exposed to is still rela- ronmental test results,” said Council- tively low.” man Fernando Cabrera, who drafted A spokesperson for the DOE said the bill. the agency will “fully comply with the The news inspired several stake- new law.” holders to look back at how delays sur- “We won! We won!” said Walker- faced after the State Department of En- Santiago. “Now we have to continu- vironmental Protection sent a report ously fight for the kids of the future.”

Photo by Kimberly Jacobs COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS (l-r) Adaline Walker-Santiago, Helene Hartman-Kut- nowsky discuss the passing of Intro bill 126 with parent Marisol Carrero. 8 • March 19-April 1, 2015 • Norwood News Summer Movie Poe Cottage Extends Hours, Launches Audio Tour The Bronx County Histori- Nights Coming cal Society is proud to announce extended hours at the landmark historic Edgar Allan Poe Cot- To Oval Park tage along with an audio tour to enhance the experience of a By KIMBERLY JACOBS place with such an extraordi- The Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement nary American legacy. Since its District (BID) is bringing the movie experience to a opening in 2011 following year- park near you, and it’s empowering you to pick the long renovation work, the Soci- summer flick. ety began to explore new ways The BID, teaming up with the Mosholu Preser- to make Poe Cottage more ac- vation Corporation (MPC), Partnership for Parks, a cessible to the rapidly growing collaborative of City Parks Foundation and the New Bronx community. Photo courtesy Bronx Historical Society York City Parks Department, is set to present its Although the cottage is 203 A TOUR AROUND the historic Poe Cottage (pictured) in Fordham can first-ever movie event at Williamsbridge Oval Park. years old and the last remain- transport visitors back 200 years from when the literary giant drafted The site is ideal--it’s the epicenter of Norwood, com- ing structure of the old 19th stories inside his cozy cottage. plete with a large football field to cater to dozens of century village of Fordham, moviegoers. it was important to bring the Besides unlimited accessibility quests, the Society extended the In preparation, they’re asking for residents to famed historic house museum and for those with mobility and cottage’s public visiting hours nominate family-friendly movies by April 15. After up to date with new technologi- sight limitations, the Poe Cot- two extra days, Thursdays and the BID and the Friends of the Williamsbridge Oval cal means. The Bronx County tage audio tour gives non-Eng- Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in sort through the nominations together, the top three Historical Society and the His- lish speaking visitors an oppor- addition to its weekend hours. movies will be placed on their social media sites, toric House Trust of New York tunity to learn more about the This gives the Bronx commu- along with the BID and Norwood News websites, for City banded together in 2012 to famed poet, as there are plans nity and tourists the opportu- voting, of which the two with the highest number of develop an audio tour available to expand the audio tour to in- nity to visit the cottage during votes will be shown over the summer. worldwide. clude other languages. the week. “We’re looking for movies that you can watch By dialing (718) 971-2156 or Yet The Bronx County His- With these exciting and in- with the entire family, kid-friendly movies,” said simply scanning with a smart- torical Society thought an audio novating implementations, the Marcia Cameron, doubling as executive director phone a QR code located on the tour was just not enough. With Society continues its mission to of the Jerome-Gun Hill BID and deputy director of P o e C o t t a g e we b p a g e o r t h r ou g h - the cottage’s online media pres- keep Poe’s legacy alive in the vi- MPC. “Mosholu Preservation Corporation has al- out the historic house museum, ence on popular sites such as Fa- brant Bronx community. ways been focused on community development and one can hear the story of the cebook and Twitter, the demand For more information on what better way to bring families together than great American writer’s experi- to visit the last place where these exciting features at Poe hosting movies in the beautiful Williamsbridge ence living at the cottage along Poe lived and wrote such great Cottage, call the Society at (718) Oval Park,” she said. with sound recordings of people pieces like the “Cask of Amon- 881-8900 or visit http://bronx- Readers can send in their movie nomination by reading works that Poe wrote tillado” and “The Bells” rapidly historicalsociety.org/poecot- emailing [email protected]. in the house, even in Spanish. grew. To satisfy mounting re- tage.html.

Jericho Project Given $200K for Homeless Vets

By KIMBERLY C. JACOBS past,” said Tori Lyon, executive homelessness among veterans by The Jericho Project, a non- director of the Jericho Project. assisting those at-risk before they profit that offers housing to home- She also serves as the architect of lose their homes,” said Lyon. less veterans, is slated to expand its Veterans Initiative project be- Although the money will be al- services and open its third home gun in 2006, which owns and oper- located towards helping veterans, in the Bronx thanks to a hefty, ates two supportive housing sites the Jericho Project also serves two-year grant. for homeless veterans in Fordham adults and families by fighting The project intends to continue and Kingsbridge. homelessness through unemploy- its mission to end homelessness The Neighborhood Builders ment, mental health, and family with the help of a $200,000 grant program also supports the Jer- reunification services. it was awarded from the Bank of icho Project through leadership “The earlier that we can reach America Charitable Foundation, training as they continue to pro- at-risk veterans with the stability targeted to assist veterans. The vide several resources to thou- of housing and the tools to secure grant will fund a new veterans- sands of at-risk and homeless New employment, the more promising only residence on Walton Avenue, Yorkers. New York City has led their future will be,” said Lyon. an employment program for vet- a national fight to decrease the “We are grateful to Bank of Amer- erans, and hiring a resources co- number of homeless veterans, ful- ica for their invaluable leadership ordinator to further fund its pro- filling President Obama’s goal of training and financial support. gramming. ending homelessness among vet- Together, we can end homeless- “Bank of America has been erans by the end of 2015. ness at its roots.” interested in supporting our vet- “With this funding and leader- Construction on the Walton erans initiative for a number of ship training, the Jericho Project Avenue site is scheduled for this Photo by Kimberly Jacobs years, and this is a much bigger is poised to make an even greater spring, and is expected to open in THE SCENIC WILLIAMSBRIDGE Oval Park, location program than we’ve run in the impact in its efforts to combat early 2017. of this summer’s movies in the park. Mar. 19-Apr. 1, 2015 • Norwood News • 9

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Crespo Leads Bronx County of the District address. King, clad cil Delegation was soaked with bad budget fail, Assemblyman Michael As expected, Assemblyman Mar- in his trademark blue and orange grades by the New York League of Blake of the 79th Assembly District cos Crespo was crowned the new suit, highlighted a dozen dynamite Conservation Voters, which released told the Norwood News that he would leader of the Bronx Democratic women, including our very own Mar- its 2014 Envi- hold Heastie accountable. “We’re County Committee, succeeding As- cia Cameron, deputy director of Mon- ronmental Scorecard. absolutely holding the governor ac- sembly Speaker Carl Heastie. It’s tefiore Preservation Corporation, The group examined voting re- countable, and everyone else…” said certainly a steppingstone for Crespo, before a crowd of more than 100 peo- cords of Council members for nine Blake, trailing off before asked once who’s yearned to raise his profile. ple. That’s quite the turnout for King environmental bills, which were again if Heastie’s on the account- The vote was unanimous, something who came across more as a motiva- skipped by some of the Bronx Delega- ability list. “And the speaker, ab- lawmakers kept emphasizing at a tional speaker with the hallmarks of tion. Bills included a vote on whether solutely,” he finished. “This is the dinner party shortly after the March a preacher—he did, after all, address to charge 10 cents for single plastic year of CFE, this is the year of edu- 5 vote, perhaps to ensure party unity the flock at Beulah Church of God on bags, reducing greenhouse gases 80 cation,” Blake noted. remains intact. East . percent by 2050 and expanding tax in- Ethnic politics certainly seemed Preferring a headset mic over the centives for employees who commute (Side Note: Assemblyman Jose to play a role in Crespo’s victory, with podium (“I didn’t want to lecture to work. The tallies include: Rivera made a rare news conference one unnamed lawmaker admitting a you, I wanted to talk to you,” King Councilmembers Andrew Cohen appearance, mocking “wannabe party dominated by minorities rep- shouted), King checked off accom- and Ritchie Torres scoring a perfect journalists” out there. Wonder who resenting a borough of minorities plishments that included school up- 100, making them the only two Bronx he was referring to.) makes the most sense. What could grades such as a new airplane simu- Council members to achieve a high really work against Crespo is his af- lator, expanded youth programs, and mark. The budget once again includes finity to the New York Mets. Don’t installing cameras at NYCHA com- The nameless Councilmembers introducing a state public campaign know how the party’s Yankee fans plexes. did not make the grade. They know finance apparatus, where taxpayers feel about that. Between the bravado and cheer- who they are. will cover the cost of funding elec- leading, there were moments where tion campaigns. The likelihood of King, the Motivational Speaker King resembled a borough president. Rallying for Badillo Post Office t h i s h app en i n g i s r emot e. T he S en at e Councilman Andy King of the 12th You never know. Or he could settle for Re-naming a post office after re- killed it last year. When Democrats District is quite the showman, dis- being a preacher. vered Puerto Rican legislator Her- controlled both Albany houses in playing moments of theatricality and Bx. Council Delegation Soaked man Badillo is another step closer 2009, it was killed then too. “They’re sermon-like presentation at his State The Bronx New York City Coun- to reality. Borough President Ru- thinking of self-preservation,” said ben Diaz Jr. first called attention to one veiled political insider. rename the Morrisania branch of The New York City Campaign the United States Postal Service af- Finance Board drafted a letter to ter Badillo. Now federal legislators Heastie on the benefits of state cam- including Representatives Charles paign finance. “[P]ublic campaign Shop Fordham Road Rangel, Jose Serrano, Joe Crowley finance has provided taxpayers with “THE OUTDOOR MALL EXPERIENCE” and U.S. Senators Charles Schumer the confidence that city elections and Kirsten Gillibrand have drafted are decided by voters, not large con- a bill to honor Badillo. tributions from special interests,” It would be another commemora- wrote Art Chang, chair of the Voter tion to Badillo, whose trailblazing Advisory Committee. status as the first congressman born in Puerto Rico and the first Puerto in the House Rican Bronx borough president, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, led to a school named after him…in who leads the 33rd Senate District, Buffalo, not the Bronx. Should the has mobilized his fellow legislators bill be signed, sealed and delivered, to take on unscrupulous landlords the cash-strapped USPS will have to in the West Bronx, home to the OVER 300 foot the bill. second most affordable housing in the city. He’s now formed the West SPECIALTY SHOPS Holding Heastie Accountable Bronx Housing Coalition, with AND CHAINS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie his office serving as a central hub flexed some legislative muscle by to help identify a pattern of land- Furniture • Home Improvement unveiling the so-called One House lord-related issues. It’s relying on Clothing • Jewelery • Shoes Budget that pledged to fund the Assembly Members Jose Rivera, Electronics • Discount Outlets state’s ever-empty Campaign for Michael Blake, Victor Pichardo, Cell Phones • Games, Fiscal Equity funding for schools. Latoya Joyner, Jeff Dinowitz and F Accessories • Offi ce Supplies The Bronx Assembly Delegation Councilmembers Vanessa Gibson FORDHAM ROAD And Many Fast Food Restaurants backed Heastie’s commitment, and Andrew Cohen to re-route com- BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT which would pump $503 million into plaints to his office. So if you have For more information contact (718) 562-2104 Acccessible By All Bronx schools. a dispute with a landlord, take it to NYC Mass Transportation Asked whether he would hold your fellow rep, who will take it to Parking Facilities Available Heastie accountable should the Sen. Rivera. Mar. 19-Apr. 1, 2015 • Norwood News • 11

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By Janaki Chadha housing sites. The Doe Fund’s recent decision to On its surface, the ulterior motives build a $29.5 million supportive/af- of supportive housing developers are fordable housing project at a vacant never rooted in destroying a neighbor- property on Webster Avenue comes at hood. Most of the time, deciding on a a time when real estate transactions site boils down to location and oppor- have seen a major uptick along the tunity. northern corridor. Adam Horwitz, a spokesman for The property, once the home of a The Doe Fund, said that the Webster family-owned vehicle repair shop, Avenue site was chosen because, “The has sat vacant for years until The Doe property was affordable and in an ex- Fund purchased the lot in 2013 to make cellent location, which made it ideal way for Webster Green at 3100 Webster for housing that would support the Ave. The 82-unit, eight-story building community.” He added “there was an will be split between affordable hous- RFP issued by HASA for new support- ing tenants and those living with HIV ive housing, so it all worked together or AIDS. Across the street is a portal to well. Whenever we have the opportu- File Photo/Jenny Sharp a variety of small businesses that fuel nity to serve a population in need and SUPPORTIVE HOUSING SITES such as an impending project to use the site at 3100 retail activity in the neighborhood. help usher new investment in a neigh- Webster Ave. (pictured) pits community leaders against developers backing the proj- But the never ending question on borhood and community, we do every- ect. supportive housing is whether it fits thing we can to make it a reality.” into the overall mission of community Community Board 7, the advisory building. Definitions on community panel where Webster Green is located, rally cause apprehension” and that the developments is not what the Board building vary some, with developers’ has had several meetings with The Doe community concerns are understand- wants. Her opposition has amplified views on neighborhood building dif- Fund, frustrated over the nonprofit’s able. following major rezoning in 2009 on fering from longtime residents whose decision to build on Webster Avenue. Horwitz pointed to the pros of such Webster Avenue that would welcome vision foregoes a swell of supportive Horwitz said that “big changes natu- a development, citing a 2008 study by more residential and commercial NYU’s Furman Center that concluded properties. Since then, a mix of sup- that supportive housing can actually portive housing sites were proposed, raise property values in an area. “It’s beginning with Concerned for Inde- a big win for everyone,” he said. “The pendent Living. people who will live there finally have “That’s not why the area was re- access to the affordable, comfortable, zoned,” said Hill. “We want to be able safe housing and services they need, to support our small businesses in and the rest of the community is up- that area and help them increase and lifted along the way. we’d like to see some more commer- Scot Hirschfield, vice president of cial businesses come in.” Ariel Property Advisors, a real estate Much of the opposition is not born firm that tracks trends and transac- of a fear that the site will negatively tions, said it’s a “tricky question” to affect the neighborhood, but that it is determine whether Webster Avenue a misuse of what Hill called “a prime could have seen a development site location.” that reflects the overall makeup of the But Cynthia Stuart, chief operat- area. ing officer of the Supportive Housing “What’s most important,” said Network of New York, said that there’s Hirschfield, “is that the land is being always concern about supportive developed and that it’s making a posi- housing before it’s built, but “once it tive impact on the community.” happens, the community is delighted Hirschfield noted that there’s no that it is there.” upward trend in supportive hous- In a recent statement of com- ing projects in the borough as of late, munity district needs submitted by though rezoning has increased build- CB7 to the city, the Board cited that able square footage in several loca- “the Bronx has taken on more city tions and attracted developers due to financed supportive housing in the “more funding available for larger de- past decade than any other borough” velopment sites.” and explained that there is “a prevail- Jean Hill, CB7’s chair on Housing ing feeling in [CB7] we have received and Land Use, expressed concerns a disproportionate share of this hous- that an increase in supportive housing ing stock.” Mar. 19-Apr. 1, 2015 • Norwood News • 15

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Come to Madame P’s Beauty World The last old-fashioned hairdresser in the Bronx. We specialize in haircutting, hair care, and provide consultations on hair care and weaving to stimulate hair growth. We do tinting and use all manners of relaxers, including Mizani, Affirm, Fiberguard, and Vitale. We use Wave Nouveau Coiffure. We are still doing carefree curls and press and curl. We also offer flat-ironing. 20% off for seniors Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. 617 E. Fordham Road (between Arthur and Hughes), Bronx, NY 10458. (Fordham University Section). Call today for your appointment: (347) 284-3834 REAL ESTATE 2/2/1 bedrooms. All amenities, 2/5 train, supermarkets, great shopping areas. Big lots, 50x116, market for as much as 15 cars. Great investment that pays for itself. Price: $485,000. (917) 622-5810. Owner help with closing cost. psarju1@ yahoo.com SPRING AND SUMMER TOURS Sands Casino and Shopping at the Outlets: In Lancaster, PA. Bronx and Queens departures, May 3. Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada: Memorial Day weekend. Bronx and Brooklyn departures, May 23-25. Bally’s Casino, Atlantic City: Bronx departure, June 6. Amish Country, and Casino, PA: Bronx and Queens departures, June 28. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: 8 days from July 10, all inclusive $1599 p/p. JFK departure. Lake Compounce Amusement Park and Water Rides, CT: Bronx departure, July 18. Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY: To honor Pedro Martinez in person. Bronx and Manhattan departures, July 26. For more information and to reserve, call Kancella Travel & Tours (347) 405-2017 or (718) 757-5485.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Lose weight naturally by detoxifying your body. By drinking two (2) cups of IASO tea daily. Lose 5 lbs in 5 days. (It works!) Go to www.totallifechanges. com/3635091. OBITUARY Celina Colon, a native of Aibonito, Puerto Rico who resided in Bedford Park, died on Monday, Feb. 9. She was a devoted mother to Camilo and Mayra Es- tevez and beloved grandmother to Giovanni Estevez and Leilani Suarez. She will be remembered for her acts of kindness, strength of character, courage in the face of adversity and her devotion to God. We love you, Mommy. March 19-April 1, 2015 • Norwood News • 17

Women’s Networking Powwow

Photo courtesy George Acevedo A NETWORKING by Latina 50 Plus, a women’s empowerment group that recognizes efforts by women 50 years and over, drew several dozen guests to the March 7 get-together in celebration of Women’s Month. Sharing a picture moment were (l-r) author Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa, dancer and musician Yvette Martinez, Latina 50 Plus Founder Maria Aponte, Mosholu Preservation Corporation Deputy Director Marcia Cameron, president of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses Pro- fessor Maria Elena Pina-Fonti, and community activist Anita Antonetty.

Invest in CUNY. Invest in New York.

THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (CUNY) is facing a crisis. Years of disinvestment are threatening the quality of a CUNY education, and tuition keeps going up. The State has a $5 billion settlement windfall and a projected surplus, but Albany’s budget plan for next year does little to support CUNY. f A record number of students are turning to CUNY for a chance at a better life. f CUNY’s faculty and professional staff are struggling to make ends meet, after almost five years without a contract. f CUNY needs increased support from Albany this year.

Tell Your State Legislators: Now Is the Time to Invest In CUNY. Paid for by the Professional Staff Congress, the union of CUNY faculty and professional staff. www.psc-cuny.org 18 • Mar. 19-Apr. 1, 2015 • Norwood News Out About information, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or 882-8239. & visit www.nypl.org. EDITOR’S PICK • The Jerome Park Library, 118 Eames • The Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., Place (near Kingsbridge Road), offers for offers for children: Toddler Story Time kids: Natural History of Owls: (phone or Get Your Groove On at 10:30 a.m.: (ages 18 to 36 months), in-person registration required; ages 18 stories, songs, and rhymes, March 19 months to 12 years), see live owls, March and 26; Reading Aloud Story Time at 4 The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., presents Latin Jazz 20 at 3 p.m.; and Maker Kids: (ages 5 to p.m.: (ages 4 to 6), March 23 and 30; and Concert featuring Ray Martinez music, March 21; and Celia Cruz Bronx H.S 12), create your own craft with provided Winter With Bilingual Birdies: Spanish at of Music, featuring Chamber Orchestra and Saxophone Quartet in Concert, materials, March 25 at 4 p.m. For adults, 11 a.m.: (ages from birth to 12 years), live March 28; both at 2:30 p.m. For more information, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 there is Computer Basics at noon: learn music, dance parties, and theatre-based or visit www.nypl.org. about computers, March 19 and 26. For games (instruments are provided), March more information, call (718) 549-5200. 24 and 31. For teens/young adults, there is fi lm: “Dracula Untold,” March 28 at NOTE: Items for consideration may Onstage sidewalk sale with a St. Patrick’s Day 1:30 p.m. Adults can enjoy Jewelry Club Theme, March 19 to 21 from noon to at 11 a.m.: bring your own materials to be mailed to our offi ce or sent to • The Riverdale YM-YWHA, 5625 7 p.m., on Fordham Road between create original jewelry, March 19, 26 and [email protected], and Arlington Ave. (off Riverdale Avenue and Washington and Jerome avenues. For April 2; and Knitting Circle: Thursdays should be received by March 30 for the 256th Street), presents A Little Night more information, call (718) 562-2104. at 3 p.m. For more information, call (718) next publication date of April 2. Music, March 29, featuring orchestra, all-star cast, and members of • Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. the Y’s resident theatre companies. For 252nd St. in Riverdale, offers Family Arts more information and details on time and Projects: Oh My! Orchid Prints, to make NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES admission, call (800) 838-3006 and select orchid-inspired prints, March 21 and 22; and Camoufl age Theatres, to create a option 1. Free Mammograms Veteran Health Fair nature stage as a secret hideaway for The American Italian Cancer The Bedford Park Seventh Day • Lehman Center for the Performing animal of your choice, March 28 and Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents 29; both in WH House from 10 a.m. to Foundation and SSC Community Adventist Church and James J. Pe- Broadway Moves to the Bronx, featuring 1 p.m. Grounds admission is free until Development Corp. will host a free ters Veterans Hospital will host a noon Saturdays and Tuesdays all year. Broadway hits, March 21 at 3 p.m. (tickets mammogram and clinical breast free health fair for U.S. military from $15 to $25; $10/12 and under; $100 For more information and a schedule of exam in its mobile clinic on April 4 veterans in need on April 4 from p/p includes pre-concert reception, events including tours and walks, call preferred VIP seating, and a meet/greet (718) 549-3200. from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 2930 Valen- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3008 Bainbridge with the artists). For more information, call tine Ave. NYC female residents over Ave. (at 201st Street). Hot lunch • The public is invited to ride the free (718) 960-8833. age 40 who have not had a mammo- will be served. Free transportation Bronx Culture Trolley, which transports gram in the past 12 months are eli- buses will be provided to veterans. • The Pregones Theatre, 571-575 Walton visitors on the fi rst Wednesday of every Ave. (between 149th and 150th streets), month (except January and September), gible and must schedule an appoint- For more information call (646) 296- presents the Papo Vazquez Quartet, to free Bronx hot spots. Trolley night starts ment by calling (877) 628-9090. 9256. March 21 at 8 p.m.; (tickets are $24/ with a 5 p.m. reception at the Longwood Art Gallery at Hostos Community College, advance; $40/door; meet artist free Suit and Tie Drive SYEP Applications March 20 at 1:30 p.m.); singer Chucho 450 Grand Concourse (at 149th St.). From Avellanet, March 28 at 8 p.m. (tickets there, the trolley departs at 5:30, 6:30 and Donate gently used suits at NYC’s Department of Youth and are $40/advance; $60/door); and free 7:30 p.m. Next ride is on April 1. Riders nearby Ridgewood Savings Bank Community Development is accept- can get on and off at any scheduled stop piano concert by Luis Perdomo, March branches through March 25 to sup- ing applications for the 2015 Sum- 22 at 3 p.m. For more information and to and spend as much time as they wish at mer Youth Employment Program any or all of the featured venues. For more port low-income men and women reserve, call (718) 585-1202 or visit www. through April 10. SYEP is available information and a detailed schedule, call finding work. To schedule a pickup, pregonesprtt.org. for young people ages 14 to 24 with (718) 931-9500 ext. 33 or log on to www. call (917) 488-9568. bronxarts.org. up to six weeks of entry-level expe- Events rience at worksites in the city. Par- Pre-K Applications Library Events ticipants are selected by lottery for • The Bronx County Historical Society The New York City Early Educa- the program, which runs from July presents free lecture, A Look at Early tion Centers are accepting applica- Bronx Women, March 21 at 1 p.m. at the • The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. 6 through Aug. 15 and are compen- Bronx County Archives Building, 3313 Kingsbridge Rd., presents for children: tions for pre-Kindergarten for the sated for their work. Work-sites in- Bainbridge Ave. Learn about women who Preschool Story Time at 11 a.m.: (ages 2015-2016 school year. To apply, go terested in providing jobs have until 3 to 5 years); and Toddler Play Time at settled here in the 17th and 18th centuries online at nyc.gov/prek, call (718) May 16 to apply. For more informa- noon: (ages 18 to 36 months); both on with their families. For more information, tion, call 311 or DYCD Youth Connect March 19 and 26; Caterpillar Bookmark 935-2067 or visit a Family Welcome call (718) 881-8900. at (800) 246-4646. Making: (ages 7 to 12), hands-on project, Center. • The Williamsbridge Oval offers free March 19 at 4 p.m.; Bubbles Kids Show: activities including Tiny Prints (ages 5 featuring female clown, face painting, and younger) featuring play, yoga and games, singing and dancing, March 21 art; Shape Up Family Fitness, featuring at 2 p.m.; and fi lms: March 22 and 29 at aerobics; and Family Fun Night, featuring 3:30 p.m. For teens/young adults, there use of game room and arts and crafts. For is fi lm: March 20 at 5 p.m.; and SAT more information and a detailed schedule, Math: to learn new strategies, March 25 call (718) 543-8672. at 3:30 p.m. Adults can enjoy Jewelry Club: Bring your own materials to create • The Fordham Road BID presents a original jewelry, April 2 at 11 a.m. For more March 19-April 1, 2015 • Norwood News • 19 Crime Spike in 52nd Precinct Borders

(continued from page 1) At the latest Community Board 7 could be a little bit up in robbery, you cruising around the neighborhood. ing to seasons, though the timing of meeting on March 17, residents heard could be way up in felony assaults, be Indeed, crime has decreased rela- this year’s robberies seemed like an from her second-in-command, Lt. John a little down in burglary, be down in tive to 1993, when the neighborhoods anomaly. Korabol, who focused on CompStat’s grand larceny and possibly, depend- saw 72 percent more crimes reported “Usually your robberies go down in monthly figures for the 52nd Precinct. ing on how those felony assaults are, the same time that year, translating to the winter because it’s cold weather,” Korabol told guests that crime went you could be up in crime overall,” said 248 more crimes in the Five-Two. said Keith Singer, a professor at Mon- up 13 percent throughout the past four Singer. Sam Ali, a 24-hour bodega owner at roe College’s School of Criminal Jus- weeks. A look at the NYPD Digital Crime the corner of Marion Avenue and 194th tice and a retired NYPD commanding “Any increase in crime is not good,” Map, a tool born out of a long-term Street edging towards Fordham, has officer lieutenant. “If it’s five degrees Korabol told an audience, adding that investigation by the Norwood News, been around the block for years. Police or 10 degrees out, who wants to commit grand larceny cases have been the shows that the 52nd Precinct currently have not forgotten the neighborhood, a robbery? That’s what’s so baffling to most problematic. That includes iden- places fourth in crime with the ratio Ali admits, though street fights, stick- me about the robberies.” tity theft cases. between crime and population being ups and gunfights can happen at any The Five-Two’s coverage is some- The NYPD turned down a request two for every 1000 people. given moment. Ali commended police, what dichotomous. The precinct cov- for the Norwood News to interview but knew their presence can be limiting. ers Fordham and Kingsbridge, two Hofmann over the recent crime trend, Praising the Five-Two “Cops are doing their job, don’t get me neighborhoods where violent crime is leaving some questions unanswered. Up Marion Avenue, longtime resi- wrong. But cops are not gonna be here the norm. For now, Fordham is grap- dent Lily Rodriguez has noticed crime 24/7,” he said. pling with a swell of turf wars, which Interpreting the Numbers go up and down in the 20 years she’s The NYPD routinely offers tips to claimed the life of an 18-year-old on Evaluating crime numbers cannot lived in Bedford Park. She complained, prevent one from being the victim of a March 13. Three people were arrested. be assessed at face value. Oftentimes however, that the NYPD response time robbery. Officers recommend purses be Inspector Nilda Hofmann, com- it requires a further analysis, par- drags, a nagging symptom of depleted kept tightly around one’s person, never manding officer of the 52nd Precinct, ticularly when reviewing percentage city funds to hire more police officers. carry a wallet in their back pocket and has appeared at several community fo- figures, which are either downplayed Another neighbor who went by “Ms. keep headphones (usually a sign one has rums to address concerns. She’s a regu- or greatly emphasized by the NYPD. John” has noticed crime drop signifi- a smartphone) out of sight. lar at the Community Council meetings Singer of Monroe College notes that cantly over the years since moving to Editor’s Note: The next 52nd Pre- and the Bedford Mosholu Community one major category, such as felony as- the neighborhood in 1981. “There were cinct Community Council meeting will be Association, where she explained that saults, can “really, really screw up a lot of stickups because at one point held March 26 at Fordham United Meth- Borough Command has deployed extra the numbers.” “You could be down in you had the heroin addicts,” said Ms. odist Church, 2543 Marion Ave., from 7 troops to combat crime. murder, you could be down in rape, you John, who routinely sees patrol cars to 9 p.m. BIG SAVINGS THROUGHOUT THE JEROME-GUN HILL AREA! COME SHOP & SAVE BIG ALL YEAR ROUND

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