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ORWOODQ EWSQ FREE NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 Vol 30, No 12 • PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION • JUNE 8-21, 2017 ORWOODQ EWSQ NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014

INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: CONSTRUCTION WOES FOR OSCAR LOPEZ & PR PARADE | PG. 4 STAGG PROJECTS IN NORWOOD | PG. 6 PLACARD ABUSE NYPD Warning: CRACKDOWN Beware of “Lush Mayor’s plan comes after Twitter account chronicles placard abuses Workers” | pg 4

City Intros Summer Reading Challenge pg 8

Caring for the Caregiver | pg 9

Images courtesy @PlacardCorruption A COLLECTION OF tweets from @PlacardCorruption shows alleged abuse of parking placards around Norwood and its surrounding neigh- borhoods.

By DAVID CRUZ is city employees who skirt the with impunity, and creating placard-carrying car. Of all the daily annoyances rules by placing a city-issued resentment among residents Mayor Bill de Blasio is now that make Norwood and its placard on their dashboard, in- toward traffic agents. It’s fur- putting city employees, which surrounding neighborhoods a dicating to a traffic agent that ther promulgated by a culture mainly includes teachers and peril for drivers it’s parking. they are on official business. of tolerance from traffic agents NYPD officers, on notice: abuse In every case, there’s barely It’s promulgated a culture who create a double standard placards or face the conse- enough spots to go around. of opportunity for drivers who by issuing a ticket to a viola- quences. It will be even worse pg 14 Roiling civilian drivers more may use the placard to park tor but look the other way for a (continued on page 15) 2 • June 8-21, 2017 • Norwood News EDITORIAL Vol. 30, No. 12 Vol. 27, No. 10 NorwoodVol. 27,News 27, No. No.is 10published 10 USPS and Bronx DA Need to Reel in Mailbox Fishers bi-weekly on Thursdays by For the past two years, the com- MosholuNorwoodNorwood Preservation NewsNews is Corporation ispublished published (MPC) Norwood3400 Reservoir News isOval published East manding officer of the 52nd Precinct has bi-weeklybi-weekly on on Thursdays Thursdays by by bi-weeklyBronx, New on ThursdaysYork 10467 by sounded the alarm on so-called “fish- MosholuMosholuPhone: Preservation 718 324 Corporation 4998Corporation Mosholu Preservation Corporation ing” scams where thieves feed adhesive 34003400Fax: Reservoir 718 324 Oval Oval2917 East East E-mail: [email protected], Reservoir 10467Oval East and glue into a mailbox on the hopes of Bronx, New York 10467 Web.:Bronx, www.norwoodnews.org New York 10467 hoisting, or fishing, out mail containing Phone: 718 324 4998 money orders and checks. Phone:Fax: 718 718 324 324 2917 4998 Publisher But the crime has not only bedeviled E-mail: [email protected]:Fax: 718 718 324 324 2917 4998 Mosholu Web:Preservation www.norwoodnews.org Corporation the precinct, but the entire Bronx. In- E-mail: [email protected]: 718 324 2917 Executive Director of MPC deed, this crime of opportunity remains E-mail:Web: [email protected] www.norwoodnews.org Melissa CebolleroWeb: www.norwoodnews.org even in the face of consistent arrests Editor-in-Chief,Publisher NorwoodCEO, Mosholu News made on the scam. It’s also time to call out DavidMosholu Cruz, Preservation [email protected] 3UHVHUYDWLRQ Corporation Corporation the United States Postal Service for allow- PublisherAccounts Receivable CEO, Mosholu ing this crime to continue. PublisherEditor-in-Chief RobertoCEO, S. Mosholu Garcia MosholuDawn McEvoy Preservation 3UHVHUYDWLRQ MosholuDavid Cruz Preservation The United States Postal Service, Corporation Corporation3UHVHUYDWLRQ ProofreaderCorporation Corporation which cries over loss of revenue, is do- Editor-in-ChiefJudy&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ Noy Roberto S. Garcia ing a poor job in not resolving the issue Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia DavidRegularDawn Cruz McEvoy Contributors despite their meetings with commanding David Cruz David$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH Greene, Adi Talwar officers from each Bronx precinct. The Dawn McEvoy File Photo/Photo courtesy United States Postal Service &ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJContributors federal agency does has an enforcement Tatyana&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJProofreader Turner unit to handle these types of fraud cases, A LOCAL & FEDERAL ISSUE. Darcel Clark (l) and United DawnJudy McEvoy Noy Dawn McEvoy yet the effort has been somewhat passive. States Postal Service Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan (r) need to prioritize re- $FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH 3URGXFWLRQ Where’s the public relations campaign to ducing mailbox theft and enforcing federal laws. Dawn$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOHNeil McEvoydeMause Dawn McEvoy stymie this? Where’s the outreach aside 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV much of a mention was made. trol, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, Proofreader from interactions with police? The USPS ProofreaderDavid Greene, Adi Talwar A nd whi le t he United St ates Post a l Ser- headed by Darcel Clark, have done little JudySupport Noy Your has taken preventive steps in fixing the CommunityJudyInterns Noy Newspaper! vice is largely to blame for allowing this to help the situation. In most instances, 3URGXFWLRQShayla Love, Paolo Mossetti, Justin McCallum, issue by installing new mailboxes, but not crime of opportunity to spiral out of con- the perps plea down the case to a simple The3URGXFWLRQ Norwood News is a not-for-profi t publication Neiland deMause Chelsea George slap on the wrist even as they continue andNeil reliesdeMause upon the support of its advertisers 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUVandFor readers display advertising, to produce call a (718) quality 324-4998. community Where Are the New Slit-Covered Mailboxes? to do it again. The Norwood News has de- 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV Davidnewspaper. Greene, To Adisupport Talwar your paper, become (Zip 10467) (Zip 10458) termined that officers are frustrated over aDavid memberSupport Greene, and Your Adireceive Talwar a subscription for one Clark’s handling of a quality of life griev- Internsyear. 2280 Olinville Ave. 398 E. 204th St. 652 E. 187th St. ShaylaInternsCommunity Love, Paolo Newspaper! Mossetti, Justin McCallum, ance that has not gone away. They, too, The Norwood NewsLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE- 2550 Olinville Ave. 240 E. 206th St. 2426 Grand Concourse andSimplyShayla Chelsea mailLove, check George Paolo or Mossetti, money orderJustin for McCallum, $40 to: seem to have contributed to a state where Norwoodandlication Chelsea and News, relies George 3400upon the Reservoir support of Oval its East, 3501 Barnes Ave. 298 E. 206th St. 200 E. 196th St./Grand mailbox fishing is low priority. Tell that advertisers and readers to produce a quality Bronx, NY 10467. 2300 Barnes Ave. 3698 White Plains Rd. Concourse Forcommunity display advertising, newspaper. To call support (718) your 324-4998. paper, to the 69-year-old whose rent checks were Forbecome display a member advertising, and receive call (718)a subscription 324-4998. 798 Burke Ave. 698 E. 219th St. 240 E. 204th St. stolen, and the son or daughter waiting to Norwood News is not responsible for for one year. 735 Mace Ave. 700 E. 222nd St. get a monetary present that never came. Supporttypographical Your errors. Opinions expressed in The Norwood News, signed letters and bylined columns represent It’s time the public puts pressure on SupportSimply mail checkYour or money order for $40 3000 Bronx Park East 300 E. Gun Hill Rd. thanks to request through Communitythe sole opinion ofNewspaper! the author and are not the United States Postal Service to ask for Communityto: Norwood News, Newspaper! 3400 Reservoir Oval East, 2540 Barker Ave. 159 E. Gun Hill Rd. the Freedom of Informa- ThenecessarilyBronx, Norwood NY 10467.those News ofLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE Mosholu Preservation- better enforcement efforts. At this point, licationCorporationThe Norwood and relies or News Montefi uponLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE theore supportMedical of Center.its - 2815 White Plains Rd. 3700 Jerome Ave. tion Act, obtained a list lication and relies upon the support of its it seems the police are taking the lead re- advertisersEditorialsNorwood representNews and isreaders not theresponsible toviews produce forof typothe a- editorquality 711 E. Gun Hill Rd. 701 Pelham Pkwy. N. of locations within the only. The newspaper reserves the right garding a federal offense. communityadvertisersgraphical errors. newspaper.and readersOpinions To expressedto supportproduce in your signed a quality paper, 650 Adee Ave. 3102 Decatur Ave. 10467 and 10458 zip codes tocommunity letterslimit or and refuse bylinednewspaper. advertising columns To represent support it deems the your sole paper, Also, consider barraging the US Postal become a member and receive a subscription 2300 Boston Rd. 299 E. 207th St. of secure mailboxes to ease objectionable.becomeopinion aof memberthe author Advertisements and arereceive not necessarily appearinga subscription Service with mailbox fishing complaints. forin thisone paper year. cannot be used without 650 Thwaites Pl. 698 E. 219th St. anxieties. The locations forthose one ofyear. Mosholu Preservation Corporations Call (800) ASK-USPS (275-8777) to make a theRU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS written permission of the Norwood- of mailboxes containing 2400 Barker Ave. 3500 Jerome Ave. complaint as well as for emergency situa- SimplyNews.resent Lettersmail the views check to of the theor moneyeditor and/or are order subject publisher for $40 to the new slit covers within condensationSimplyonly. The mail newspaper check and orediting. reserves money Writersthe order right toforshould limit $40 2933 Barnes Ave. 3499 White Plains Rd. tions such as mail theft or identity theft. to: Norwood News, 3400 Reservoir Oval East, these zip codes. includeor refuse their advertising affi liation it deems or special objectionable. interest if 298 E. 204th St. 3464 Jerome Ave. Bronx,to: Norwood NY 10467. News, 3400 Reservoir Oval East, any.Bronx,Advertisements Anonymous NY 10467. appearing letters arein this not paper published cannot butbe your used namewithout can the written be withheld permission upon of Nor - Norwoodrequest.wood News. News Letters is not to theresponsible editor are subject for typo - graphicalNorwoodto condensation errors.News andisOpinions not editing. responsible Writersexpressed should for intypo signed- lettersgraphicalLQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ and errors. bylined Opinions columns expressed represent inthe signed sole Public and Community Meetings lettersAnonymous and bylined letters are columns not published represent but your the sole opinionname canof the be withheldauthor andif requested. are not necessarily COMMUNITY BOARD 7 will hold its general board meeting on June 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the New York Botanical opinion of the author and are not necessarily those of Mosholu Preservation Corporations Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at the Ross Lecture Hall (entrance via Mosholu Gate. This is the final general board those of Mosholu Preservation Corporations RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS- meeting until September). Committee meetings are held on the following dates at the board office, 229 E. 204th resentRU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS the views of the editor and/or publisher- Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a St., at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted: Traffic & Transportation Committee meets on June 8; Veterans Com- only.resent The the newspaper views of the reserves editor and/or the right publisher to limit only.QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH The newspaper reserves the right to limit mittee meets on June 8 at 7:30 p.m.; Environment & Sanitation Committee meets on June 13 (meet at the back of or refuseMedical advertisingCenter. it deems objectionable. Advertisementsor refuse advertising appearing it deems in this objectionable. paper cannot the office); Economic Development, Community Development and LTP Committee meets on June 13 (meet at the beMosholuAdvertisements used without Preservation theappearing written Corporation inpermission this paper is a of non-cannot Nor- front of the office); Health & Hospitals Committee meets on June 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Parks & Recreation Committee profibe used t support without corporation the written permissionof Montefi oreof Nor- wood News. Letters to the editor are subject meets on June 14; and Housing, Land Use, and Zoning Committee meets on June 21. For more information, call Medicalwood News. Center. Letters to the editor are subject to condensation and editing. Writers should (718) 933-5650. LQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\to condensation and editing. Writers should LQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ Anonymous letters are not published but your The 52ND PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL will meet on June 15 at 7 p.m. at Cosmopolitan Church of the nameAnonymous can be letters withheld are if not requested. published but your name can be withheld if requested. Lord, 39 W. 190th St. (around the corner from Monroe College’s King Hall). For more information, call (718) 220- 5824.

Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUHMosholu Preservation Corporation is a MedicalQRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH Center. Medical Center. June 8-21, 2017 • Norwood News • 3

,ETTERS4O4HE%DITOR

Knox/Gates in to continue the program. United Nations report blames ani- The RHA would also protect Home to Good Neighbors I am 60 years old and I have mal agriculture for 19 percent of health care providers who perform Many who live on Knox, Gates, been living in my apartment in the greenhouse gas emissions, 38 per- these vital services and would re- Gun Hill and Mosholu in the Knox Bronx for over 20 years. I received cent of land use, and 70 percent of move the potential for criminal Gates triangle would disagree a court notice because I fell into ar- global freshwater consumption. prosecution of women who end with the Norwood News’ casual rears when my work hours were Carbon dioxide is emitted by their own pregnancies. The RHA conclusion to the article “Feds cut. When I got to Housing Court, I burning forests to create animal would address constitutional Charge Seven in Norwood for Drug was told to go downstairs to be as- pastures and by fossil fuels com- flaws in our laws and recognize a Crimes” [issue dated May 11-24]. sisted with my court case. I met the bustion to operate farm machin- woman’s fundamental right to ac- No one disputes the presence of woman who would be assisting me ery, trucks, factory farms, and cess safe, legal abortion. It would drug sales on our streets, and the with my case and she was a pleasure slaughterhouses. The more damag- essentially codify Roe v. Wade into unfortunate fallout it has in the to work with. Aside from helping ing methane and nitrous oxide are New York State law. lives of many young people here me with the money that I owe, she released from digestive tracts of There are things we can do to try and in other neighborhoods. How- also helped me with food stamps. cattle and from animal waste cess- to convince our elected officials to ever, that “the Knox Gates neigh- My case worker also told me that pools, respectively properly represent the more than borhood is rooted in drugs” as once I turn 62, if the program is In an environmentally sustain- 80 percent of New Yorkers who sup- your paper says, is an unfortunate still around she will help me apply able world, meat and dairy prod- port protecting a woman’s right to misrepresentation of the quality of for SCRIE, so I hope the program ucts in our diet must be replaced by choose. We can call our senators, family life that most of our neigh- stays because it is so helpful. vegetables, fruits, and grains, just particularly Senators John Flana- bors work hard to maintain. I was in tears when I faced evic- as fossil fuels are replaced by wind, gan (518-455-2071), Jeff Klein (518- And as recent as the previous tion, especially since I have been solar, and other pollution-free en- 455-3595), and John Bonacic (518- edition, the Norwood News re- working all my life. I feel relieved ergy sources. 455-3181) to insist that they bring ported on The COVE, a thriving knowing my caseworker was able Each of us has the power to pro- the RHA to the floor. We can call Media Arts & Literacy Program for to help me pay back the money that test Trump’s failure to maintain Governor Cuomo (518-474-8390) to teens deeply rooted mid-block on I owed. I never want to feel like this America’s leadership in moderat- urge him to lead by pressuring the the same Gates Place for 28 years. again, and my caseworker helped ing climate change, simply and Senate to act. We can go to https:// The COVE has provided a creative, me find a third party to help me pay effectively, by what we choose at action.aclu.org/secure/pass-re- often life-changing alternative to my rent so I can have some breath- the grocery store productive-health-act-comprehen- selling drugs for many neighbor- ing room. I am going to make sure Niles Neusbaum sive-contraceptive-coverage-act hood teens. my rent is paid first before I do any- to sign the petition posted by the Life in Knox Gates is far from thing else every month because Legalize Abortion NYCLU, National Institute for Re- utopia, but please do not forget having a roof over my head is im- I am writing to urge your read- productive Health, and Planned the neighbors who have extended portant and I want to keep it that ers to do everything they can to Parenthood. the spirit of The COVE beyond the way. see that the NY State Reproductive As Liz Krueger, the sponsor of walls of our basement youth cen- The Senior Homelessness Pre- Health Act (RHA), S.2796, is passed the RHA, states, “Complex and per- ter. and organized park cleanups, vention Project is an important in the State Senate this year. It has sonal decisions about reproductive coat drives, the struggle to stop the program, helping people like me repeatedly passed in the Assembly, health care are the sole right and City’s construction of a filtra- and my neighbors in the Norwood only to die in the Senate. With the responsibility of a woman and her tion plant in our corner of VC Park community who need support to federal government in its current medical providers.” We only have and their success getting the City stay in their homes. I hope the City state, we are likely to lose federal until June 21, the end of the legis- to retrofit the diesel equipment that Council will see the importance of protections of our reproductive lative session, to see that this life- protected our air quality during the program and provide funding rights and have only the state to saving legislation is passed. construction, yes, and Harmony to keep it open. rely on. Judy Fletcher Day in 1992 and the 2014 Block Linette Samuel Our state law has not been up- of NYCD16-Indivisible Party to celebrate The COVE’s Norwood Resident dated since 1970 – this is the year 25th birthday. this legislation must pass. Cur- Knox Gates Neighborhood Honoring the rently, women who have health TO REPORT A Association/The COVE Paris Climate Accord complications later in pregnancy Are you, too, fighting mad are being forced to leave the state STORY TO THE Keep Help for Seniors Active about Trump pulling the U.S. out for abortion care. The RHA pro- NORWOOD NEWS, This year, the BronxWorks Se- of the Paris climate accord? Then vides an easy legislative fix that nior Homelessness Prevention Proj- let’s fight back three times a day would enable a woman to access CALL US AT ect helped me avoid eviction, but it by adopting an eco-friendly plant- abortion care throughout preg- is unfortunately at risk of shutting based diet. nancy when a fetus is not viable or 718-324-4998 down in June unless the city steps Yes, our diet is pivotal. A 2010 when her health or life is at risk. 4 • June 8-21, 2017 • Norwood News INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers their thoughts on the controversy surrounding this year’s National Puerto Rican Day Parade and the organizers’ decision to rescind an honor to former convicted terrorist Oscar López Rivera.

I think it’s better it was handled What happened is the Puerto Rican I think the way they handled it, they I just think that violence doesn’t It’s an interesting story. I would say this way. A lot of sponsors pulled Day Parade had someone marching didn’t think of the consequences solve anything. Violence to solve no, he shouldn’t march. But in a out and it should not be like that. in the parade that should not be that were going to happen when violence is not smart. I think it’s historical context of the relationship People have been sponsoring that leading the parade and we don’t you try and honor somebody who a good move that he stepped between the United States and parade for years. I think with him like it. We want it like in the past shouldn’t be honored. As far as down. It could bring long term Puerto Rico, there have always stepping back and just walking in promoting unity among everyone. our group, we can’t stand by and consequences to the parade. been winners and losers and God the parade, any person can walk Now there is no unity because they march behind someone we don’t knows what role big corporations in the parade and be a part of it. Ed Watkins want to put that guy in there. He’s believe in because we would have played in labor and land in Puerto I don’t think it will diminish the not going to lead the parade, but found someone better to honor, Kingsbridge Rico. It’s a confusing issue, but I crowd. he’s still going to march. He’s not especially having done something can understand the revolutionary Jean Hill a hero. in New York that was so terrible. aspect as well as the contemporary Bedford Park Hector Torres Carlos Ramos point of view. Norwood West Farms Steve Ayala University Heights

CRIME FILE BY TATYANA TURNER Another Fatal Overdose Within 52nd Pct. NYPD to Straphangers: Beware of “Lush Workers” In the early hours of Thurs- ing the Bronx, including Nor- As if the daily commute wasn’t day, May 25, a man walked into wood. Authorities blame the hard enough, subway riders have Montefiore Medical Center spike in heroin deaths on another worry on their hands: carrying a needle and a bag fentanyl, a powerful narcotic sticky fingered “lush workers” of heroin. He made his way to that’s now mixed with heroin. who rob snoozing straphangers. the bathroom, locked the door, “If you inhale a small It happens mostly between mid- and never stepped out. amount, you’re going to die,” night and 5 a.m., according to the “He passed away,” said said Hogan. NYPD. Late night commuters will Lieutenant Brian Hogan of Although each overdose is more than likely have a guaranteed the Narcotics division as he treated as a crime scene, Ho- seat, enjoy a quiet ride in a near informed the crowd of nearly gan emphasized the “Good Sa- empty subway car and be lulled to 50 who attended the 52nd Pre- maritan Law,” where a person sleep by the subtle rocking of the cinct Community Council who calls in for help whether train as it glides along the tracks. meeting. “That’s up to number it’s for themselves or a loved However, NYPD urges commuters Photo by Tatyana Turner SO-CALLED “LUSH” WORKERS have been spotted lurking around 11 [this year]. Last year we had one, will not get arrested. to stay up for their safety. the end of train lines, including the 205th Street/Norwood station on 23; we’re going to surpass that “You might want to speak to Within the past month, a num- the D line, waiting to rob an unsuspecting rider. number.” your kids about this,” stressed ber of passengers in Norwood awo- Overdose and addiction is Hogan. “This is serious stuff. ken to the nightmare of stolen pos- line,” according to Officer Shauna property stolen did not realize an issue that has been plagu- sessions taken by a so-called “lush Smith from Transit District 11. their possessions were no longer worker.” The thieves get their “Three of them were lush workers, on them until the end of the train names for often targeting drunk, the other two have been grand lar- line. or “lush,” passengers who doze off ceny.” “In this case, that would be the so deeply they miss their stop and “The arrests that we have D line on 205th Street or Woodlawn wind up at the end of a train line. made have been between the hours on the 4 line,” said Smith. “You “We’ve made five arrests, of 5 and 8 in the morning,” Smith have to be aware of your surround- [mostly] on 205th Street on the D added. ings.” line and Fordham Road on the 4 The victims who had their June 8-21, 2017 • Norwood News • 5 De Blasio Warms Up to Kingsbridge Ice Project By DAVID CRUZ Mark Messier. The massive, million to satisfy the $158 Mayor Bill de Blasio, who 750,000-square-foot castle, million KNIC needed to get held off on advancing the calls for nine rinks, and a the project going. $350 million reconfigura- 5,000-seat arena. Commu- A groundbreaking is ex- tion of the Kingsbridge Ar- nity stakeholders praised pected later this year, the mory into an ice center, has the project after securing a same time developers were finally turned over the lease community benefits agree- supposed to have originally developers needed to secure ment with developers, which built the ice center. the $108 million state loan includes prioritizing con- Should the development for the first part of the proj- struction and permanent finally kick off, it restores ect. jobs to Bronx residents and some political clout for “We’re ready to move for- sets aside 50,000 square feet Bronx Borough President ward with all the legal pa- of its property for commu- Ruben Diaz Jr., who touted perwork to make the project nity space. the game changing benefits happen,” said de Blasio of the But the project hit a few the ice center could have on latest news as first reported snags after developers ac- the Bronx. The timing comes by the New York Post. cused the city of working as Diaz announced he had no De Blasio added that the against them by not releas- intention of running against state Empire State Devel- ing the lease. Accusing them de Blasio in this year’s may- opment Corporation is ex- of breach of contract, KNIC oral election. pected to provide the loan filed a lawsuit in Bronx The state is expected to that was approved by Gov- Supreme Court. The city officially vote in favor of the ernor early argued that it would not loan by the end of June. this year. The Kingsbridge turn over a 99-year lease File Photo National Ice Center (KNIC), to developers until it guar- LIKE WATCHING ICE MELT, expected to be the world’s anteed it had the money development for an ice center largest ice skating center, needed to completely build at the Kingsbridge Armory (pic- is being developed by for- the first half of the project. tured) is slowly moving along af- mer Wall Streeter Kevin The Cuomo Administration ter a series of hot and cold fits and starts. Parker and hockey legend came through with the $108 6 • June 8-21, 2017 • Norwood News Building Woes for Stagg Properties in Norwood By DAVID CRUZ mental safety of the ground. A DOB For more than a decade, The spokesman said it is not uncommon Stagg Group, a family-owned real for paperwork to be refiled after it’s estate and construction firm, has been submitted. been a powerhouse in building hun- Members of Community Board 7, dreds of units of affordable housing whose Land Use/Housing Commit- across the Bronx, becoming a sav- tee have consistently badgered devel- ing grace to many low-income New opers with questions on what their Yorkers. intentions are within Norwood, have But an incident at one of its inquired about the state of the soil. Norwood sites in late April, which Decades ago, the property was exposed some deviations from ap- once a gas station and auto body proved construction work, rep- shop. Despite its past history, The resented some setbacks for the Stagg Group is not required to con- omnipresent construction group. duct an environmental assessment Meantime, residents have some en- review, a more aggressive screening Photo by David Cruz vironmental questions for one of the A PARTIAL STOP work order has been rescinded at 3084 Webster Ave. at the corner of a particular property. Exempting group’s other properties slated to be of East 203rd Street. The property, an 11-story residence (pictured), is being built by them is the fact that the gas station’s built in Norwood. The Stagg Group. tanks were removed some 20 years “I think we still need to keep ask- ago. Documents from the New York down from the eighth floor. A par- ing questions. We’re not making The property rests diagonally City Department of Buildings (DOB) tial work order has been lifted to accusations, but questions are war- across the former PS 51, which in show the agency ordered all work to allow crews to repair damage to the ranted,” said Jean Hill, chair of Com- 2012 was discovered to contain haz- stop at 3084 Webster Ave. at the cor- fifth, sixth and seventh floors. munity Board 7’s Land Use/Housing ardous toxic fumes that were later ner of East 203rd Street following DOB investigators determined Committee, whose advisory role in- removed. It’s since been turned into a the April 28 accident that resulted that the required site safety coordi- cludes vetting construction projects school for autistic children after the in no injuries. FDNY reported that nator was absent. A DOB spokesman in the neighborhood. “We expect to state Department of Environmental a concrete block carried by a crane could not explain why the compa- get answers back.” Conservation cleared the property suddenly fell, crashing three stories ny-hired coordinator, who was hit for occupancy again. with a violation, was not there. The “[H]opefully, we should have spokesman did point out it was the learned our lesson,” Helene Hart- second time a site safety coordinator man-Kutnowsky, who chairs the was absent at the site, the first being Community Board 7’s Environmen- Shop Fordham Road on March 9. tal Committee. “We’re talking about “THE OUTDOOR MALL EXPERIENCE” The incident revealed The Stagg the health of a good community.” Group veering from approved DOB With city agencies giving her the work plans it submitted to the agency. runaround, Hartman-Kutnowsky Among them is concrete work, which still plans on requesting an envi- is not part of the approved work. ronmental impact study, seeking The site is one of two residences support from elected officials. The Stagg Group is currently build- In a phone interview, a represen- ing within Norwood. At the other end tative for the Stagg Group, Javier of Norwood is the Mosholu Grand, Monroy, said the soil is fine. “Ab- Stagg’s property it looks to build at solutely the soil is safe. Yes, all the 150 Van Cortlandt Ave., a 13-story, borings have been done and we’re OVER 300 153-unit residence. It’s also planning in good shape there,” Monroy said. a small 10-story, 62-unit residence at As for the Webster Avenue site, SPECIALTY SHOPS St. George’s Crescent, abutting the Monroy maintains there was a site AND CHAINS Van Cortlandt Avenue property. safety coordinator on site, adding Mark Stagg, the head of The any assertion that there was no co- Stagg Group, and his executive vice Furniture • Home Improvement ordinator at the site “couldn’t be president and former Bronx Bor- Clothing • Jewelery • Shoes anything farther from the truth.” ough President Adolfo Carrion, Electronics • Discount Outlets “Nobody got hurt, nobody got in- Cell Phones • Games, presented the plans to Community jured,” Monroy said. “That’s a posi- F Accessories • Offi ce Supplies Board 7 in March. On April 26, DOB tive thing. Just a couple of pieces of FORDHAM ROAD And Many Fast Food Restaurants officials denied building permits concrete got damaged and cleaned BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT to The Stagg Group after seeing it up and we’ve moved on.” Acccessible By All For more information contact (718) 562-2104 filed incomplete paperwork. Among Additional reporting by David Greene NYC Mass Transportation the pending items is the soil report Parking Facilities Available intended to determine the environ- June 8-21, 2017 • Norwood News • 7

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Plans are offered by affiliates of Healthfirst, Inc. © 2017 HF Management Services, LLC 0919-17 H3359_GEN17_259 RA 05/2017 INA17_50 8 • June 8-21, 2017 • Norwood News Reading Initiative Sees K-2 Students Receive 11 Free Books

By DAVID CRUZ “We want every child to have that After making a policy announce- opportunity regardless of their fam- ment intended to bolster reading skills ily’s economic situation or how much among children from kindergarten education previous generations have through second grade, Mayor Bill de had. We want to make sure books are Blasio sat before a group of some 20 available in the home,” de Blasio said students from Bedford Park’s PS 177, in remarks before reading to children. his lanky presence dominating. Councilman Andrew Cohen, repre- Sitting beside him was a diminu- senting Bedford Park, stood alongside tive Schools Chancellor Carmen de Blasio. In a statement, Cohen noted Fariña. Together they took turns the initiative will “ensure that their reading pages from Curious George learning doesn’t end with the school at the Baseball Game, one of H.A. and year.” Margaret Rey’s books that chronicle As it stands, 41 percent of students the misadventures of the titular char- can read at grade level. The numbers acter. have improved, according to de Bla- “This is one of the books that you’re sio, who pointed out that 30 percent of going to get to take home and read Photo by David Cruz kids were able to read at grade level over and over again,” Fariña told the MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO and Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña hand out copies of when he came to office in 2013. Curious George at the Baseball Game to students from PS 177. students to cheers. “And how many of The free book initiative is part of you have little brothers and sisters at a broader goal of raising reading lev- home?” For Fariña, the hope is to ensure unclear how much the reading initia- els across the city. The book initiative “And who’s going to read this book the 7- and 8-year-olds who stood be- tive will cost. complements the inclusion of a read- to their brothers and sisters?” de Bla- fore her don’t go educationally idle Fariña emphasized that the ini- ing coach available at select schools sio asked. Many raised their hands. over the summer. It’s a reason why the tiative is not schoolwork, but simply across the city. At the announcement, Fariña doubled down on the prom- Department of Educa- reading for fun. “We want summer Fariña noted that there will be a read- ise, by telling them to consider start- tion has promised it will give 11 free reading to be reading as a pleasure ing coach at every Bronx elementary ing “your own library” at home. fiction or nonfiction books to students and something that you will do for the school. “Maybe even get a bookcase in your from kindergarten through second rest of your life,” she said. “The Bronx needs some extra in- house to start saving the books that grade in the entire city over the sum- The goal is to raise reading skills vestment when it comes to literacy and you get because you’re going to get a mer. Children will be able to choose to grade level, a harbinger for a more we’re making that extra investment,” lot of books to read,” Fariña said. between 15 to 20 titles per grade. It’s successful academic outcome. de Blasio said. Norwood News Wins NY Press Club Award, a First The Norwood News was Annual Flagging of Graves honored June 5 by the New York Press Club in the first- At Woodlawn Cemetery ever Community Coverage category. The paper was recognized for its series on efforts to stop overdevelop- ment in the neighborhood of Bedford Park amid an evic- tion proceeding that went awry for residents. The award honored the paper’s editor-in-chief, David Cruz, along with former reporter NORWOOD NEWS STAFF (l-r): Freelancer Deborah Cruz, former Daniela Beasley, freelance freelancer Daniela Beasley, editor-in-chief David Cruz, and free- reporter Deborah Cruz, and lance photographer Adi Talwar stand with New York Press Club freelance photographer Adi president Steve Scott (2nd from right) as winners of the club’s first- Talwar for contributing to ever Community Coverage category. the series. “We wish to thank Mo- ernors to consider creating Ippies, which include sec- sholu Preservation Corpo- the award, given the large ond place for Best Small ration, publisher of the Nor- number of small commu- Circulation Publication and Photo By David Greene wood News, for supporting nity journalism outlets Best In-Depth/Investigative BRUCE CAMPBELL FROM the volunteer Woodlawn Con- local community journal- across the city. story. servancy group plants flags on the graves of U.S. military ism for nearly 29 years,” Da- The award caps a grati- “We’ve always been seen service members at Woodlawn Cemetery on Memorial Day. vid said. fying awards season for as the tiny little newspa- Read David Greene’s story on how long this tradition has Ironically, it was David the paper, which also took per that could,” Cruz said. taken place and how the group identifies the deceased mili- who lobbied the New York home prizes from the New “Now we’re the little news- tary veterans at the landmark cemetery. It can be found on Press Club’s board of gov- York Press Association and paper that did.” www.norwoodnews.org. June 8-21, 2017 • Norwood News • 9 Caring for Caregivers, Courtesy of Montefi ore Office of the Mayor This is what landing By SHERRI OUSTALET As a Caregiver Coach Volunteer, Montefiore Health System is New you’ll greet and welcome caregivers, more than York City’s first medical center to offer listen and provide one-on-one support, families a Caregiver Support Center. offer resources, care, and available ser- $5 million The role of caregiver can be demand- vices information, and assist caregiv- ing, stressful and lonely; the Center ers in navigating the hospital to easily in City offers patients’ families and friends a find the Caregiver Support Center. We private, safe, soothing and confiden- welcome your excellent interpersonal contracts tial environment to reflect, talk, and and communication skills, ability to meet with the medical team. motivate others and work well as a looks like. Professional staff and specially- team member and independently, and trained Caregiver Coach Volunteers availability to volunteer a minimum ensure caregivers find the warm, wel- 4-hour shift weekdays during business Celeste Ramirez coming atmosphere they deserve. Ser- hours. Prior caregiving experience to President, CARA Construction vices are free of charge to Montefiore a family member, friend, or colleague Management Inc. patients. The Center is open Monday with serious, acute, or chronic illness, through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For and other health issues offers Care- more information, please visit: www. giver Coach Volunteers the opportu- montefiore.org. nity to give back and be there for oth- Montefiore’s Volunteer & Student ers. Services department is looking for ma- Montefiore locations to be a Caregiver ture, positive, community service-ori- Coach Volunteer: ented, compassionate, caring individu- Montefiore Medical Center – Moses als who can provide emotional support Campus If you’re a minority or woman business owner, find out how the Department of and practical assistance to family care- 111 E. 210th St. Small Business Services can help you make NYC your next customer. givers while their loved one is hospital- Montefiore Medical Center – Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/getcertified ized or in treatment. Whether you’re a Einstein Campus husband, wife, sister, brother, son, or 1825 Eastchester Rd. daughter… a family member or dear Montefiore Medical Center friend who’s been through the care- Wakefield Campus giving experience, you know what it’s 600 E. 233rd St. like to burn the candle at both ends as Sherri Oustalet is director of Volun- you care for a loved one in a health cri- teer and Student Services at Montefiore sis. You’ve “been there,” you relate, and Health System. To volunteer, contact her you can help others find their way. at [email protected].

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GrowNYC.org/Compost [email protected] Photo courtesy Sherri Oustalet 212.788.7964 SOME OF THE caregiver coaches at Montefi ore Health System. 10 • June 8-21, 2017 • Norwood News A Bittersweet Street Renaming For

By DAVID CRUZ endured attacks from inmates, food A street renaming in the memory of deprivation from guards, and weeks in a dead man was unveiled on his birth- solitary confinement, exposing deep- day. seated problems within a brutal peni- “To Kalief, I want to say happy tentiary. birthday to him. My brother would’ve Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viv- been 24 today,” Dion Browder said of erito, who’s trumpeted major criminal his late brother, Kalief Browder. justice reforms that include the closing With a blue tent shielding him from of by 2027, said Kalief’s punishing rain, Dion was joined at the death has “altered history.” street renaming by Kalief’s friends and Browder spent his life living in family, and lawmakers who’ve used Ka- the Crotona section with his mother, lief’s death as an example of the effects Venida, brothers Dion and Akeem, a flawed criminal justice system on an and sister Nicole. When he left Rikers, individual. A large black and white Browder earned a GED and later en- portrait of Kalief, staring stoically off rolled at Bronx Community College to camera, was propped up alongside the study business management. Browder family and lawmakers. “This is my first time since October Events such as a street renaming coming back to this area, so it’s bitter- offer a kind of bittersweet tenor and sweet, especially standing across the tribute. They usually are approved for street from where I lived, and seeing New Yorkers who’ve lived a long fruit- the ‘For Sale’ sign. It’s kind of hard.” ful life. But the renaming of the corner Dion said. “But I think this is more of 181st Street and Prospect Avenue to of an inspiration to come back to this Kalief Browder Way, the block where block now.” Kalief and his family lived, doubles as Media reports pegged Kalief as a cautionary tale. mentally ill, which Browder sister’s “Whether it be the criminalization Nicole disputes, arguing the system of poverty for bail, or the systemic fail- and his time spent in solitary confine- ure to guarantee a speedy trial, or the ment caused him to go “stir crazy.” human toll of solitary confinement, or “[B]eing mistreated by the guards the correctional culture of violence, and nobody helping him and reaching the story of Kalief Browder exposes out, only made it worse.” everything that is corrupt and cruel Residents who knew the Browder and callous and complacent within the family cautiously hope the gesture is criminal justice system,” Councilman full of promise. At the corner across Ritchie Torres, who passed a bill offici- from the renamed street, Jamel Mc- ating the street renaming, said shortly Coy, a resident, wants real results. before the unveiling. “There’s kids going through worse Kalief Browder, the youngest of things than Kalief,” McCoy said. four, committed suicide in June 2015. “We’re gonna have to wait for another It happened two years after spending tragedy to happen to get out here and three years at the notorious Rikers throw up another sign?” Island prison while awaiting trial. He Editor’s Note: An expanded version was alleged to have stolen a backpack of this article can be found at at age 16. At Rikers Island, Browder www.norwoodnews.org.

Photo by David Cruz AKEEM BROWDER (at podium) speaks at a street renaming ceremony for his late brother Kalief (shown in portrait at right). At Akeem’s right is Councilman Ritchie Torres. Bronx DA to Investigate NYPD Shooting Death of Unarmed Senior June 8-21, 2017 • Norwood News • 11 5DIIOH3UL]HV *LIWVDQG 7KH)RXUWK$QQXDO *LYHDZD\V )DPLO\)LWQHVV)HVWLYDO +HDOWK\$OWHUQDWLYH (DWLQJ )DFH3DLQWLQJ 6DWXUGD\ 5HOD\5DFHV 0XVLF -XQH  ʨʩ˲ʧʧƂŖ̊ʪ˲ʧʧƂŖ

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NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES

Job Fair math are available at the Park Conservancy, are formation on DACA are tefiore Community Cen- A job fair with city Bronx Library Center, 310 scheduled for every Sat- available by appointment ter’s Mosholu Day Camp agencies expected to at- E. Kingsbridge Rd. The urday from now through at the office of Council- at Harriman State Park tend will take place on classes are open to young July 29 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. man Ritchie Torres, 573 on June 10. For more June 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. adults ages 16 to 24 or cur- at the Van Cortlandt Park E. Fordham Rd. (entrance information about the at 991 Longwood Ave. For rently in an “out of school” Conservancy. Meet at the on Hoffman Street) Mon- camp, or to schedule the more information, call or “out of work” program. VC Nature Center. For days and the first and visit, call (718) 882-4000 (718) 931-2620. For more information and more information, contact third Wednesday of every ext. 0 or www.mosholu- to enroll, call (718) 579- Joseph McManus at mc- month from 9:30 a.m. to 5 daycamp.com. LGBTQ Needs 4208 or email litconyalp@ [email protected]. p.m. For more information Assessment gmail.com. or to schedule an appoint- Community Gardening An assessment survey Housing Assistance ment, call (718) 842-8100. Program on the needs of the Bronx’s Preserving NCBH Free housing assis- A free 16-week educa- LGBTQ community can be Volunteers are needed tance on topics relating to Literacy Initiative tion, skills-building and filled out online at http:// to join the Bronx Health- tenant harassment, denial The New York City De- community development bit.ly/2so1TJB. Hard cop- care Coalition, which of repairs/services, evic- partment of Education program through com- ies of the survey are also seeks to ensure North tions, overchargers, and has announced a reading munity gardening activi- available throughout the Central Bronx Hospital more are available at the initiative where students ties is available only for borough’s 12 community remains a public hospital. office of Assemblyman from grades kindergar- those who are on proba- boards, with the closest at For more information and Victor Pichardo every ten through second grade tion or recently released Community Board 7, 229A to join, email Bxhealthco- Thursday from 11 a.m. to can receive 11 different from prison. Participants E. 204th St., weekdays [email protected]. 3 p.m. at 2175 Jerome Ave., books from 40 different must be committed to from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For Suite C. For more informa- book titles. For more in- completing the program. more information, call Bird Walks tion, call (718) 933-6909. formation, contact your For more information, (718) 590-3500. Free bird walk tours, child’s school principal. call Rachel Schneider of sponsored by Council- Immigration Services the Hawthorne Valley Free Education man Andrew Cohen with Free immigration ser- Tour MMCC Camps Farm at (518) 672-4465, Pogram guides provided by the vices ranging from natu- Free transportation ext. 236 or email rachel@ Free classes to improve New York City Audubon ralization, citizenship, will be provided to take hawthornevalleyfarm. reading, writing, and Society and Van Cortlandt visa renewals, and in- a tour of Mosholu Mon- org.

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Compiled by JUDY NOY EDITOR’S PICK Family Fitness Festival The public is invited to the 4th annual Family Fitness Festival Healthy Alternative Eating, June 17 from noon to 3 p.m. at Williamsbridge Oval. Activities include zumba, kickboxing, yoga, face painting, relay races, music, healthy cooking Photo courtesy Wave Hill/Stephanie Berger SUNSET WEDNESDAYS ARE some of the scheduled events at Wave Hill (see demonstrations, raffle prizes, gifts and giveaways. For more more under ‘Events’). information, call (718) 324-4461.

presents Barefoot Dancing, featuring The Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., demonstrations and teaching, on the VC offers for children: Jungle Safari and scheduled is Live Music & Lawn Games House Lawn from 6:30 to 8 p.m.: June Friends: Kickoff Party: (all ages through Onstage from noon to 5 p.m. on the Conservatory 8 - samba; June 15 - capoeira; and June 12; registration required), a summer Lawn; and Flame Work Demonstrations, 22 - West African. For more information, reading program featuring a live music The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Conservatory call (718) 430-1890. program with reading, singing, dancing, Kingsbridge Rd., presents Let’s Do It, Plaza and Visitor Center; both on June audience participation, and musical featuring songs by Cole Porter, June 17. For more information, call (718) University Neighborhood Housing instruments, and including games and 10; and The Music of Stevie Wonder, 817-8700 or visit www.nybg.org/visit/ Program (UNHP) will hold its free Views crafts, June 8 at noon; Resist Painting: performed by Cody Childs & The Ladies admission. NWBX Affordable Housing Forum on (ages 5 to 12), to create artwork using of Soul, June 17; both at 2:30 p.m. June 15 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at Serviam paint and yarn, June 13 at 3:30 p.m.; For more information, call (718) 579- Gardens, 323 E. 198th St. to discuss Teddy Bear Sleepover: (ages through 12 4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. Events Bronx happenings including community years), bring your stuffed toy, read books, development, demographics, multifamily do crafts and sing songs, June 14 at 5 p.m.; Friends of Van Cortlandt Park presents Healthfirst presents itsHealth & housing sales, and more. Breakfast is and Origami: (ages 5 to 12), Japanese the New York Philharmonic Concert & Wellness Expo, Family Fun Day, June 17 at 8:30 a.m. followed by presentation paper folding, June 20 at 4 p.m. Teens/ VIP Reception on June 13 at 6:30 p.m. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Claremont and panel discussion at 9 a.m. Seating young adults can enjoy Summer Reading on the lawn of the VC House Museum Housing Healthy Village, Gouverneur is limited and reservations are required. Kickoff Party: including music and games, preceded by drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Playground, Third Avenue at East 170th For more information and to RSVP, visit June 16 at 3:30 p.m.; and film: “Sing,” June For more information and tickets, visit Street. Events include live entertainment, UNHP.org. 17 at 1:30 p.m. Adults can attend: Knitting www.vancortlandt.org. free massage, medical screenings, face Circle: Thursdays at 3 p.m. For more painters, bouncy castle, prizes and The public is invited to celebrate Abrazo information, call (718) 882-8239. New York Botanical Garden presents its giveaways, fresh smoothie samples Boricua, June 8 from 7 p.m. to midnight, summer concert series: The French and fitness workshops; all preceded at Eastwood Manor Caterers, 3371 The Jerome Park Library, 118 Eames Place Connection, music ensemble performing by a town hall from 8 a.m. to noon at Eastchester Rd. For more information, (near Kingsbridge Road), offers for children: a variety of music, June 16 from 7 to 8:30 the Charles Drew School, featuring a call (718) 991-3161. Summer Reading Dance Party: (ages p.m. featuring trumpeter and Parisian panel discussion on health. For more to 12), music, dance and puppets, June singer, on the Conservatory Lawn. Tickets information, visit www.healthfirst.org. Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. 8 at 2 p.m.; Kids Get Active Fridays at are $40/member; $45/non member; 252nd St. in Riverdale, offers Family 2:45 p.m.: (ages 5 to 12), dance moves 3-concert package available. Also Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy Art Projects: Lotus Paper Lanterns, to on the Wii game console, June 9 and sketch in the Aquatic Garden, then make 16; Preschool Story Time and Craft at lanterns out of papier mache, June 10 11:15 a.m.: (ages 3 to 5), featuring books, and 11; and Big Hand, Little Hand, to puppetry, dramatics, crafts and flannel make a replica of your hand and one of boards, June 15 and 22; Summer Dance a family member from plaster of Paris Party: (all ages to 12), summer reading and natural materials, June 17 and 18; program including music, dance, puppetry, both in the WH House from 10 a.m. to and leis, June 8 at 2 p.m.; Father’s Day 1 p.m. Grounds admission is free until Craft: (ages 5 to 12), create gifts for noon Saturdays and Tuesdays all year. dad, June 17 at 2 p.m.; and Stories and For more information and a schedule of Tales From Around the World: (ages to events including tours and walks, call 12), summer reading program including (718) 549-3200. audience participation, June 20 at 5 p.m. Adults can attend: Computer Basics: June 8 and June 15, both at noon and Library Events 6 p.m.; and June 22 at noon. Families can enjoy Thunder and Sunshine: rock The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. band for kids, June 21 at 3 p.m. For more Kingsbridge Rd., presents for children: information, call (718) 549-5200. Hands-On Projects: (ages 7 to 12; preregistration required), Paper Plate Boat HAPPY FATHER’S DAY Making, June 8, Father’s Day Tie Making, TO ALL OUR DAD READERS! June 15; and Paper Plate Watermelon Making, June 22; all at 4 p.m.; and Boat NOTE: Items for consideration may Making, June 11; and Father’s Day Card be mailed to our office or sent to Making, June 18; both at 3:30 p.m.. File Photo [email protected], and For more information, call (718) 579- FAMILY, FITNESS, AND FUN await you at the annual Family Fitness Festival should be received by June 12 for the 4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. celebration on June 8. Mosholu Preservation Corporation is among the spon- next publication date of June 22. sors (see Editor’s Pick for more information). June 8-21, 2017 • Norwood News • 15 Placard Abuse Crackdown (continued from page 1) Placards are issued to city employ- public reports. We welcome those public signed (‘the rat squad’),” according to ees to park in designated areas, mainly reports,” de Blasio said. the creator of @PlacardCorruption. for vehicles that display phony decals. their place of employment, be it school The news was received with cautious Double down enforcement began The mayor made the announcement or police precinct. The practice was to optimism from the creator of @Placard- June 5. as part of his weeklong visit to the Bronx identify themselves to traffic enforce- Corruption, a Twitter account that’s “[W]e’ll see what our folks send in,” from May 22 to 26, telling reporters that ment agents and to avoid the hassle chronicled placard abuses from across said @PlacardCorruption. “We will con- the more than 148,000 placards issued of finding parking. For years, it was the city, including Norwood. Agents for tinue to hold the City accountable for do- to city employees, mainly teachers with commonplace for traffic agents to turn the Twitter account have recorded local ing the right thing.” the Department of Education and NYPD a blind eye to cars that carry placards infractions that include those made by Representatives from the United Fed- officers, must be used properly. The rest and drivers who park their cars in ille- members of the 52nd Precinct, where eration of Teachers or Police Benevolent are doled out by the New York City De- gal spots or even at hydrants. pictures of officer’s personal vehicles Association did not respond to requests partment of Transportation. “When someone who’s a public em- are seen parked directly on a sidewalk. for comment. But on a televised appear- Enforcement includes the creation of ployee parks in front of a fire hydrant, “The idea of an enforcement plan is ance on NY1’s Inside City Hall, Michael a Placard Fraud Enforcement Unit that they’re putting lives in danger,” de Bla- welcome. Unfortunately, this particu- Mulgrew, president of the United Feder- falls under the NYPD, the hiring of 100 sio said. lar plan is wasteful and appears to be ation of Teachers, said having a placard more traffic agents who will solely mon- The lack of enforcement has inspired designed to minimize its real impact,” for teachers will increase teacher reten- itor placard abuse, increased fines, and Twitter accounts such as @PlacardCor- the creator of @PlacardCorruption, tion. pending technology that will determine ruption to begin chronicling instances who asked for anonymity fearing repri- “If you want to retain your teachers, whether registered placards are being where traffic agents avoid ticketing a sal, said. “Relying on specialized units you have to have a place for them to get placed on non-registered vehicles. Vio- placard-carrying vehicle despite an ob- will invariably mean the small number to, and how to get there and actually lators could be subject to disciplinary vious infraction. The mayor added that of ‘right’ people will not be in the right how to park their car…It’s nice so many action or even having their car towed, he and city agencies would continue place at the right time. What is needed teachers come here, get trained here, according to Chief Thomas Chan of the monitoring those sites, and welcome is proper, lawful orders and account- are great teachers. New York City’s the NYPD Transportation Bureau. folks catching traffic agents overlook- ability for the standing army of Traf- toughest place to teach, and then they “[A]nyone who thinks, in any agency, ing infractions. fic Enforcement Agents to simply issue leave,” Mulgrew said. “And they’re like, that they will be able to get away with “We’re going to invite the public to tickets fairly and consistently for the ‘Well, I can go over here and teach, and the abuse of their placard will quickly help us in this enforcement effort by violations they observe.” I can drive to the school, and I have a see that the new enforcement capacity putting any information either online The enforcement unit essentially is beautiful parking spot, and I don’t have is not like anything they’ve seen in the or calling it in to 3-1-1, and our enforce- creating divisions among agents which to worry about anything. You know, this past,” de Blasio said. ment personnel will be looking for those will “marginalize those who are as- goes both ways.”

I SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT to get a job, without being denied because of my skin tone or name.

#YouHaveRightsNYC

YOU DO HAVE THE RIGHT. TM Commission on Office of If you feel you’ve been a victim of discrimination based Human Rights the Mayor Carmelyn P. Malalis, on your race or country of origin, we can help. Chair/Commissioner

Call 718-722-3131 to speak with a NYC Commission on Human Rights representative or report it at NYC.gov/HumanRights

Saturday,Saturday, JuneMay 17,27, 2017 2017

IT’S THE PERFECT TIME FOR A SPRING SIDEWALK SALE On White Plains Road between E. Gun Hill Road and 241st St.