With Bronx Businesses Under Siege, A Bill to Stabilize Commercial Tenant Leases

By DAVID CRUZ

In the decades since Tom opened his Kingsbridge business, things had always been profitable and quiet. That was until last year when his landlord denied him his regularly five-year lease extension. Tom asked his last name be kept confidential for fear of retribution from his landlord who’s dangled month-to-month lease over his head. “My future’s uncertain there,” said Tom. He’s since refocused his attention on kick starting his restaurant business in nearby Westchester County, where small businesses are welcomed, he noted. Along Kingsbridge Road, a commercial area home to small businesses, many stores have maintained a holding pattern as the

This week we asked readers about complaints to the city’s 311 hotline and how fast they got results. [A woman claimed to be a landlord and wasn’t.] 311 responded quickly, but they just put in the paperwork saying they gave the woman a violation. On that side it went fine. But we’re still left homeless and without a place to stay because this lady took our rent money and now eight people are left in the cold. Anthony Simpson Fordham I called

By DAVID CRUZ

Businesses lining the commercial corridor on Bainbridge Avenue between East 205th and East 208th streets will receive cleaning services through a nonprofit agency that helps to beautify the neighborhoods. “When I got elected, the number one issue people in this district complained about are the quality of life issues,” said Councilman Andrew Cohen, who represents the 11th Council District, which covers Norwood. His support to improve the Norwood strip came in the form of a $65,000 council grant for Fedcap, a Bronx based workforce agency. Under Fedcap is the WildCat Service Corp., which runs the Neighborhood Improvement Program. The service

City To Grant Jerome Park Reservoir Access on May 20 and 21

By DAVID CRUZ

A walk-through of the still-closed Jerome Park Reservoir has been rescheduled for Nov. 14 after city officials postponed it due to severe weather forecasts. The tour of the massive manmade reservoir was supposed to have taken place Oct. 3, following years of prodding by park advocates who have long hoped for the public reservoir access. As it stands, residents are prohibited from walking the reservoir’s scenic two-mile perimeter for security reasons, a position long held by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the agency that holds oversight of the reservoir. A fraction of the city’s drinking water, originating from

By DAVID CRUZ

With just several days before the November general election, Robert D. Siano, a Republican in the race for Bronx District Attorney, and his Democratic opponent, former state Supreme Court Justice Darcel Clark, have spent the last campaign days dropping by any venue to espouse their platforms. For Siano, it’s subway stops on every line, public forums and scheduled debates. For Clark, it’s appearances at local Bronx political clubs, senior centers, civic organizations and, as Siano also noted, “anywhere where they would have me.” Campaigning is tough work, both candidates admit. But in the Bronx, a borough whose registered Democrats overpower

By MICHAEL BROWN JR.

Students at PS 94 Kings College School took part in the elementary school’s ninth annual spelling bee completely abuzz with support from proud parents, faculty, and community police officers. Nadia Sharia won the coveted first place prize after beating out second place finisher Brian Puma in the final round of the Oct. 21 competition, correctly spelling “absence.” Nadia is in the 4th grade and like a typical nine-year-old was nervous as she stood in front of the auditorium with a crowd of cheering supporters. But she certainly came to the spelling bee to win, studying with her sister every night

Greetings dear readers! The Norwood News is out with its latest edition of the community newspaper filled with plenty of neighborhood news you can use! We begin in Bedford Park and the scene of a devastating fire that took out two well known businesses at a strip. Find out what the owners of these two stores had to say to the paper. Beyond the cover, you’ll learn about a familiar building that’s up for grabs near the impending Kingsbridge National Ice Center, an Inquiring Photographer segment that pinpoints unresolved 311 complaints, and plenty of pictures of some newsworthy events. Also, read David

Editor’s Pick: Halloween Happenings The public is invited to the following Halloween events in the Bronx: Oct. 29 and 30, store hours – Jerome-Gun Hill BID offers special Trick or Treat Bag Giveaway, on Jerome Avenue between Mosholu Parkway and Gun Hill Road and on Gun Hill Road from Jerome to Webster avenues. For more information, call (718) 324-4946. Oct. 30, 3 to 6 p.m. – Safe Treats – Safe Streets and Treats, East 204th Street and Bainbridge Avenue (between Perry and Hull avenues). Oct. 29, 4:30 to 6 p.m. – Healthy Halloween Celebration, PS 9 Ryer Avenue Elementary, 230

By JASMINE GOMEZ

The 52nd Precinct honored its officers, community stakeholders and businesses for going above and beyond their duties over the past year at the 12th annual Fellowship Recognition Breakfast. Hosted by the 52nd Precinct Community Council, the yearly event was held at Monroe College Oct. 23 and featured a ceremony where several elected officials, NYPD officers, and community members delivered speeches. The council, a volunteer-based group, serves as a liaison between the community and Police Department. Their meetings are held the fourth Thursday of every month and addresses police matters. Inspector Nilda Hofmann, commanding officer of the 52nd Precinct, routinely