Norwood Animal Advocates Eye Former PS 51 Site as 24-Hr. Shelter

With sightings of feline strays and the occasional raccoon scampering around Norwood, several animal advocates are calling for a 24-hour, multi-service animal shelter to be built at a building once known as the “toxic school.” Some members of Community Board 7 (CB7) and the Bronx Animal Shelter Endeavor (B.A.S.E) have since proposed an animal shelter be built at 3200 Jerome Ave., a red-brick site at the corner of Jerome and Van Cortlandt avenues. The efforts are part of a long-term push by advocates to have a full-service, city-owned shelter in the Bronx. “The fact is that if there is any

Editor’s Pick: Tour de Bronx The Bronx Tourism Council and the Office of the Bronx Borough President invite the public to the 21st Annual Tour de Bronx, to bike ride 25 or 40 miles and explore Bronx neighborhoods, historic districts, and beautiful waterfronts, Oct. 25, ending at the New York Botanical Garden, with live music and light snacks. Check in at 9 a.m. at the Bronx County Building, 851 Grand Concourse (161st Street). The Department of Transportation will fit and distribute free bicycle helmets from 8 a.m. to noon while supplies last. Riders must sign a waiver. Participants 17 or younger

By DAVID CRUZ

Community news is alive and well here at the Norwood News, serving up another edition filled with plenty of community news you can use. We take you to Bedford Park first and speculation surrounding investment speculation on Webster Avenue that’s revolving around a tiny piece of property currently occupied by the US Postal Service. Reporter William Mathis digs up what is happening at the post office that’s making residents worry. Going inside the award-winning newspaper, and a story on the Norwood News crunching some numbers on the number of 311 complaints Community Board 7 has logged. The results surprised us. And this

By DAVID CRUZ

Whalen Park, a small park just next to the Norwood/205th Street D subway station and steps from the Mosholu Library, has been approved for a $1.3 million facelift. “Whalen Park was approved for reconstruction by the Public Design Commission on Oct. 5. The project is scheduled to be transmitted and enter the procurement cycle by the end of this month,” read a statement by the New York City Parks Department. The procurement cycle involves securing contractors to rebuild the park.

Bedford Park Residents Worry Over Future of Post Office

By WILLIAM MATHIS

The future of the post office at 2963 Webster Ave. remains uncertain, thanks to a recent new buyer who’s been in the business of developing luxury housing. Questions still languish over whether the post office will stay open despite assurance from high-ranking officials at the United States Postal Service (USPS) over its intention to stay. Back in 2009 the branch was put on a potential closure list due to USPS budget cuts. However, the community rallied behind the branch to successfully keep it open. Now, the post office is threatened by potential development plans from the property’s new owner. The

By DAVID CRUZ

With slabs of concrete leaving one giant mess, the collapse of an aging stone wall and staircase at the northeast side of Williamsbridge Oval has sparked plenty of speculation on just what caused it to cave. Yet from all the conjecture and guessing games, there haven’t been many clear cut answers, bewildering soccer players, dog walkers and parents of young children playing at the heavily used park. As it stands, police have cordoned off the damaged concrete staircase leading to the park’s lower level. But the fallen yellow tape and tipped-over NYPD fences haven’t done much for park goers who

By DAVID GREENE

This week we asked readers their thoughts on Pope Francis’ momentous visit to New York City. I watched it on TV; I didn’t even try to see him. My niece went and she asked me why he didn’t kiss her and I don’t have an explanation for that. I don’t know why he didn’t or if she was supposed to [have been], or if he was supposed to or not supposed to. I don’t have an explanation. But she said it was a good experience. Yeah, the traffic was really bad. It kind of got me upset. I didn’t know what was happening at first.

By JOLI HARRIS

For a long time I was blind to the fact that there was a name for unusual, controlling and abusive behavior. For many of days I felt a lot of confusion, sadness and a need to run. But for some reason I felt by doing so I would be hurting my abuser. After many nights of praying God would get me safely out of the situation, I decided to walk away and never return. I utilized the support and help that I was given to stay away and that was the birth of ‘I Don’t Owe U Nothin’.’ Domestic violence is

By DAVID CRUZ

It’s still unclear what caused an apartment to go up in flames at a Bedford Park building, which sent tenants rushing out the building. FDNY Captaion Dominic Caleri told the Norwood News the fire began at the fifth floor at 2701 Grand Concourse just before 2 p.m. Nine fire trucks rushed to the scene, finding tenants waiting outside as crews knocked out the fire. One truck utilized its turntable ladder to reach the roof of the building to knock out the blaze. Caleri pointed out no one was in the apartment. Tenants told the Norwood News the occupant of the building was at