Who’s Gained and Lost in the New Progressive Council Despite the Bronx political machine delaying their support of one of their own, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito (D-8th CD) still extended a hand of solidarity to several of her fellow Bronx political brethren by offering key roles in the City Council while leaving some in the lurch. We broke down a list of the borough’s political haves and have-nots: WHO REALLY GAINED Ritchie Torres: Councilman Ritchie Torres (D-15th CD) has gained the most, thanks to his early support of Viverito. He’s the only freshman council member to be included

by David Cruz Vital Stats: $16,000 The average yearly cost for a family’s health insurance (Source: Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust) For those in the clergy, civic and business communities, the new federal healthcare law remains somewhat of a mystery. The Affordable Care Act, having gone into effect Jan. 1, is intended to help provide coverage for those who couldn’t previously afford it. Since Oct. 1, thousands of Bronxites have signed up, though 250,000 more remain without healthcare. So in its long-term quest to encourage every resident to sign up for healthcare, Montefiore Medical Center

by DAVID CRUZ Editor’s Note: The Norwood News has brought back Business Beat, a feature spotlighting business-related stories with the captain of the industry in mind. If you have a business-related story idea, please call (718) 324-4998 or email the Editor-in-Chief, David Cruz, at dcruz@norwoodnews.org. In the eclectic tailspin of Jerome Avenue and Gun Hill Road, where the rumble of the elevated 4 subway mixes with sounds of foot traffic, shopping bags and cash registers, an economic force has spent years fine-tuning the shopping strip. Behind it is a Jamaican-born businesswoman who sought the American dream. She’s Marcia Cameron, executive

Neighborhood Notes: St. Brendan’s Needs Your Blood!

Annual St. Brendan’s Blood Drive St. Brendan’s Parish, 333 E. 206th St., holds its annual blood drive for the Hudson Valley Blood Bank on Sunday, Feb. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Blood donations are urgently needed. Donors under the age of 18 must have written parental consent (photo ID is required). For more information, call (718) 547-6655. Free Tax Prep Ridgewood Savings Bank hosts free tax preparation days to eligible filers at 3445 Jerome Ave., on Sunday, Feb. 9 and also at its branch at 4101 White Plains Rd. on Feb. 15, both from

Editor’s Pick Attention: Golden Anniversary Celebrants Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Healthfirst present their 7th Annual Sweetheart Luncheon on Feb. 13 for Bronx couples who have been married for 50+ years. For more information, eligible couples may call (718) 590-6248.

Hot off the Press: Fresh Edition of the Norwood News Out

Here now for your reading enjoyment is the latest copy of the Norwood News, with several well-written pieces that delve into what’s happening in our neck of the woods. First up, David Cruz explores Mayor Bill deBlasio’s decision to settle two hallmark stop-and-frisk cases that called attention to whether the NYPD practice is constitutional. Cruz spoke with one expert who predicts crime could likely spike. Next, reporter Shayla Love looks into a new addition at Tracey Towers–mailboxes that now stand erect at the lobby instead of being affixed to the walls as it’s been for years. It’s part of RY Management’s

by Paolo Mossetti The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center is on a roll! The Norwood-based multi-service group announced its financial footing is in shipshape thanks to a major increase in city, state, federal and foundation grants. Laurie Meltzer Bandremer, the center’s Director of Development, said the accomplishment has been “very gratifying.” She pegs much of the hard work to the board, administration and program staff that have “worked together this past year to cut unnecessary costs while continuing to serve the Bronx…”

Mixed Reactions to New Tracey Towers Mailboxes

By SHAYLA LOVE Amid ongoing renovations at Tracey Towers, a series of new mailbox banks can now be found in the building lobbies, and it’s causing plenty of stir and controversy for tenants. That’s because the mailboxes are blocking the view of the lobbies, infringing on what used to be empty space, according to Jean Hill, president of the Tenants Association.

Bronx Reacts to Stop-and-Frisk Settlement

by David Cruz Mayor Bill de Blasio promised, and now he’s delivered. In what was a major campaign pledge during de Blasio’s road to Gracie Mansion, the city will now settle two class-action lawsuits over the constitutionality of stop-and-frisk, a decision that sends ripples through a public that grew distant from the police. The controversial practice had for years eroded relationships between police and minority communities, with Bronxites claiming it was an intentional form of racial profiling. The lawsuits— Floyd v. City of New York and Ligon v. City of New York—