CB7 Backs Proposed Bike-Friendly Changes to Southern Boulevard

By CHRISTY RAE AMMONS

Community Board 7 voted to support a plan by the city Department of Transportation (DOT) that would overhaul traffic patterns on the northbound lanes of Southern Boulevard. As part of its last pieces of business before going on its summer break, the board voted to send a letter to the DOT backing the project. The plan dubbed Southern Boulevard Traffic Calming and Protected Bike Lanes Safety Project looks to narrow the northbound roadway, and add a two-way protected bike lane. The hope is to discourage speeding and make the road safer for pedestrians and cyclists. News of the board’s backing

Inquiring Photographer: Presidential Candidates

By DAVID GREENE

This week we asked readers their thoughts on the Democratic candidates for the 2020 presidential election including New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. De Blasio is good to be mayor, but I don’t think he can compete for the U.S. presidential election. He’s not good, I don’t think so. I think Joe Biden has the most experience and he has a plan. All of the Democrats look good. MD Ali Washington Heights So far no one stands out. No, I don’t like [former Vice President Joe] Biden. I don’t know, I think we need new faces and

By SÍLE MOLONEY

What’s happening in the southeast corner of Van Cortlandt Park? That’s what local residents and activists were asking since barricades were spotted in recent weeks along Jerome Avenue by East 212th Street in an area adjacent to the now infamous Croton Water Filtration Plant (CWFP), the most expensive public works project ever built by the city, one which went years behind schedule, cost taxpayers roughly $4 billion when it was finally completed in 2015, and now supplies the city with between 10 and 30 percent of its water. After some back and forth with various city agencies, it turns out

15th Congressional District Race Updates: Torres Lands First Endorsement

By DAVID CRUZ

It’ll be roughly a year from now when voters in the 15th Congressional District will decide who to send to Washington D.C. to represent them in the House of Representatives. Not even a year out, and the race is already crowed, with nine declared candidates (or least opening committees with the Federal Election Commission) laying the groundwork for what’s likely to be a very contentious race. Torres Notches First Endorsement Councilman Ritchie Torres, whose 15th Council District somewhat overlaps with the, landed the race’s first endorsement, locking in the backing of the Equality Caucus’ political agent, the Equality PAC. The

By MICHAEL TURAY

Empty Amstel Light beer cans and used cigar wraps still lie scattered across the front porch of a multi-family home at 306 E. 206th St. between Bainbridge and Perry Avenues, despite the home ordered to be vacant. But there are tiny signs of improvement for a house that has been an eyesore in the Norwood neighborhood. The front door is barricaded by a large piece of wood as three garbage bags filled with trash sit on the porch. Empty buckets for plaster are assembled, mismatched pieces of wood rest against the house, and a disconnected pipe lies on the lawn.

CB7 Sees Mix of New and Veteran Members to Executive Dais

By DAVID CRUZ and SÍLE MOLONEY

Community Board 7 saw a shift in civic power, as Jean Hill, who presided as chair of the northwest Bronx board, was voted out in favor of 31-year-old Norwood resident Emmanuel Martinez, a relative newcomer to the board. Several familiar faces have stayed on the executive dais, likely adding a mix of fresh ideas and institutional knowledge. Martinez currently serves as chair of CB7’s Veterans’ Committee, having recently hosted the annual Veterans’ Day Brunch, now in its third year. It’s unclear what the vote tally was as CB7 continues to ensure the proper vote count was met but 33 board

By DAVID GREENE

This week we asked readers their thoughts on the sweeping new rent laws passed last week in Albany, and if these new laws will affect and protect local residents. The new rent laws are very good; I mean, rent is too exorbitant now. It’s a serious problem. You need two people, [each with a job], just to pay the rent, otherwise you can’t survive. The new laws will protect people from being thrown out by a landlord, so it’s good that the new laws protect us. Teddy Equal Norwood I have been looking for an apartment and I’ve got

Why the CFB’s New Program Could Disrupt Purported 11th CD Race

By DAVID CRUZ

Next year will likely be an election season for the ages. And the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) is preparing so. With 35 New York City Council seats up for grabs, five of which are in the Bronx, more candidates will be on hand (CFB expects 500 candidates), especially those new to politics. Meantime, all five borough presidents, including Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., will have vacancies. Running campaigns is not cheap, leaving many candidates who believe they can make a difference to not even consider the thought. But CFB is looking to undo that by reminding

Merchants falling in the Jerome Gun Hill Business Improvement District (JGHBID), and supporters were on hand for the first-ever Small Business Recognition Barbecue hosted by the BID on June 21. The event honored longstanding or active merchants of the BID. Check out these fantastic shots by Síle Moloney