Participatory Budgeting Ideas Identified, Now It’s Your Turn

Beginning the last week of March, residents living in the neighborhoods of Norwood, Bedford Park, Woodlawn and Riverdale will be able to vote on what community improvement projects will be added to their Council District’s capital budget through Participatory Budgeting. The process, whereby a member of the New York City Council offers residents the chance to decide how to spend $1 million in capital funding, is approaching the final stretch of its process. The office of Councilman Andrew Cohen, who once again hosted a Participatory Budgeting session, has released a voter guide that details the nature and prices of 12

By DANIELA BEASLEY

The rock pillars spanning the length of the heavily traveled Mosholu Parkway provide character to the leafy roadways. But the pillars have gone without rehab or renovations since the late 1970s, and it’s beginning to show. The pillars have been a long-standing issue, made even more problematic since some pose a safety hazard, according to Barbara Stronczer, who doubles as president of the Bedford Mosholu Community Association and chairs Community Board 7’s Parks Committee. “You notice the deterioration of the columns. Take a look at the bottom of those pillars. I’m concerned someone is going to get hurt,” she said.

This week we asked readers their thoughts on Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.’s time in office, and asked them to name some of his successes or failures during his administration so far. Well, so far he’s been Borough President for more than four years. It must be more and he’s done a lot of good things. He cleaned up the Bronx River and he’s got us more housing. He’s interested in that stuff, better living and better jobs for us. I think he’s been a good borough president. I think he wants to accomplish a lot for the Bronx and for

By DAVID CRUZ

For Malla Haridat of Kingsbridge/Riverdale, establishing a business was a daunting experience the first time out. Luckily, there was a mentor, which she credits to have worked out some rookie mistakes. “You really need people that have been there, done that, and could kind of show you where are your blind spots, where are your gaffes to figure you what do you need to do differently,” said Haridat, owner of Moms and Daughters, a business management consulting firm. Finding the right support can make or break a business, and for female business owners, that support has never been critical. It’s

By JASMINE GOMEZ

Hospitals across the planet jointly celebrated World Kidney Day, and Montefiore Medical Center joined in on the action. In recognition of the event, on March 10 Montefiore set up a table in the lobby of its Moses Campus with pamphlets, handouts, and giveaways that piqued interest on organ donation. Those who wished to sign up to join the kidney donor registry were also welcomed. World Kidney Day is a global campaign aimed at providing awareness and information about kidney disease, its risk factors, preventive steps, and the importance of donating organs. “It’s really about loving your kidneys, taking care of your kidneys, and how to prevent new disease,” said Leo

When Allan Freilich decided to close his legendary Norwood jewelry store at the end of last year, he told The Norwood News he was humbly grateful to his loyal customers for their support over the decades. Less than three months later, Freilich has found a nearby jewelry store he is comfortable endorsing for referrals—Studio Jewelers at 2240 Bartow Ave., in the Bay Plaza Shopping Center. Customers who call the phone number for Freilich’s Norwood store, (718) 798-1063, will now be ringing Studio’s. Studio has been in business at Bay Plaza (right next to Modell’s) for 25 years. Studio employs a

By DANIELA BEASLEY

Police need help from the public in tracking a suspect involved in a daring burglary at the Kennedy Fried Chicken in Bedford Park. Police from the 52nd Precinct say the suspect crawled under the security gate and broke the store’s window inside to gain access to the fast food eatery at 25 Bedford Park Boulevard on March 9 at around 5 a.m. The suspect took roughly $800 in cash, then ran off heading west on the largely busy street. “When I came in at 9 a.m. that’s when I see the broken glass and call the police,” said Muhammed Karimi,

By DAVID CRUZ

BP Reflects on Development, Drawing Professional Workers, and Mayoral Ambivalence His innuendos were obvious, if not passive aggressive. But there he stood, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. spending 45 minutes in his seventh State of the Borough address chastising the de Blasio Administration for a number of perceived missteps. For political observers, it was a diatribe that once again stoked the burning question. Does Mr. Diaz want to be mayor of New York City? Can he really run the city? It’s an elephant in the room nurtured by daily speculation from inquisitive media and its propensity for validation. Though

IT’S A WRAP! Film students from Community Organized with a Vision of Excellence (COVE) held its yearly film festival March 11 at Montefiore Medical Center’s Grand Hall. Movie shorts were presented at the evening event with COVE participants (pictured) hailed for their directorial, writing and acting efforts. Next stop, Hollywood. Photo by Miriam Quinones