EXCLUSIVE: Amid Re-development of Kingsbridge Armory, Rents To Double For Some In August

By David Cruz The Norwood News has learned rents have doubled for small business owners just across from the Kingsbridge Armory, in a move that’s considered a first major push to weed out retailers on the eve of the Armory’s redevelopment. The move foreshadows a possible trend in the working class neighborhood that could see an exodus of existing retail tenants. Retailers at over a dozen diners, stores and other retail establishments were sent a letter by New Kingsbridge LLC informing them that rents will double come August 1. The news has stunned many business owners in the working class

by David Cruz Following news reports, including those by the Norwood News, the owner of a newsstand inside One Fordham Plaza is once again cleared to sell coffee following a campaign by online activists. For the past month, the newsstand was allegedly told by management to stop its coffee sales following the opening of a Starbucks just outside the building’s complex. The news, first broken by the Norwood News, inspired an online petition requesting that One Fordham Plaza reinstate the newsstand owner’s right to sell coffee. While the ban was in place, and acrimony raged, a sign hung up by the tiny

By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers their thoughts on the long-standing practice of using fire hydrants to cool off in the summertime.

NCBH Looks For Rape Crisis Volunteers

by David Cruz The trend of sexual assaults in the Bronx remains steady since last year, but North Central Bronx Hospital looks to crush those numbers. And it wants your help.

NCBH, Torres Delivers on Maternity Ward

By IMANI HALL What began as a saga filled with haranguing, turmoil and uncertainty ended with celebration after a cadre of community leaders, elected officials and hospital administrators at North Central Bronx Hospital unveiled a plan to revive the neighborhood hospital’s delivery unit by fall.

Out & About – Mid-Summer Events For All Ages

Onstage • The NY Philharmonic performs a concert featuring classical music, July 15 at 8 p.m. at Van Cortlandt Park’s Parade Ground, followed by a fireworks display. For more information, call (718) 760-6969. • The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., presents ChineseRed Silk Dancers, July 12; and ThePapo Pepin Quartet in Concert, July 19; both at 2:30 p.m. For more information, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org.

By RICHARD BUCEY Vital Statistics: 33%Percentage of public school students in New York State who are obese.Source: New York State Department of Health Obesity in the Bronx is getting a run for its money.

Serial Groper Still on the Run Police in the 47th Precinct are still on the hunt for a serial groper wanted in nine separate attacks on females between the ages of 12 and 21 in Wakefield, Edenwald, Williamsbridge and Eastchester. His crimes stretch back to the beginning of the year.

Business Beat – Report Outlines Potential Future of Webster Ave

By DAVID CRUZ To build an eclectic commercial corridor involves plenty of intelligence gathering, reviewing aspects that render a series of recommendations solely for the neighborhood. It often takes the work of someone required to immerse himself in the neighborhood, and Larisa Ortiz did just that.