Cars Found Smashed Along Stretch of Norwood

by David Cruz Norwood residents woke up early this morning to find several cars smashed on Parkside Place, a quiet street running parallel from Webster Avenue. The vandalism, first reported by News 12 the Bronx, happened during the overnight hours. Neighbors found front bumpers torn, glass on the floor and in one case tires slashed. Debris was found strewn about the hilly street. Car vandalism is commonplace in Norwood, according to neighbors. Police are investigating.

Bronx News Roundup for March 24-29

As the Norwood News finally gets some relief from this cold weather, albeit relatively small, we got you covered on some of the hot Bronx stories making the rounds. First up is the late-breaking story on several staffers from Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo heading to court over allegations of fraud. As reported by the New York Daily News, much of the heat on Arroyo’s trio of staffers stem from allegedly writing phony names on campaign petitions during Arroyo’s re-election bid last year. The trio faces upwards to seven years in prison. Arroyo maintains she knew nothing about the scheme. More

Arroyo Staffers Arrested On Forgery Charges

by David Cruz Three staffers for Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo have been arrested on charges of forging signatures during last year’s petition gathering . The story, first appearing in the New York Daily News, comes nearly a year after it was discovered the trio of staffers–Betty Julien, Elbin Lopez and Luis Vargas–allegedly wrote mock signatures that included known public figures Derek Jeter and Kate Moss. Arroyo, distancing herself from her accused staffers, denied having known about the collusion at a Board of Elections hearing last year. The three stand to face upwards to seven years in prison if convicted.

By David Cruz It’s a 21st century school for a 21st century world. Call that the mantra for Tech International Charter School in Kingsbridge Heights, a middle school settled in a relatively new ten-story office building on Corlear Avenue. Since the Norwood News first reported on the school back in 2011, TI Charter School has now added a seventh grade to its roster to its already established sixth grade, making up a student body of 215. An eighth grade class slated for the 2014-2015 school year will bump the population to over 300.

Community Presses for Left-Turn Traffic Light In Bedford Park

by Shayla Love When Barbara Stronzcer, Bedford Mosholu Community Association president, crosses the street at the intersection of Bedford Park and Webster Avenue, she is careful to look all ways. The busy crossroad in is filled with cars turning left on the green light and only some will stop for pedestrians.

Vital Stats: An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from all types of allergies. Source: Montefiore Medical Center By the Norwood News As winter ends and spring begins, folks may want to get out of the house to take a stroll about leafy East Mosholu Parkway or Van Cortlandt Park. But spring equals allergy season, resulting in symptoms ranging from itchy eyes, nose and throat, to sneezing or runny nose.

Fire Destroys Portion of Shopping Strip in Mount Hope

by David Greene An army of firefighters battled a wind-fueled fire that tore through a row of businesses in Mount Hope, destroying at least two stores and at least two other stores suffered extensive damage.

Neighborhood Notes

Charter School Open House Tech International Charter School at 3120 Corlear Avenue in Kingsbridge Heights holds an open house on Thursday, March 27 at 5:30pm. Online Auction The Van Cortlandt Jewish Center is running an online auction now through March 31st. Visit www.biddingforgood.com/vcjc to view and bid on items. Place your bid now to support the VCJC! Homebuyer Counseling & Free Tax prep The University Neighborhood Housing Program holds homebuyer counseling sessions at the Northwest Bronx Resource Center, 2715 Bainbridge Ave., offering free one-on-one professional assistance (appointments are available on the first and third Friday of every month) and free tax preparation sessions most

Editor’s Pick Zumba at the Oval The public is invited to join ongoing zumba sessions at the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, 3225 Reservoir Oval E., Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at noon. No registration is required. For more information, call (718) 543-8672.