In delayed opening of NCBH ward, pol seeks assurances

by David Cruz As North Central Bronx Hospital’s maternity ward still awaits an opening, elected officials have pressed the hospital to provide regular updates. Officials at an evening meeting on March 18th agreed. The suggestion was put forth by Councilman Ritchie Torres, whose 15th Council District lands within the hospital, urged NCBH attending officials to consider the move during the gathering. He had already secured a commitment with NCBH officials during a health committee hearing, agreeing to monthly meetings. But while he did get assurances that NCBH would continue holding public forums, hospital brass said the gatherings may happen once

Finally, the first day of spring is upon us! What better way to saying goodbye to the rough winter by getting your copy of the Norwood News! This week we delve into how much the prairie known as Mosholu Parkway was impacted by the snow storms. As snow melted, residents found the leafy landscape loaded with garbage. Reporter Justin McCallum dug into the story and found some very interesting tidbits. Another story looks at this year’s frosty election season, focusing on the 78th Assembly District, where incumbent Jose Rivera faces a challenger–former Community Board 7 district manager Fernando Tirado. Rivera has remained

By DAVID CRUZ At the Sea Shore Restaurant in City Island, a medium-size crowd turned up for Assemblyman Jose Rivera’s fundraiser on March 7. Rivera took to the dance floor, ushered in his daughter, former Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera, and even schmoozed with her opponent, current Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj. He was in his comfort zone, engaging with supporters bearing donations. For nearly 50 years, Rivera has stood virtually untouchable. He shattered racial barriers in a Bronx legislative caucus that was largely white, serving as a power groomer for rising Puerto Rican legislators like him, reflecting the changing demographics of the Bronx.

By DAVID CRUZ

by David Cruz When Eva Bornstein was asked to describe the atmosphere at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts prior to becoming its executive director, she turned to her secretary who knew the history beforehand. “Very dead, very sparse,” the secretary said bluntly. “We had no movement.” That was nearly 10 years ago. These days, Bornstein has inspired the borough’s cultural jewel to get its second wind, showcasing some big names in its theater while also shattering borough stereotypes. Not bad, considering performers often prefer to showcase their talents at Madison Square Garden or Radio City rather than a venue

NCBH will Deliver Late on Maternity Ward

By Justin McCallum NOTE: Community members are welcome to voice their concerns of the closure at a meeting with HHC, elected officials and advocates on Tuesday, March 18 at North Central Bronx Hospital at 6:30p.m. Amid growing unrest over closure of their maternity ward, North Central Bronx Hospital officials assured the community of their ongoing commitment to reopening the ward.

Viewing the Bronx from the Eyes of Daniel Hauben

By Hayley Camacho For artist Daniel Hauben the question, ‘Why do you paint the Bronx?’ can be answered with a similar question, ‘Why not paint the Bronx?’ “I live here,” he said. “Just as Monet painted his environment that happened to be Giverny and the beautiful gardens, my environment is the Bronx. It’s got plenty of possibilities.”

Activists Urge Klein To See The Sign On Campaign Finance Reform

by David Cruz “The cops are coming, let’s go!” said Matt Edge, head of the grassroots group Money Out of Politics (MOP), shouting to his accomplice as they scurried out of Fordham Plaza. In guerilla fashion, the activists hoisted a burlap sign in mid-afternoon with painted words that read “Klein, No More Empty Promises on Fair Elections #99.13%.” Six other banners were scattered throughout Klein’s 34th Assembly District, hung visibly around several overpasses along the Henry Hudson Parkway.

Taking Charge of the Parkway, Advocates Pick Up After Polluters

By Justin McCallum With warmer weather approaching, the many snowbanks along Mosholu Parkland are melting to reveal not budding flowers but heaps of trash discarded over the winter months. A walk along just ten concrete slabs of park sidewalk finds used cigarette boxes, a tomato sauce can, shattered beer bottles, motor oil and a moldy box of coffee along with paper cups. A felled “No Litter” sign lays discarded alongside debris, adding irony to a prairie that’s often treated like a wasteland. More trash lines the street, sidewalk, in the roadway and between cars.

Bronx News Roundup: Shakeups In NYPD Higher-Ups

by David Cruz The Bronx News Roundup is back from its one-week hiatus, loaded with some interesting tidbits happening in the world of Bronx news. First up, our pal Kappy at The Bronx Times Reporter serves up some gossip on police shakeups happening across the borough. It’s all positive stuff, as the Bronx men in blue have been bumped to better positions, most notably Borough Borough Commander Carlos Gomez, earning a third star as chief of the housing bureau. The Daily News reports on a narco bust involving an elaborate drug-buyback scheme, alleged to have operated at the 184th Street