Archive

NYC Health Department Investigating Cluster of Legionnaires’ Disease Identified in Highbridge, Melrose

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson announced on Saturday, May 21, that the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in the Bronx in ZIP codes 10452 in Highbridge and 10456 in the Melrose neighborhood. Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia. “Four people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease since May 9, 2022, and results for other individuals are pending. To date, there have been no deaths associated with this possible cluster,” Gibson said. “The NYC Health Department is sampling and testing the water from all cooling tower


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Two Years On, Heroes & Victims of COVID-19 Remembered Across The Bronx

By DAVID GREENE
Over two years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, various Bronx organizations were recognized for answering the call of service during the pandemic’s early days at an event hosted by Councilman Rafael Salamanca (CD 17) at the New York Botanical Garden, while at a separate event, some Redwood trees planted last year were blessed and dedicated to the lives and memories of more than 40 victims of COVID-19.   Salamanca honored seven healthcare entities and food distribution companies during a luncheon at The New York Botanical Garden, on Southern Boulevard on Thursday, April 21. The seven honorees were Lincoln Hospital,


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UPDATE New York State Issues Air Quality Advisory & Heat Alert

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality advisory for New York City for Saturday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The pollutant of concern is Ozone. Officials said active children and adults, and people with respiratory problems, such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.   DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of


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Councilman Oswald Feliz’s First Package of Bills on Fire Safety Passes at City Council

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  New York City Council voted unanimously in the affirmative on Thursday, May 19, to pass the first package of bills sponsored by District 15 City Council Member Oswald Feliz, chair of the City Council Twin Parks Fire Safety Committee, which aim to strengthen fire enforcement and safety in New York City communities.   The various bills increase penalties and fines for self-closing door violations. As reported, the FDNY found that a self-closing door violation was a contributing factor in the occurrence of loss of life during the Twin Parks fire tragedy of Sunday, Jan. 9.   The bills also


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“Hip-Hop Fever” Sweeps Through Lehman Center

By JULIAN NAZAR
“It’s me, killer Chuck – the best MC, back in The Bronx – it’s the place to be! Tonight is the night – movin’ and groovin’! It’s also the night we say, ‘Thank you Ruben!’”   U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s rap intro was one of many remarkable sights and sounds that spectators were treated to at a recent show in Jerome Park’s Lehman Center for the Performing Arts.   On Saturday, April 30, almost all 2,276 seats at the Lehman Center were filled for “Hip-Hop Fever,” a hip-hop show dedicated to former Bronx Borough President Ruben


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Wakefield: 65-Year-Old Man Assaulted, Robbed

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The NYPD is asking for the public’s help identifying the two people seen in the attached photo who are sought in connection to a robbery that occurred on the border of Wakefield and Mount Vernon.   It was reported to police that on Saturday, May 7, at around 2.40 p.m., in front of 2565 Barnes Avenue, a 65-year-old man was walking in the location when he was approached by the two.   An NYPD official said, “One of the individuals displayed a firearm while demanding money.” According to police, the victim was hit about the head multiple times with the


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Morris Heights: Building Applications Filed with DOB for New, 7-Story Building at 1985 Jerome Avenue

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  Building applications have filed with New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) for a seven-story, mixed-use building at 1985 Jerome Avenue in the Morris Heights section of The Bronx, reported by YIMBY.   Located between West Burnside Avenue and West Tremont Avenue, the lot is steps from the Burnside Avenue subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Moris Yeroshalmi under the Yed LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications, according to YIMBY.   The proposed 70-foot-tall development will yield 41,759 square feet, with 38,620 square feet designated for residential space and 3,139 square feet for commercial space.


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Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on the Possibility of the Overturning of Roe vs. Wade Expanding to a Potential Ban on Contraception

By DAVID GREENE
    This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the possibility of Roe v. Wade being struck down and whether, in their view, such a Supreme Court decision could potentially lead to the banning of contraception. “I do believe everyone has a right to their own bodies, especially women. I also believe people have rights to do whatever they want with their bodies, but sometimes too many rights are given to people and it’s misused. Let’s just say, for example, if a woman is pregnant at a certain stage, that pregnancy should not be terminated, you understand? If the


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Northeast Bronx: Robbery & Sexual Assault Pattern

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance identifying an individual who is sought in connection to a pattern of robbery and criminal sex acts that occurred in the Laconia and Edenwald sections of the North Bronx.   On Sunday, May 1, at approximately 11.20 p.m., the individual approached a 19-year-old male victim in the vicinity of Eastchester Road and Burke Avenue in Laconia and displayed a knife. The aggressor stole the victim’s phone and forced him to perform a sexual act on him, while the victim resisted. The assailant then fled to parts unknown.   On May 18, an additional


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