Archive

NYPL Libraries Revert to Phase 1 Operations Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases

By SÍLE MOLONEY
On Nov. 9, the New York Public Library (NYPL) had introduced a Phase 2 opening service, providing desktop computer usage to library users, limited browsing at 14 branch libraries, as well as in-person appointments and grab-and-go pick up at research libraries.   However, on Monday, Nov. 16, representatives said that after careful examination of the recent unfavorable trends in COVID-19 cases across New York City, NYPL made the difficult decision to roll back to a Phase 1 opening service, system-wide. On Nov. 25, NYPL closed three libraries on Staten Island, following the State’s designation of the impacted areas as orange


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City Issues ‘Winter Operations Advisory’ for Monday, Dec. 14, Precautions Required for Outdoor Dining

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Due to the chance of colder winter weather in the forecast, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has issued a Winter Operations Advisory for Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. The department said that its snow clearing equipment is ready to tackle any winter weather coming our way, and added that the advisory does not constitute a snow alert, since an alert would require that Open Restaurants cease roadway dining.   To better facilitate continued operations for Open Restaurant participants this year, DSNY said it will issue both “Snow Alerts” and “Winter Operations Advisories,” with the department planning to use


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Bronx Night Market Extends Seasonal Run to Assist Local, Largely Immigrant-Owned Businesses

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The Bronx Night Market is pausing its usual winter, off-season break to support the local micro-business community, predominantly immigrant-owned businesses reeling from the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated shutdowns.   Though usually closed during the winter months, the beloved open-air festival is taking a stand and curating a Holiday Market on Fordham Plaza where all proceeds will be donated to support market and street vendors critically affected by the pandemic. The event, taking place on Saturday, Dec. 19, and Sunday, Dec. 20, will kick-off for a winter series specifically aimed at allowing these businesses to engage


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Food Giveaways Made Thanksgiving Possible During a Once-in-a-Lifetime Pandemic

By DAVID GREENE
With food insecurity never as widespread as it has been throughout 2020, elected officials across the borough were out in force, once again, a few weeks ago handing out frozen turkeys so that Bronxites could enjoy a regular, traditional Thanksgiving dinner, despite the abnormal atmosphere amid the pandemic.   On Monday, Nov. 16, Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. joined representatives from FreshDirect and City Harvest at the corner of East 137th Street and Alexander Avenue in Mott Haven, to distribute 700 turkeys with all the trimmings, as well as PPE to local residents. In a press release ahead of the


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Mosholu Playground Adds New Mural, as Mural Project for Azalea Garden Remains on Hold

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Celebrating its 53rd year, the purpose of the NYC Parks’ public arts program, Art in the Parks, is to use public space across all five boroughs as an outdoor museum, letting works of art “loose in the city, to set them under the light of day, where they intrude upon our daily walks and errands.”   Lady K Fever’s three murals, ‘Birds Eye View,’ ‘Soaring,’ and ‘Natural Elements,’ painted on the surrounding walls of Mosholu Playground have been in existence for almost four years and are a sight to behold. ‘Natural Elements’ is a visually stunning mural depicting insects and


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NY Working Families Party Endorses Four Bronx City Council Candidates, including Lora & Abreu

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New York Working Families Party (WFP) announced on Friday, Dec. 11, its endorsement of four 2021 New York City Council candidates in the Bronx: Adolfo Abreu for District 14, Mino Lora for District 11, Althea Stevens for District 16, and Marjorie Velázquez for District 13. The party said all four candidates are longtime community leaders, spanning all corners of the Bronx.   Sochie Nnaemeka, state director of the party, said that this year New York City voters demanded bold, progressive candidates up and down the ballot. “As we approach the 2021 elections, we must heed this mandate by electing


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Fordham Manor: Search for 65-Year-Old Missing Woman

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Maria Aponte, 65, who was reported missing in the 52nd precinct.   Aponte was last seen Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020 at around 7 p.m., leaving her home at 2525 Morris Avenue, Apt#C2, in the Fordham Manor section of the Bronx. She is described as being approximately 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighs 200 pounds, is of a heavy build, and has brown eyes and black hair. She was last seen wearing a pink jacket, gray leggings, a yellow shirt and black and pink sneakers.   Anyone with


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Former Manhattan BP Endorses Jessica Haller in 11th City Council District Race

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Former Manhattan borough president and New York City councilwoman, Ruth Messinger, announced her endorsement on Thursday, Dec. 10, of Jessica Haller, Democratic candidate for New York City’s 11th Council District.   “I know firsthand what it takes to succeed in the New York City Council, and can’t think of anyone better suited to represent the people of the 11th Council District than Jessica Haller,” said Messinger via a press release. “Jessica has the experience, passion, and knowledge to get things done for our city. She is someone we can rely on to prioritize social and climate justice and have our


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NYPD Community Outreach Continues via Multi-Lingual Virtual Reform & Reinvention Session

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  The final virtual police reform and reinvention listening session for 2020 was held on Wednesday, Dec. 9, in further efforts to continue to connect with New Yorkers, and address concerns around police and policing. About 90 people participated in the citywide virtual event, which was advertised as a multi-lingual session with translators available to take questions from callers in a number of languages.   Police Commissioner Dermot Shea, Chief of Patrol Juanita Holmes, who was promoted to the role on Oct. 29, and other senior police officials took questions on issues ranging from how to report police misconduct to


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