Talks on Reforming Bail Reform Set to Take Place Across the Bronx

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By HENRY MCEACHERN

With concerns on bail reform contributing to a spike in crime, and a dis-information campaign on the new measure fueled by those concerned, Community Board 7 is holding a forum to discuss the future of the state’s new criminal justice reforms, and what these sweeping changes actually mean for the Bronx. The meeting by CB7 is scheduled for on March 12 at 2530 Jerome Ave. at 6:30 p.m. Bail reform eliminates cash bail for misdemeanors, meaning that accused persons can no longer be held in jail before their trial if they can’t afford to get out. Judges can still place

Merchant Spotlight: A Family Business Grows at JGHBID

By JEROME GUN HILL BID

Shary and Ricky Rodriguez, the team behind Craft Empanadas and Shary’s Daycare on East Gun Hill Road, have opened their latest venture within the Jerome Gun Hill Business Improvement District (JGHBID). Craft Dance Studio, located below Craft Empanadas at 261 E. Gun Hill Rd., opened on Feb. 24 and serves as a space for dance classes, event rentals, and more. Children aged 3 and up can sign up for ballet, salsa, hip hop, and bachata classes on Mondays, Wednesday, and Thursdays. Adults can expect salsa and bachata classes to become available in the coming weeks. The studio space is also

By DAVID CRUZ

Councilman Fernando Cabrera, the socially conservative Democrat, announced he won’t be running for the congressional seat currently held by Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, five months after announcing he will run for the seat. He instead is running for borough president, a move he initially told the Norwood News he would not be doing. Cabrera, who represents the 14th Council District covering Kingsbridge Heights, broke the news over the weekend, telling the New York Post he wants to clear the moderate Democrat lane so another moderate Democrat, Michelle Caruso-Cabrera (no relation), can run against the democratic socialist. In a statement sent out to

Heastie Joins NCBH in Celebrating Black History Month

By HENRY MCEACHERN

State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie spoke to a crowd of residents on the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and the future of criminal justice reform at North Central Bronx Hospital’s (NCBH) Black History Month Celebration, a first for the state’s first African American speaker. Heastie, whose public visit to NCBH was rare, reflected on his accomplishments as a head of state, including the raising of minimum wage to $15 an hour. He also spoke on education, saying, “We’ve added over $6 billion in education funding since I became speaker. We increased the opportunity programs for people wanting to go

Editor’s Pick Church Flea Market Bedford Mosholu Community Association sponsors a giant flea market on March 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church of India, 360 Bedford Pk. Blvd. at Decatur Avenue. Included are new and used items including lamps, jewelry, books, toys, housewares, electronics, and more. A raffle and refreshments will be available. Info: (718) 584-1900. Onstage Lehman College for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd., W., presents Mummenschanz, a visual theatre troupe featuring stunning visual effects, March 1 at 4 p.m. (call for ticket information); and Grupo Niche, performing salsa, March

A Tribute for the Bronx's 'Unsung Heroes' and a Vital Bus Stop That Could Be Cut: Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s fifth edition of the Norwood News is out with plenty of interesting community news stories to read and share. We have 28 pages packed full of news from this corner of the Bronx, so let’s start with page one! Our top story focuses on a unique State of the Borough address delivered by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. The speech, Diaz’s penultimate before he heads into retirement in 2021, put the focus on the borough’s men and women who “put in the work” to better the borough. The story focuses on one Fordham local who certainly

By PROFESSOR ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

Education is a wonderful thing. But did you know that it’s even more wonderful because it is tax advantaged? But there’s many things we must understand, most notably, the tax expenses, deductions and credits! And since the law will allow you to take the bigger number of tax expenses, versus a tax credit versus a deduction, one must calculate which education credit or education deduction gives you the largest refund. Expenses & Deductions Up to $4,000 in qualified education expenses can be deducted on your tax return if your modified adjusted gross income is not more than $65,000 ($130,000 if

A Decade After Representing 85th A.D., Assemblyman Marcos Crespo Announces He Won't Seek Re-Election

By DAVID CRUZ

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, who wielded power both in Albany and as Bronx Democratic Party boss, announced he won’t be running for re-election. He’ll be finishing out his term at the end of the year, opening the door for a vacant Assembly seat. In a long statement posted on Facebook, Crespo called his time as Assemblyman for the 85th Assembly District, representing the southeast neighborhoods of Soundview, an “honor of my life.” “I have decided not to seek re-election, but instead pursue opportunities outside of government that will allow me to continue to serve my community, be closer to my daughters

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. delivered his annual State of the Borough speech in a rather interesting way, sidestepping its usual ceremonial proclivities that involve absorbing all the attention while unveiling his to-do list for the upcoming year by honoring the borough’s unsung heroes (more on this can be found in our front page story). But missing in that retrospective speech complete with pomp and swagger, bespoke of Diaz’s own personality, were ideas for the borough. Where were they? Checking back on previous state of the borough speeches (unlike this year, his office would send reporters a transcript of