Twelve Dead, Including Baby, in Belmont Fire

By DAVID CRUZ

Twelve people, among them one child, are dead and four critically injured in a fire called one of the “worst fires in several decades.” The fire in the Belmont section of the Bronx comes amid the city experiencing a deep freeze. “This is the worst fire tragedy we have seen in this city in at least a quarter century,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio at the scene of the fire at 2363 Prospect Ave. “Based on the information we have now, this will rank as one of the worst losses of life to a fire in many, many years.” Eric

Four-Alarm Fire at Building Owned By Norwood's Worst Landlord

By DAVID CRUZ

An overnight fire at a building owned by Norwood’s reported worst landlord displaced every tenant on one of winter’s chilliest nights. It was a fire that woke up Michael Cotto, a six-year tenant at 3414 Knox Pl. His daughter first woke up, inhaling smoke. “Everything is gone,” said Cotto, standing alongside his wife, Jacqueline Colon. Luckily, the pair and their daughter have found a home at his mother-in-law’s house. He and dozens of others in the 36-unit building have been displaced. The building was listed as being owned by Narsinh Desai. In November, New York City Public Advocate Letitia James placed

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA, PFA

What was hailed as a simplification idea is anything but simple. This Trump tax bill has three effects: a good effect, scheduled for Feb 1, 2018; a bad effect, scheduled for Jan. 1, 2018; and an ugly that should start Jan 1, 2019 when you start to have your 2018 (the following year) taxes prepared. The Good Effect: Individuals will be receiving on average a three percent tax cut. The average New Yorker making $50,000 a year will receive back $1500, and through your paychecks (say biweekly) $58. The Bad Effect: Your eligibility to deduct for lifestyle items: job expenses, dependents (exemptions), moving expenses, alimony, advisory and tax preparation

Work on Mosholu Grand in Norwood to Start in March 2018

By WENDY JOAN BIDDLECOMBE

Mosholu Grand, the planned site of a 152-unit apartment building at a former auto repair shop and gas station location, is environmentally cleared for development following a monthslong debate over the property’s safety. Throughout the planning and demolition process, the community board and neighborhood residents were worried that the site at 150 Van Cortlandt Ave. E. might be environmentally unfit for living. But according to an environmental assessment statement signed off on Dec. 6 by Aaron Werner, the director of environmental planning at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), construction at the site “would not result in

Editor’s Pick Free Family Films The public is invited to view free films at the following local libraries: Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org.: Dec. 23 at 2:30 p.m. – “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 30 at 2:30 p.m. – “Wonder Woman” Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., (718) 882-8239: Dec. 23 at 1:30 p.m. – “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” Events Bedford Park Congregational Church, 2988 Bainbridge Ave. (at 201st Street) offers its Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Dec. 24 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. For more information, call (718) 733-3199. Congressman

Apply to Local Community Board Applications for placement into a local community board are available. City residents who qualify must either reside, work or have a professional or other significant interest in the Bronx. Applications are open to anyone as young as 16 years old. Deadline for application submission is Feb. 9, 2018. For more information and to apply, call (718) 590-3913 or visit bronxboropres.nyc.gov/community-boards/. Summer Camp Applications Applications for summer camps sponsored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will open Jan. 24, 2018. Applications should be submitted through the online registration program at http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/29.html. Parents

By KEYLA GARCIA

This time of year is filled with holiday cheer, gatherings, and lots of great food. For many folks the holiday season means eating more than usual, putting on a few extra pounds followed by weight loss being a New Year’s resolution goal. However, the holiday season doesn’t have to include weight gain if you eat in moderation, use portion control, and exercise regularly. It’s important to take a healthier approach to what we eat during the yuletide. The American Heart Association offers several tips toward a healthy approach. Small changes make a big difference. Control portions. Especially during the holidays,

Dear Fellow Readers, The latest edition of the Norwood News, covering the Norwood section of the Bronx and its surrounding neighborhoods, is out with its last edition of 2017! It’s certainly been a ride. To refresh your memory of some of this year’s happenings, we encourage you to take a look at our editorial. It’s worth a read. But let’s get back to the beginning and page one! On Dec. 19, Bronx Community Board 7 finally found another district manager. This time it’s Ischia Bravo, who becomes the first female district manager since the late Rita Kessler. Her hiring was met

BRONXITE MIKE BUFFALO (seated front center), an alum of Wings Academy, returned to his home borough on Dec. 8 for an event at The New School for Leadership and The Arts. After realizing his professional basketball dreams in Europe, the 26-year-old founded the Westchester-based Faith & Grind Basketball School. Photo by Miriam Quinones