Residents to Protest Proposed Shelter Site on Sept. 19

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By DAVID CRUZ

Community stakeholders are gearing up to protest a proposed homeless shelter at an existing carpeting store on Webster Avenue in Norwood. The move follows weeks of unanswered questions by the New York City Department of Homeless Services, which has remained mum on the project. Sam’s Carpeting Inc. at 3041 Webster Ave. is under consideration to become a homeless shelter. The business is across from PS/MS 20, angering residents who would like to see the shelter placed elsewhere. “We feel strongly that the Mayor’s Office and DHS should work with the neighborhood into finding an appropriate site,” Barbara Stronczer, president of

This week we asked readers their thoughts on the upcoming Primary Election (asked prior to the Sept. 12 Primary), particularly the races for mayor, Bronx borough president, and City Council. The universal Pre-K has definitely been a huge benefit. It’s not surprising that he (Mayor Bill de Blasio) has so [few] challengers. We just need to give him a chance. He’s had some rough patches. For us, with two little guys, it’s a huge benefit. For City Council, I’m voting for Majorie Velazquez; I think she will make the changes that we need. Andrej Kozikowski Pelham Bay Voting is

Editorial: Bedford Park Locals Should Consider a No Solicitation Zone

On Oct. 1, the Country Club section of the Bronx, a middle class enclave that overlooks the Long Island Sound, will officially be considered a “non-solicitation real estate zone.” This should matter to residents living in Bedford Park. This community, just five miles west of Country Club, should add it to its arsenal of neighborhood preservation tools to help thwart the issue of over development that’s become an ongoing problem within the community. Here’s the catch: there has to be proof. The designation stops pesky realtors from pitching homeowners to sell their homes. The Country Club section evinces a suburban-like

Protests Considered Against Norwood Shelter

By REGGIE FRANCOIS

Following acrimony over the city Department of Homeless Services’ proposal to establish a homeless shelter across from an elementary school on Webster Avenue in Norwood, Community Board 7 still appears to be at an impasse in getting the city to reconsider. But Councilman Andy Cohen, who attended the board’s Sept. 12 Land Use/Housing & Zoning Committee meeting, said the city did not give him a “definitive answer” on whether it will relent and scout for a shelter elsewhere. “They have not made the changes we have asked for,” said Cohen, “and so I think it’s going to require some organization

Editor’s Pick Beer, Botany and Blues New York Botanical Garden presents Beer, Botany and Blues Weekend, Sept. 23 and 24 from noon to 4 p.m. for adults 21+. Enjoy classic blues performed by the Paul Josephs Blues Project at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. on the Daffodil Hill Main Stage; sample craft brews and ciders at Daffodil Hill; and learn the botany of beer from a garden scientist relating how beer is made from barley, hops, and many other plants. Visitors can also attend plant collecting demonstrations at the Clay Family Picnic Pavilions from noon to 4 p.m. and

SEE PICTURES: Norwood Celebrates 80 Years of Oval Park

The Norwood News was there to capture a ceremony by the New York City Parks Department marking 80 years since Williamsbridge Oval Park opened to the public on Sept. 11, 1937. The event featured tap dancing, a ceremonial cake, and an oral history of the park, which was once an enormous reservoir. Check out photos from Deborah Cruz.

Bronx Republicans Confident Going in 13th Council District Race

By DAVID CRUZ

When the Bronx County Republican Party looked at Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj’s win in the Sept. 12 Primary, they also saw it as a win for them. After all, returns showed Gjonaj didn’t grab 40 percent of the vote. “Mark Gjonaj couldn’t even break 40 percent in his Democratic primary election after spending more money than any council candidate in the history of the City’s campaign finance system,” Michael Rendino, chair of the Bronx Republican Party, said. Gjonaj narrowly defeated four Democratic challengers, including Marjorie Velazquez, who trailed very closely to Gjonaj, securing 34.36 percent of the vote to Gjonaj’s 38.63