In Forum for 14th Council District Seat, Incumbent a No Show

By WENDY JOAN BIDDLECOMBE

Councilman Fernando Cabrera couldn’t make it to a forum that would have seen him defending why he should remain the representative for the 14th Council District. Instead, he was represented by a portrait of him. The Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition held the forum at Monroe College, with residents in the district getting better acquainted with the two men challenging the incumbent ahead of the Sept. 12 primary. Randy Abreu, a lawyer who briefly worked for the U.S. Department of Energy under former President Barack Obama, and Felix Perdomo, a teacher who was born in the Dominican Republic, are

National Night Out Draws Crowds at Oval Park

By DAVID CRUZ

National Night Out Against Crime, a nationwide summer event that looks to empower residents to take back their streets from crime, was hosted by the 52nd Precinct and 52nd Precinct Community Council on Aug. 1. It drew plenty of crowds and community staples to Williamsbridge Oval Park including Mosholu Preservation Corporation and Bronx Community Board 7. Check out this link of photos by Miriam Quinones. The yearly event began in 1983 as a way to forge police and community bond.

Andrew Sandler, Former CB7 District Manager, Passes Away

By DAVID CRUZ

Andrew Michael Sandler, the young, baritone civil servant who poured his life to civil service, died on Aug. 5 from a monthslong battle with cancer. He was 31. His passing came three weeks after resigning as district manager for local Community Board 7, serving the northwest Bronx board for a year and a half. “He was one of the rare ones who selflessly just wanted to help people,” said Stephanie Sandler, Andrew’s sister, who confirmed his death to the Norwood News. Sandler was born on May 8, 1986 to parents Sandra and the late Albert Sandler, living his entire life

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By GREGG BISHOP

NYC small business owners: Do you want to live in a city where the local economy mirrors the vast diversity of New Yorkers? So do we, but we need your input to make this a reality. Mayor Bill de Blasio is pushing to level the playing field for minority and women-owned businesses (M/WBEs) to build a more inclusive local economy that reflects the vibrant fabric of our city. Under the mayor’s leadership, the City of New York made a bold commitment to award $16 billion in City contracts to minority and women-owned businesses by 2025. Over the last two years

Securing Kingsbridge Ice Center Funding a Waiting Game

By DAVID CRUZ

The project is back in the state’s hands, with approvals for any kind of loan financing likely pending for months.

Quarter of Norwood Stores Vacant. Why?

By REGGIE FRANCOIS

Mickey Burke catered to the once booming Irish population in Norwood with Keltic Connections for 20 years. His business was at 282 E. 204th St. With rent increases and a decline of customers interested in Celtic culture, Burke did not see the point of keeping his brick-and-mortar store open. He became a street vendor. “The neighborhood population has changed,” said Burke. “And businesses can’t beat the higher rent. A new store opens up and, two years later, they’re out.” In the space of three years, store closures have been something of a norm along East 204th Street and its adjoining

City Hosts Shelter/Housing Media Tour at Fordham Landing Site

By REGGIE FRANCOIS

The tour follows acrimony from residents of the Fordham Hill Oval Cooperative complex a block and a half away.

Family Displaced by Two-Alarm Fire in Norwood

By DEVIN DAE TUCKER

Two families have been displaced after a two-alarm fire broke out on Decatur Avenue near East 204th Street on Tuesday night. The fire at 3138 Decatur Ave. damaged the property next door at 3140 Decatur Ave. The fire at 3138 Decatur Ave. damaged the property next door at 3140 Decatur Ave. The fire reportedly broke out on the second floor at 10:44 p.m., turning to a two-alarm fire. “I was standing on the corner and I heard somebody screaming,” said Norwood resident Bruno Hand. “I ran toward the house, it was engulfed in flames.” No injuries were officially reported, but one

Resolve Warrants The Bronx District Attorney’s office holds a workshop on resolving outstanding summons warrants to clear one’s criminal record at Eastchester Presbyterian Church, 3154 Fish Ave. (corner of East Gun Hill Road) on Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Defense attorneys will be available to help resolve summons warrants that include loitering, noise violation, littering, and/or disorderly conduct. For more information, call (718) 590-2272. Norwood Writers Club The Norwood Bronx Writers Group meets on July 25 at 7 p.m. at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center. Writers can share and critique one another’s work. Participants are asked to bring