52nd Precinct Community Council VP to Retire

By David Cruz

Steven Bussell, the 52nd Precinct Community Council’s long-serving vice president, announced he’s no longer seeking election, opting instead for retirement. He’s also resigning from several other posts, including president of the West Bronx Housing. Bussell made the announcement at the latest 52nd Precinct Community Council meeting on March 24, inside the precinct stationhouse on Webster Avenue and East Mosholu Parkway North. The news came shortly after he reminded members of the upcoming elections for the Council’s four-member executive dais. Community councils serve as liaisons between NYPD precincts and community at large. The 52nd Precinct Community Council meets the fourth Thursday of each

By DAVID CRUZ & DANIELA BEASLEY

On the same day Republican presidential contender, U.S. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, made a gutsy appearance in the Castle Hill section of the Bronx for a meet and greet, lawmakers from all levels told reporters Democratic presidential hopeful, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, is the right choice. “I don’t have to tell you how she is the most qualified person, hands down, to deal with international issues and deal with our foreign policy,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., flanked by fellow Democrats. He labeled Clinton’s opponent, U.S. Senator for Vermont Bernie Sanders as inexperienced. “Bernie is not qualified,

Boys to Men; Monroe College Talks Path to Manhood

For four hours, some 400 teenage boys from the Bronx and beyond delved into the rites of becoming a man. They sat quietly at Monroe College’s Mintz Auditorium, magnetized by stories from men who’ve successfully surpassed that coming-of-age mark. SEE MORE PHOTOS: Monroe College Male Empowerment Event For Monroe College, which hosted its seventh annual male empowerment forum, the topic served as the spark to a way of life free of despair and emotional turmoil. It turned to success stories in the fields of business, criminal justice, and education to inspire that talk. “What it takes to be a man is to

By DANIELA BEASLEY

A major sewer system project is now under way in Kingsbridge Heights, which could snarl traffic and randomly cut water supply through the end of the year. The New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is overseeing the project that will replace worn out mains, install catch basins and hydrants, and restore roadways. Water service disruptions are expected, though advance notice will be given. While advance notice will be provided for daily disruptions, it will not be given if emergency water shutoff is needed. Work has already begun on several square blocks in Kingsbridge Heights–West Kingsbridge Road between

By DAVID CRUZ

Against the backdrop of St. Mary’s Park in the country’s poorest congressional district, Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders kicked off his New York campaign tour in the Bronx before New York’s April primary, telling a roaring crowd, “we are going to invest in the South Bronx.” SEE PICTURES: Bernie in the Bronx It was one of a few times Sanders directly mentioned the Bronx, an area largely impoverished with severe health and income disparities. His opponent, former Secretary of State and U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, made an appearance at the Apollo Theater in Harlem the day before. His appearance marked

Free Tax Services Councilman Ritchie Torres hosts free tax preparation services for Bronx residents at his office, 573 E. Fordham Rd., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., every day except Thursdays and Sundays; Mondays till 7 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment with a tax preparer, call (718) 842-8100. The Eastchester Library, 1385 E. Gun Hill Rd., hosts free tax services for anyone earning $62,000 or less, Thursdays through April 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Spanish-speaking volunteers will be available. For more information, additional sites, and what to bring, call (718) 653-3292. Park

In light of the recent terror attacks in Brussels, this week we asked readers how safe they feel here in the Bronx. Well, I don’t think you’re really safe anywhere. Hopefully, nothing happens, but you’re always being cautious wherever you go and wondering what could happen. I guess all the major places could be the point of an attack; the subway, the electricity, the water, the buses. Anything can really be a target. Julio Hernandez Bedford Park In the Bronx I feel pretty safe, but I wouldn’t want to be around Manhattan. But yes, I think New York is still

By WENDY JOAN BIDDLECOMBE

How do we demystify the Bronx as being “thuggish”? How do you get more employees from Montefiore Medical Center to spend their hard earned dollars on Jerome Avenue during their lunch hour? How can we attract businesses that aren’t 99 cent stores? For the roughly 90 residents attending the Bedford Park Livable Neighborhoods Program on March 26, these were pertinent questions. The event, sponsored by Bronx Community Board 7’s Long Term Planning and Community Relations Committee, the Municipal Arts Society and New York City Small Business Services, had residents spend several hours learning how to better their neighborhoods. Presenters broke