Blog

Shelter Developer Outlines Housing Mix In University Heights

By David Cruz When Jean Hill heard a developer’s plan to build their latest shelter proposal, the idea of a fact-finding visit to the developer’s other sites quickly surfaced. After all, she’s poked around other sites before. “We do go out, ask questions of the people who live in [the developer’s] backyard. ‘Have you had any problems with them? Is everything kosher?’” said Hill, serving as Community Board 7’s Land Use/Housing committee chairwoman. 

Business Beat – Lobbying Cosmetologists While a BID Gears Up For the Holidays

Diaz Jr. Lobbies Beauty Biz Over Regulation Bill Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. took his bill on grading the beauty industry directly to cosmetologists at a Lehman College symposium Nov. 18. The bill would allow the city to rate every city barbershop, salon and spa, hoping problem spas clean up their act. Though it was introduced in September by the bill’s sponsor, Brooklyn Councilman Rafael Espinal, no action has been taken. “The proposals we put forward today will go a long way towards ensuring that the people of this city have a clean and safe atmosphere to get their


Read More

McDwyer—the Norwood Barman Who Refuses to Throw in the Towel

  By Anton K. Nilsson At McDwyer’s Pub on East 204th Street, time passes slowly. Little has changed in this old-school Irish bar since it opened in 1966. It comes off as the Bronx’s own McSorley’s Old Ale House in Manhattan’s East Village, only with relics from the entire second half of the 20th century instead of the 1800s. Eighties sports memorabilia—showing support for The Rangers, The Mets, and The Yankees—line the walls. A poster from the 1980 Winter Olympics, depicting the U.S hockey team’s victory over the Soviet Union, reads, “4 to 3—An American Dream.”

Inquiring Photographer

By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers their thoughts on the recent election, its outcome and issues they hope Albany elected officials will tackle in the 2015 Legislative Session. The only thing I have to say is they’re really not doing much. I just know I’m lucky to have a job, I work for the city. But I feel sorry for people who don’t have a job or work for private companies, the way rents are going up. And why do they keep raising the rates of public transportation? Jose Feliciano, Mount Hope

State of Heroin In The Bronx: A Special Report

State of Heroin In The Bronx: A Special Report
  By David Cruz Nearly fifty people streamed inside a cafeteria at a church basement in the South Bronx for a meeting. Handshakes followed by hugs and kisses opened the gathering that would last ninety minutes.

School Briefs – How to Fix the Cramped Schools Issue

By JANAKI CHADHA The de Blasio administration recently tackled the nagging problem of overcrowded schools, outlining steps that could reverse a trend in District 10, a northwest Bronx district that’s home to mobile classroom trailers.

Neighborhood Notes

Best Libraries Nominations Nominations by the public for the second annual NYC Neighborhood Library Awards run until Dec. 12. The five best libraries win $20,000 each. Nominations can be submitted at www.nyclibraryawards.org. Domestic Violence Legal Outreach Legal services for domestic violence victims is available on Monday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the office of Councilman Andy King, 940 E. Gun Hill Rd. Attorneys with the Urban Justice Center will advise victims about family law, child support, custody, visitation rights and orders of protection. Reservations are required. For more information, call (718) 684-5509. Veterans Food Drive Non-perishable


Read More