BP Highlights Borough Strengths at Crain’s NY Forum

by David Cruz Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. pegged himself as a job creator and economic development booster in his first gathering with his new fellow heads of borough at a forum sponsored by Crain’s New York Business. Diaz Jr. arrived as the more experienced borough president in the city these days, as his fellow BP’s have just begun their tenure as their respective borough’s chief executive.

Editor’s Note: The Norwood News publishes a section in the paper dubbed “In The Public Interest.” It features noteworthy news items that can make for a better informed public. Below is what we featured in the Norwood News. Bronx Celebrates Centennial For 2014, the Bronx will examine its past, present and future with the Bronx Centennial, reflecting on the 100 years the Boogie Down became known as Bronx County. In celebration of the borough’s first 100 years, a year-round centennial celebration will be held, with the

Musicians Homegrown at PS/MS 95

by David Cruz “It is really lovely to bring music into this school, and win over the hearts of the classes,” explains Julie Waters, a music teacher at PS/MS 95 Sheila Mencher, a K-8 school in Kingsbridge. She looks at music as a very natural activity, an art form paired with high standards, discipline and a sense of humor.

Neighborhood Notes

Free Tax Prep Ridgewood Savings Bank, 3445 Jerome Ave., hosts a free tax preparation day to eligible filers on Sunday, Feb. 9 from 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (718) 881-3430 or (718) 882-0440. Marketing Workshop Lehman College’s Bronx Small Business Development Center, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., hosts a marketing workshop for business owners on Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Carman Hall, Room B75. For more information or to register, call (718) 960-8806. Summer Camp Applications The Fresh Air Fund is accepting applications for its free 2014 summer camp program for eligible

By DAVID GREENE This week we picked readers’ brains on a new law that will expand paid sick leave to 500,000 small business workers.

Bedford Park Locals Un-Stumped No More

By DAVID GREENE Timber! Fifteen months of haranguing, calling 311 and cajoling helped clear a giant tree stump that remained a neighborhood hazard in Bedford Park ever since Superstorm Sandy knocked out the tree that existed beforehand. Resident Hector Rivera recalled the giant tree outside of 17 E. 198th St. dangerously tilted to the other side of the street where it eventually came down on a house when the storm hit. A picture of the damaged tree can still be viewed on Google Maps. Rivera recalled, “The tree hit the top of the home, and because of the branches, the owner

by Judy Noy NOTE: Items for consideration may be mailed to our office or sent to norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org, and should be received by Jan. 27 for the next publication date of Feb. 6. Editor’s Pick – Free Weekend at Wave Hill Admission to the grounds at Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. 252nd St. in Riverdale, is free the weekend of Jan. 25 and 26. In addition, there will be free activities at the WH House including Family Arts Project: Hibernator’s Den, to learn about hibernators, then make a mask or woodsy home, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Hibenators’ Pajama

By HAYLEY CAMACHO Despite rezoning along the 1.5 mile stretch of Webster Avenue as a way to encourage market rate housing and new businesses, Community Board 7 members remain angry over the city Department of Buildings’ lax enforcement of the new zoning laws and loopholes that have led to widespread supportive housing ventures. In what’s become a hot topic within CB7’s borders, the members pored over the issue and possible solutions at the board’s Economic Development Committee meeting held on Jan. 8. Meetings have become at times contentious ever since the rezoning went into effect, amending construction laws on Webster

Big thanks to some local Norwood residents in capturing the mega-snowstorm that produced close to a foot of snow in some parts of the Bronx. The white stuff began to fall at 9a.m. on January 22nd, picking up steadily as the hours went on. Subway service, flights, after school programs and just about everything was affected as