Editorial: New Editor at the Norwood News

If anyone had foretold I’d be the next editor at the Norwood News a year ago, I probably would’ve told them they got the wrong guy. But that make believe scenario has turned into reality, and I’m still pinching myself these days even as I keep revisiting this cute phrase our previous editor repeated—“May God have mercy on your soul.”

Council Approves Kingsbridge National Ice Center 48-1

by David Cruz By a vote of 48 to 1, the New York City Council overwhelmingly passed a plan for a project allowing developers to convert the Kingsbridge Armory into a colossal ice skating center, with elected officials, community groups rejoicing at the end of a near 20-year-saga. The entire Bronx Council Delegation, including holdout Councilman Fernando Cabrera, voted for the $320 million project that clears the Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC), bringing nine ice skating rinks, and a 5,000-seat arena to the facility, drawing droves of hockey fans while also grooming any potential hockey stars, as developers see it.

Council Subcommittee Votes In Favor Of KNIC Project

by David Cruz The Subcommittee Zoning and Franchises voted 6-0 in favor of transforming the long-vacant Kingsbridge Armory into the world’s largest ice centers. The panel voted this morning for the project overseen by the developers for the Kingsbridge National Ice Center that brings nine ice rinks and a 5,000-seat arena to the empty fortress. In an opening statement, Councilman Fernando Cabrera fully supported the project following a last-minute deal. Just yesterday, the Mayor’s Office mediated an agreement between Cabrera and developers over a package of loose ends related to traffic, parking and small business displacement concerns. Traffic

by David Cruz In a last-minute, backroom deal, sources are telling the Norwood News that the Mayor’s Office has stepped in to broker a deal between Councilman Fernando Cabrera and developers of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center over some loose ends related to the project, which could have sunk the ice center entirely. The agreement now puts the KNIC project on firmer footing with just only 24 hours left before the City Council votes on the colossal ice project. Cabrera, whose district falls within the cavernous castle, threatened to vote no on the project, encouraging his fellow council members

Councilman Fernando Cabrera vowed to reject the Kingsbridge Armory National Ice Center should developers ignore “loose ends” that include impending traffic jams and displaced, working class merchants. His comments came two days before the City Council’s vote on the colossal ice project, with Cabrera stating the Bronx council delegation, with the exception of Councilman Oliver Koppell, will stand by him and reject the project during the Dec. 10 vote. “Other than Koppell I haven’t spoken to not one council person that’s said no to me,” said Cabrera, speaking to reporters in front of the Kingsbridge Armory. He was joined by

by David Cruz On the cusp of the full New York City Council voting on the game changing Kingsbridge National Ice Center, members of a Council subcommittee heard overwhelming support for the project even as the Council’s swing voter continued to flip-flop on whether to approve or reject the project. Councilman Fernando Cabrera, where the cavernous armory falls under his district, slammed the project by KNIC partners, offering his first concrete opinion on the project. “Until the developer is willing to engage in a consistent and meaningful discussion I will urge my colleagues to vote no on this project,” said Cabrera,

Cabrera Holding Out On Armory

By KATE PASTOR

Councilman Fernando Cabrera, a pastor whose church and condo are just a few blocks from the Kingsbridge Armory, is holding out his final blessing of a new ice sports complex proposed to fill the long-vacant, historic building.

2013 Gen. Election Voter’s Guide: A Quick Look at the Ballot Initiatives

On the ballot this year are six initiatives that voters can approve of or reject. Here’s a quick look at each.

2013 Gen. Election Voter’s Guide: Bronx City Council Races

The Bronx is known for being a strongly Democratic borough. In the 2012 presidential election, Barack Obama received 91 percent of the borough’s votes. It seems like the other parties don’t stand a chance against the Democratic nominees in the borough, but with the general election coming on Tuesday, Nov. 5, we thought it would only be democratic to introduce you to all of the options in local races. There is more information about some candidates than others. Ironically, many of the candidates running under other parties (ex. Republican, Green, Independent) for this election are also Democrats. Below you’ll find