Bronx News Roundup, Jan. 2

First of all, a Happy New Year to everyone out there! We here at the Norwood News are looking forward to an action-packed 2013 on our Breaking Bronx blog, where we will be ramping up our coverage of all things Bronx.

Bronx Notes: ESL and Citizenship Courses

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, 3101 Kingsbridge Terrace, offers two free courses: English as a Second Language classes which run from Nov. 26 to June 8, 2013, Monday through Thursday, and Saturday mornings, as well as Tuesday and Thursday evenings; and Pathway to Citizenship workshops which begin January 2013. For more information and a detailed schedule, contact Christina Ventura at cventura@khcc-nyc.org or (718) 884-0700.

The Year in Crime: Murders Down, Robberies Up, Police in Spotlight

The year began remarkably well for police in the 52nd Precinct, which encompasses the Norwood News’ primary coverage area. Early on in 2012, investigators went to great lengths, including a trip to North Carolina, to track down two suspects wanted for the murder of 59-year-old Bimal Chanda, a Bengladeshi man who was beaten to death in his University Heights apartment, apparently during an early morning robbery, in late October of 2011.

The Year in Politics: Redistricting Leads to Heated Political Races in NW Bronx

The northwest Bronx saw a flurry of political activity this year starting with a furor over redistricting, the realignment of legislative district lines that happens every decade following the Census. So politically charged was the debate over district lines that a federal judge had to step in and draw new Congressional lines. (State lines were agreed upon after several delays.) The result of the judge’s decision gave birth to the new 14th Congressional District, which stretches from Harlem through upper Manhattan and into the northwest Bronx. It includes much of Norwood News’ primary coverage area, including Norwood, Bedford Park, Kingsbridge and University Heights.

Editorial: On The Death of Young Children

As a journalist, you’re supposed to be detached from the subjects you write about. It’s how you maintain your objectivity when presenting facts and accurately depicting scenes you’ve witnessed. All of that flew out the window of Woolworth Chapel in Woodlawn Cemetery when I reached into my pocket for one of at least half a dozen pens and plucked out the one with purple ink. It’s the color Lydia would have chosen.

The Year in Schools: Northwest Bronx Schools Struggle to Stay Intact

Despite a re-invigorated staff and the implementation of several new programs designed for improvement, the future of Junior High School 80 looked dim at the beginning of 2012.

The Year in Development: Hope and Intrigue at Kingsbridge Armory

Hope for the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory, the largest armory in the world and one of the northwest Bronx’s most fascinating and potential-filled pieces of undeveloped property, was resurrected in 2012.

Mosholu Parkway Tree Lighting Ceremony (Happy Holidays From The Norwood News!)

Happy Holidays from the Norwood News! Enjoy these photos from the Mosholu Parkway tree lighting ceremony hosted by Bronx Community Board 7 and look out for our Year in Review issue hitting local streets later this week. Photos and slideshow by Adi Talwar. Enjoy and stay safe this holiday season.

Community Board 7 and Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance Partner to Negotiate Community Benefits Agreement

Bronx Community Board 7 and the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance have forged a partnership to negotiate a Community Benefits Agreement for the coming redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory. It’s an interesting partnership given that the two sides were often at odds in 2009 over a previous proposal to turn the Armory into a shopping mall.