Bronx New School Parents Still Looking for Answers

PS 51 Parents United, a group of concerned parents of children who attend or used to attend PS 51 (The Bronx New School), will be looking for support and answers from state officials at a Bronx Community Board 7 meeting tonight in Bedford Park. Last year, inspectors discovered high levels of trichloroethylene (TCE), a toxin linked to cancer, at the Bedford Park building (3200 Jerome Ave.) Bronx New School called home for two decades.

Lawmakers Strike Redistricting Deal; How The Bronx Will Be Affected By Controversial New Lines

After months of debate, state lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo approved a redistricting deal last week that will re-set State Senate and Assembly lines for the next decade, and establish an independent commission to take over the process after the next Census in 2020 — a plan that many local leaders are unhappy with.

Bronx Notes: Help Clean Up Mosholu Parkway

Community Board 7 invites the public to its “Neighborhood Cleanup” event, Saturday, March 24 from noon to 4 p.m. along Mosholu Parkway. Volunteers will meet at the intersection of East Mosholu Parkway South and Webster Avenue at 11:30 a.m. For more information, call Fernando Tirado at (718) 933-5650.

Bronx Notes: Free Tax Prep Help in the Bronx

Only a little more than three weeks left before taxes are due. Here are some Bronx places you can find free tax prep services for those you qualify.

Bronx Links, Friday

Happy Friday everyone. Here are the Bronx stories we’re following today.

Bronx Stars of Tomorrow: Chess Master Justus Williams

In his first year as a teenager, Bronx native Justus Williams has already become the youngest African-American chess player to be awarded the title of Chess Master in the country, and he is the first to tell you about the hours of studying and dedication that he is continuing to put towards his game. Williams sat down with the Norwood News at IS 318, the Brooklyn middle school he attends, which boasts a nationally ranked chess team, to talk about his past tournament in Brazil, his favorite chess piece, and his secrets to match preparation.

Lighting the Way Toward ‘Responsible’ and Community-Based Armory Development

At a rally outside of the Kingsbridge Armory last night, more than 200 activists gathered to send a message to Mayor Bloomberg and other city officials that whatever comes into this enormous historic building needs to benefit the community.

An Entrepreneur Takes Advantage of Still Empty Kingsbridge Armory

The future of the Kingsbridge Armory is still undecided, though Mayor Bloomberg’s new round of RFPs (Request for Proposals) for plans on redeveloping the site are due today. In the meantime, one Latin American entrepreneur is taking advantage of the enormous space.

Bronx Youth Journalists Report: What Would You Like to See at the Kingsbridge Armory?

Editor’s Note–The following was filed by student reporters in the Bronx Youth Journalism Initiative. They are: Alexa Silver, Claudia Seda, Camryn Clarke, Paige Ruiz, Tatyana Turner, Patience Cournoo, Brittney Williams, Brandon Alleyne, Alexis Butler, Brenda Sichini, Nayeh Yisrael, Kassidy Washington, Terrance Washington, Selena Marte, Ricky Mieses, Celeste Pasian, Jasmin Lino, Andrea Jewth, Kavon Wilson. Today’s the big day–the deadline for interested developers who want to set up shop at the Kingsbridge Armory to submit their applications to the city. A spokesman for the Economic Development Corporation, charged with sorting through the proposals, said they were due in at 4 p.m.