Central Bronx: Search for 16-Year-Old Girl

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Melissa Chicas Villatoro, 16, who was reported missing in the 42nd precinct. Melissa was last seen on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, at around 8 a.m. inside her home at 1493 Hoe Avenue near to the Charlotte Gardens section of the Bronx. She is described as female, Hispanic, 5 feet, 1 inch tall, weighs 135 pounds, and was last seen wearing all dark clothing. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Eric Dinowitz, a special education public school teacher and candidate for City Council in the 11th District, has been endorsed by Congressman Adriano Espaillat. Espaillat is a New York City progressive, and was both the first formerly undocumented immigrant and first Dominican elected to Congress. Dinowitz had previously been endorsed by the United Federation of Teachers. “I am excited to endorse Eric Dinowitz for City Council. As a special education public school teacher and community activist, Eric has devoted his life to bettering our neighborhoods and empowering others,” said Espaillat via a press release. “He has been a consistent

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® (HGAR) and the Bronx YMCA are working together again to bring joy to the Holiday season for families living in the Bronx, through their annual “Operation REALTORS® Kids” Toy Drive. This is the ninth year that the REALTOR® Association has operated the toy drive, and will it run from December 7 through 18. REALTORS® and members of the public are being asked to drop off unwrapped toys at HGAR’s Bronx location, 1867 Williamsbridge Road or White Plains location, One Maple Avenue, during the drive period between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Toys may also be dropped

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance in ascertaining the whereabouts of an unidentified man seen in the attached photos and video, who is sought in connection with a robbery which took place in the 52nd precinct. On Friday, Nov. 20, 2020 at 12.30 in the afternoon, in front of 2500 Webb Avenue in the Fordham Manor section of the Bronx, the man approached a 39-year-old female victim from behind and forcibly removed her bag from her hand. He fled on foot with the bag, which contained $1,100, an ID card and bank cards. The victim was not

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) has approved a class action settlement in C.W. v. The City of New York – litigation brought by The Legal Aid Society and Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, which expands access to essential, life-saving youth programs and services for runaway and homeless youth ages 16 to 20 in New York City. Under the settlement, the City will implement procedural changes regarding how city agencies manage homeless youth, improving the system for all young people ages 16 to 20 that will enter it going forward. “We are

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Monday, Nov. 30, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) released its October 2020 enforcement bulletin, which provides highlights of the agency’s actions to sanction and deter bad actors in the construction industry through the enforcement of safety laws and codes of conduct for construction professionals. The bulletin includes summaries of DOB-imposed disciplinary actions, including penalties and license suspensions and revocations. The actions below represent a portion of DOB’s overall work to enforce the City’s building codes and safety laws, in addition to the thousands of inspections conducted and violations issued by the agency each month for illegal

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City area may experience severe weather, including potential wind gusts over 40 mph, starting Monday, Nov. 30. Accordingly, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment. The department wrote it will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If sites are not secured, the department is expected to take immediate enforcement action, issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where it deems it necessary. Winds may reach higher speeds, and last longer than forecast

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance identifying the man who appears in the attached photos who is wanted in connection with a robbery that occurred in the 52nd precinct. On Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020 at 7.51 a.m., in front of 2359 Jerome Avenue in the University Heights section of the Bronx, a 26-year-old male victim was involved in a minor vehicle accident with the suspect. The suspect demanded $200 from the victim, before displaying a machete. The suspect removed the victim’s wallet and cellphone before fleeing southbound on Jerome Avenue. Anyone with information in regards to this

By MIRIAM QUINONES & SÍLE MOLONEY

A number of residents who live at and adjacent to 3440 Gates Place in Norwood are living in fear of rats which they said are frequenting the alleyway where the garbage is stored, adjacent to the building. At least one rat has entered the basement of an adjacent home, and though the residents have allegedly complained to the super at 3440 Gates Place, to the landlord, 3440 Holdings LLC, and to a number of city agencies, they have yet to receive a satisfactory response. One resident said the situation is already a health hazard. The residents, who wish to