How Coronavirus Worries Are Causing Widespread Cancellations in the Bronx

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By DAVID CRUZ

With coronavirus worries sweeping New York City, it was only a matter of time before those worries came to the Bronx. In the last 24 hours, a slew of events and meetings have been cancelled. They include: All CUNY & SUNY Schools Working Remotely: The decision by Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered CUNY and SUNY in-class sessions to be cancelled and taken online. This includes Lehman College and Bronx Community College. SUNY Maritime in Throggs Neck remains open. This is already on top of other institutions, including Fordham University’s Bronx campus, shut down. Mercy College announced classes cancelled until March 15. Manhattan

The Changing Bronx Political Landscape Both Big and Small

By DAVID CRUZ

It began at the top. Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who’s helmed the borough presidency for 10 years, announced in late January that he will no longer seek the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor, dashing the hopes of many that Diaz would be the first Latino mayor in city history. Just over a month later, as many political observers were still processing the Diaz news, one of his closest allies and power player, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, who happens to be the Bronx Democratic Party boss, announced he’ll be done with public life, opening his seat for the Democratic

Duane Reade, Staple in Kingsbridge Heights, Closes

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

Kingsbridge residents who depend on the Duane Reade at 1 E. Kingsbridge Rd. to fill their prescriptions, purchase greeting cards, or buy their cosmetics will now have to find another store. Walgreens, the parent company, closed the store on Tuesday night. According to multiple signs on the storefront windows, pharmacy customers will have their prescriptions automatically filled at the next closest Duane Reade at 58 E. Fordham Rd., about a half mile south. The now-closed store sits at a prime location on the northeast corner of East Kingsbridge Road and Jerome Avenue. The Kingsbridge number 4 train station is just

By BOB KAPPSTATTER

A Bronx grand jury has indicted a New Jersey man for a horrendous machete attack on a Fordham woman that left her with life-altering injuries. Hector de la Cruz, 27, of Paterson, NJ, was indicted on attempted murder and assault charges in the Feb. 21 attack on his ex-girlfriend inside the lobby of her Fordham Manor apartment building. The Daily News reported the victim was trying to get away from de la Cruz, moving to the Bronx from New Jersey. “The defendant allegedly struck this 20-year-old woman, who is the mother of his two-year-old daughter, in her face, hand and

By PROFESSOR ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

Are you paying too little in taxes? Too much? Who cares as long as you get a gillion-dollar tax refund, right? Boy, do you have a lot to learn. But don’t worry, you’re in the right place! In short, every taxpayer has a tax bracket. Of course, as our income goes up, so does our tax bracket. Based on your income at the last day of the calendar year that will put you in your tax bracket at the end of the year. So, by the end of the year, if you paid too little in taxes, you will owe

By DAVID GREENE

With the state’s new bail reform measure in effect for the last two months—and a faction of state senators looking to tweak the law—we asked readers their thoughts on the existing law as it is and whether it’s fair to link the increase in crime to the new law. [Bail reform is] a bad idea. What they’re doing now is not a good idea. I do think bail reform will bring more crime [and] even the police are angry about this. If someone gets arrested today…tomorrow they’re out. Oh yeah, bail was a good idea because some criminals need to

By HENRY MCEACHERN

With concerns on bail reform contributing to a spike in crime, and a dis-information campaign on the new measure fueled by those concerned, Community Board 7 is holding a forum to discuss the future of the state’s new criminal justice reforms, and what these sweeping changes actually mean for the Bronx. The meeting by CB7 is scheduled for on March 12 at 2530 Jerome Ave. at 6:30 p.m. Bail reform eliminates cash bail for misdemeanors, meaning that accused persons can no longer be held in jail before their trial if they can’t afford to get out. Judges can still place

Merchant Spotlight: A Family Business Grows at JGHBID

By JEROME GUN HILL BID

Shary and Ricky Rodriguez, the team behind Craft Empanadas and Shary’s Daycare on East Gun Hill Road, have opened their latest venture within the Jerome Gun Hill Business Improvement District (JGHBID). Craft Dance Studio, located below Craft Empanadas at 261 E. Gun Hill Rd., opened on Feb. 24 and serves as a space for dance classes, event rentals, and more. Children aged 3 and up can sign up for ballet, salsa, hip hop, and bachata classes on Mondays, Wednesday, and Thursdays. Adults can expect salsa and bachata classes to become available in the coming weeks. The studio space is also

By DAVID CRUZ

Councilman Fernando Cabrera, the socially conservative Democrat, announced he won’t be running for the congressional seat currently held by Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, five months after announcing he will run for the seat. He instead is running for borough president, a move he initially told the Norwood News he would not be doing. Cabrera, who represents the 14th Council District covering Kingsbridge Heights, broke the news over the weekend, telling the New York Post he wants to clear the moderate Democrat lane so another moderate Democrat, Michelle Caruso-Cabrera (no relation), can run against the democratic socialist. In a statement sent out to