NYC Council Passes Zoning Changes: How Does This Affect You?

New zoning laws championed by Mayor Bill de Blasio with the approval of the City Council now make it easier for developers to build affordable housing without the addition of parking units, which could vastly impact the hundreds of drivers who rely on street parking in Norwood. The complex zoning laws, falling under Zoning for Quality & Affordability (ZQA), and Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH), are considered the DNA of de Blasio’s lofty Housing New York plan introduced in May 2014. The plan seeks to build 80,000 new units of affordable housing while repairing 120,000 more affordable units over the next

By DAVID CRUZ

For years, city officials and developers of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) have been on the same page with respect to the impending project at the Kingsbridge Armory: They would like to see an ice center built. But until recently, the city has raised questions over whether KNIC has the proper financing needed to move forward with construction despite KNIC’s position that it does. KNIC was told to show it has the funding by March 25. But the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), the city’s real estate arm, is not convinced. It’s now given developers another month

Free Financial Counseling Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Phipps Neighborhoods are offering one-on-one free financial counseling for Bronxites at Diaz’s office. Trained counselors will be able to discern and help with your financial challenges, bad credit, identity theft and other concerns. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call (718) 590-3554. “Save Easter” Mission Victorious Warriors III Inc., a nonprofit football club, is looking for financial assistance for their “Save Easter” project that services the Crystal Place Shelter in Ferry Point. The group is asking for $10.00 or more per child, as well as coloring books, puzzles,

By DAVID CRUZ

[URIS id=20594] Stirring an audience of roughly 350 young women, Monroe College hosted its 4th annual female empowerment event, intended to boost confidence, challenge female stereotypes and inspire young women. The largely minority crowd, exclusively young women, packed Mintz Auditorium to hear motivational stories from other women whose personal stories on climbing the corporate ladder and attaining a measure of success served as a seed for their own self-empowerment. They also heard from Fox 5 anchor and radio personality Lisa Evers, who delivered the keynote speech. “The idea is to tell a story, share your story with other young people

Beginning the last week of March, residents living in the neighborhoods of Norwood, Bedford Park, Woodlawn and Riverdale will be able to vote on what community improvement projects will be added to their Council District’s capital budget through Participatory Budgeting. The process, whereby a member of the New York City Council offers residents the chance to decide how to spend $1 million in capital funding, is approaching the final stretch of its process. The office of Councilman Andrew Cohen, who once again hosted a Participatory Budgeting session, has released a voter guide that details the nature and prices of 12

By DANIELA BEASLEY

The rock pillars spanning the length of the heavily traveled Mosholu Parkway provide character to the leafy roadways. But the pillars have gone without rehab or renovations since the late 1970s, and it’s beginning to show. The pillars have been a long-standing issue, made even more problematic since some pose a safety hazard, according to Barbara Stronczer, who doubles as president of the Bedford Mosholu Community Association and chairs Community Board 7’s Parks Committee. “You notice the deterioration of the columns. Take a look at the bottom of those pillars. I’m concerned someone is going to get hurt,” she said.

This week we asked readers their thoughts on Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.’s time in office, and asked them to name some of his successes or failures during his administration so far. Well, so far he’s been Borough President for more than four years. It must be more and he’s done a lot of good things. He cleaned up the Bronx River and he’s got us more housing. He’s interested in that stuff, better living and better jobs for us. I think he’s been a good borough president. I think he wants to accomplish a lot for the Bronx and for

By DAVID CRUZ

For Malla Haridat of Kingsbridge/Riverdale, establishing a business was a daunting experience the first time out. Luckily, there was a mentor, which she credits to have worked out some rookie mistakes. “You really need people that have been there, done that, and could kind of show you where are your blind spots, where are your gaffes to figure you what do you need to do differently,” said Haridat, owner of Moms and Daughters, a business management consulting firm. Finding the right support can make or break a business, and for female business owners, that support has never been critical. It’s

By JASMINE GOMEZ

Hospitals across the planet jointly celebrated World Kidney Day, and Montefiore Medical Center joined in on the action. In recognition of the event, on March 10 Montefiore set up a table in the lobby of its Moses Campus with pamphlets, handouts, and giveaways that piqued interest on organ donation. Those who wished to sign up to join the kidney donor registry were also welcomed. World Kidney Day is a global campaign aimed at providing awareness and information about kidney disease, its risk factors, preventive steps, and the importance of donating organs. “It’s really about loving your kidneys, taking care of your kidneys, and how to prevent new disease,” said Leo