Editorial: Assessing How the Bronx Fared This Year

If there’s one word once again blanketing the end-of-year lists relating to the Bronx, it’s “development,” a term that holds a double meaning in this context. In Norwood, the neighborhood experienced some two-steps-forward-one-step-back moments with some seeds of development planted and sure to grow in 2016. Starting with Norwood, major construction continues to dot the landscape with Webster Avenue serving as the epicenter to reshaping the neighborhood. With two projects (residential and supportive) expected to open in 2016, this further underscores the question: will the city increase its services to meet the impending population increase? More pointedly, will Mayor Bill

In light of the recent conviction of former state Republican Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, we asked readers if they think the outcome sends a clear message to Albany to clean up the way it conducts politics in this state. I congratulate the federal prosecutor on pursuing these cases of corruption by the Speaker of the Assembly Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos, and they deserve every bit of the justice system thrown at them that they got. I think Governor Andrew Cuomo has to be honest and truthful and really come out clean and make more corruption inquiries and get

The developers behind the Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) have been approved for a multi-million dollar loan by the state to begin construction on its $348 million project. But developers still can’t claim the lease since the city hasn’t released it to them, the Norwood News has learned. Developers for KNIC Partners LLC project have spent the better part of 2015 scouting for philanthropists and private donors to help fund the massive project, purported to become the world’s largest ice skating center. Last week, the Board of Directors for the Empire State Development (ESD), an economic development agency that seeks to

The holidays aren’t the same without hot cocoa, toys and a visit from Santa Claus. That’s what happened at Williamsbridge Oval Park Dec. 18, with the New York City Parks celebrating its annual Winter Wonderland on Dec. 18. The inclusive event celebrated Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, holidays practiced by the Norwood’s faithful. Kids gathered at the Oval’s Recreation Center to play some carnival games, learn about healthy eating options, and have get some face-time with Old Saint Nick. The event caps a year of special programming at the Recreation Center, which is opened Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9:30

By MICHAEL BROWN JR.

At the recent 52nd Precinct Community Council meeting, Inspector Nilda Hofmann announced that officers of the 52nd Precinct had received their NYPD-issued mobile phones and tablets intended to aid them in their fight against crime. The gadgets were given out earlier in December to the Five-Two as part of an initiative by Commissioner Bill Bratton that was funded by the New York City Council. Under Bratton, every precinct in the city will have equipped its officers with a phone or tablet. Previously, high ranking NYPD officials, commanding officers, and some squad supervisors were assigned an NYPD-issued phone. “You can reach

CONGRATULATIONS TO ACADEMY of Mount St. Ursula student Cinthia Ibarra (pictured), who heads to the University of Pennsylvania’s College of Arts and Sciences on a full scholarship. The funds, estimated at $200,000, came from the QuestBridge College Match Scholarship program, which connects bright low-income students to America’s best universities. Cinthia was one of 51 students nationwide to be admitted as QuestBridge Scholars at U Penn. “Receiving the news that I was granted the scholarship just before Christmas was such a blessing to my family and I,” said Cinthia. Photo courtesy Academy of Mount St. Ursula

Be Healthy: Montefiore Program Links Power of Art to Well-Being

Vital Stats 1: Number of hours an art therapy session took to reduce symptoms in cancer inpatients. (Source: Journal of Pain & Symptom Management, 2006) Within the grand hall of Montefiore Medical Center in Norwood, hospital medical staff and associates took a break from their daily tasks to stop by an art gallery showcasing the other side of their colleagues’ hidden talents. The Associate Art Showcase was hosted by Montefiore’s Healing Arts Program, which served as a kind of collective meeting ground for hospital staffers looking to show off their artistic side. “The feel in the room was really special and

By DAVID CRUZ

The door buzzed open at Freilich Jewelers, letting in Marilyn Maldonado, a faithful customer still stunned to learn the news–it would be less than a week until the store she frequented for 32 years would close after 76 years of business in the Bronx. “It’s Marilyn, with a broken heart,” said Maldonado, who has entrusted the store with her personal life’s milestones. “Why is your heart broken?” asked Allan Freilich, the bespectacled owner of the neighborhood jewelry shop. “Because you’re going,” said Maldonado, eventually awash in tears. “Is there someone we can call? We need you here.” “This is

Editor’s Pick Recycle Holiday Trees The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation presents Treecycle at Annual Mulchfest 2016. Recycle your holiday tree into woodchips that will nourish trees and gardens throughout the city. Free mulch collection bags will be provided and patrons may bring home a bag of free mulch for their own garden at the chipping site at Van Cortlandt Park’s golf course at Bailey Avenue and VC Pk. So., Jan. 9 and 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donors may bring trees from Jan. 2 to 10 to local drop-off sites for future recycling: Williamsbridge