Project Renewal to Build Another Supportive/Affordable Housing Complex in Bedford Park

By DAVID CRUZ Residents can expect another supportive/affordable housing hybrid in the neighborhood, adding to a cluster of new specialized housing sites in Norwood/Bedford Park and fueling an ongoing tug of war between residents and non-profit housing groups over the community’s vision.

New York Skyscrapers and Friends Perform at Williamsbridge Oval Park

By VIVIAN CARTER Rainy skies didn’t halt the free neighborhood concert planned for Williamsbridge Oval Park on August 11—the event just moved inside to the recreation center. New interpretations of favorite soul, R&B, and rock classics rewarded the scores of audience members who gathered to hear New York Skyscrapers and Friends, an accomplished American contemporary musical group. The selection of songs came from many decades of history–the age of Duke Ellington and Etta James, the heyday of Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles, and Michael Jackson’s 1980s-era hits. The three vocalists and six instrumentalists, all experienced professional musicians, handled it quite

Take Our Norwood News Survey!

The Norwood News has created a survey targeted at residents of Community Board 7 (Norwood, Bedford Park, Kingsbridge, Fordham and University Heights). We are looking for your input about quality of life issues in the neighborhood, parks, politicians, and most importantly, the newspaper. Please take a moment to share your opinions and let us know how you feel about your community by filling out the brief survey. Many thanks in advance! http://svy.mk/1K8daie via Norwood News.

Combatting Legionnaires’ Disease, State Offering Free Testing of Cooling Towers

By DAVID CRUZ Though cases of Legionnaires’ disease have not crept up to the Norwood area, the state is offering building landlords free testing of rooftop cooling towers, considered a kind of petri dish for the water-borne ailment. The program is in response to the largest outbreak on Legionnaires’ disease in New York City history, claiming 10 lives and sickening 100, with 65 of them treated and released. Building landlords are eligible for the free service, intended to quell fears and contain the outbreak. So far Legionnaires’ disease has been confined to the South Bronx, though officials are not taking any

By JASMINE GOMEZ A mother’s breast milk can provide her newborn with the necessary vitamins, proteins, fat, and antibodies to sustain a baby’s healthy growth.

Bronx Idol to Summon Borough’s Young Vocal Talents

By NORWOOD NEWS You’ve heard of American Idol. Now, get ready for Bronx Idol. The Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District is sponsoring the musical contest, with the first round happening online through Aug. 15. Contestants as young as 12 years old are required to post a 2-3 minute video on YouTube showcasing their vocal talents. First round winners will advance to a live second and third round later in August. Some side interludes includes back to school sales and some prizes. “The Bronx is known for producing talented artists, we would love to be able to use Bronx Idol as

SEE THE PHOTOS: National Night Out at the 52nd Precinct

Plenty of families came out of their homes and owned the night during the yearly National Night Out Against Crime, an annual event where communities and officers take back the streets. This year, the 52nd Precinct Community Council staged the event at Mosholu Parkway between Bainbridge Avenue and Van Cortlandt Avenue South. Check out this year’s photos by Miriam Quin. [powr-image-slider label=”Enter a Label”]

Fordham Road BID a Mid-Summer Star

The Fordham Road Business Improvement District (BID) continues to focus on the beautification of public spaces with the start of the Fordham Plaza renovation and the recently completed Bryan Park (intersecting Fordham and Kingsbridge roads). We are also ramping up our sanitation efforts to ensure that Fordham Road is clean for everyone to enjoy! This summer, we are hosting a record number of seasonal outdoor events including our film festival, sidewalk sales, and Fordham Fever Fridays. Our goal is to engage the Fordham Road community through these events.

Neighborhood Notes

Community Resource Fair NYC Council Member Andy King will host a free Community Health and Resource Fair on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 940 E. Gun Hill Rd. There will be mobile health and legal vans, health screenings, exhibits and resources from community agencies and non-profits, music, giveaways, refreshments and activity for people of all ages. For more information, call (718) 684-5509. Bird Watching at VC Park Van Cortlandt Park features free bird walks Saturdays from 8 to 9:30 a.m. until November. Meet at the Nature Center, 246th Street and Broadway. For more information, contact Joseph McManus at