Bronx Projects Take Center Stage in State of the City

By DAVID CRUZ

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s fifth State of the City address saw the immediate creation of a Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants, a plan for increased worker protections, expanded 3K program, while also promoting a plan for guaranteed healthcare and a paid two-week vacation proposal for employees. Surprisingly, there were some specifics for the Bronx, a point that was not lost on Democratic colleagues like Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who’s expressed interest in running for mayor in 2021. Still, Diaz criticized de Blasio’s proposal to take buildings away from landlords with a history of harassment and poor building management.

Bronx Gets Priority in de Blasio's NYC Care Initiative

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a plan that would guarantee healthcare for 600,000 low-income New Yorkers, with Bronx residents expected to get priority. Coverage will also apply to undocumented immigrants. But how to pay for it became the biggest question during de Blasio’s announcement. “Health care is a human right. In this city we are going to make that a reality in this city we are taking that ideal and putting it into practice. From this moment on in New York City everyone is guaranteed the right to health care,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio, sitting alongside advocates and First

By DAVID CRUZ

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez took the oath of office to be the 80th Assembly District representative, telling guests the state “must dream big.” Alongside friends and family, Fernandez was sworn into office by New York State Supreme Court Judge Llinet Rosado at Jacobi Medical Center, which falls within her district. Fernandez, a Democrat, laid out her support for a progressive agenda, and calling out skeptics. “To those who are naysayers and deniers. To those don’t believe a progressive vision is best for our community, we have one thing to say to you: that you are outnumbered,” said Fernandez, in her remarks.

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers! The Norwood News is out with its latest edition covering the Bronx. In our last edition of the year, we bring you the latest! The front page story looks at 2018 with our traditional Year in Review, highlighting several major stories that happened throughout the year. We spent several days narrowing down the list. We hope you agree. With the new year here, we give you a briefing of all the new laws you have to comply with now. Meantime, hear what Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. wants from Amtrak when it comes to the stalled

By DAVID CRUZ

The Top Stories This Norwood News’ Year in Review saw continued development in the Bronx, political newcomers combatting giants, and a troubling violent crime trend for the local precinct. The paper pored through all 25 editions of 2018 that graced the stands, stores, and other locations in the Bronx, sifting through repeat stories that had, from an editorial standpoint, the greatest impact. Here are the highlights: Homicides in Norwood The Norwood News was there to report on the rise in homicides happening in Norwood and the surrounding areas that comprise the 52nd Precinct. The body count went from a total

By DAVID GREENE

This week we asked readers their thoughts on the city Department of Transportation (DOT) plans for a “road diet” which calls for converting two-way Morris Park Avenue from a double lane to a single lane each way roadway. Somewhere along the line our elected officials at City Hall forgot that they serve the people. They got into office by saying that this was a tale of two cities and now it’s a tale of one city, run by a king: [Bill] de Blasio. Start listening to what the people have to say, they’re the ones that pay your salary. It’s

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

Free Oven Safe Knob Covers The Office of Councilman Ritchie Torres is giving away free safe oven knob covers to prevent accidental fires in apartments. Free knob covers can be picked up at 2546 Hoffman St., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. while supplies last. For more information, call the office at (718) 842-8100. Nonprofit Grants Now Available Resident-led groups in low-income communities and Title I public schools can apply for a Neighborhood Grant of up to $3,000. A workshop in how to fill out the application correctly takes place on Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. at

By DAVID CRUZ

With a partial federal government shutdown underway, there will be some changes in service should it continue, but at least two Congressional representatives will be open during the interim. Congressman Adriano Espaillat, whose 13th Congressional District covers Norwood, will have his Fordham office open as he and congressional members attempt to hammer out a spending bill without President Donald Trump’s pledge for a $5 billion border wall. Espaillat’s district office at 2530 Grand Concourse by East 190th Street, will reopen from Dec. 27 through Dec. 29 before closing once again. It will reopen Jan. 3 following observance of the New

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plan to expand the Discovery program as a way of increasing enrollment of black and Latino students in the city’s elite specialized high schools has drawn the ire of Pacific Legal Foundation. The group is now suing the city in federal court, relying on an argument similar to an affirmative action case it has against Harvard University: Discovery essentially discriminates against Asian students who overwhelmingly represent the specialized high school student population. Expanding the Discovery program—essentially offering rigorous summer classes for students who missed the cutoff in passing the specialized high school test—takes effect in 2020,