Stringer Calls for Changes to Security Deposit Payments

By CHRISTY RAE AMMONS

City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer is proposing new ways for New Yorkers to pay for security deposits because of the alarming number of issues specifically faced by low-income tenants. A report released by Stringer’s office shows that in the Bronx tenants are paying on average more than 10 percent of their annual income to secure an apartment. In Melrose, Longwood, and Hunts Point, tenants are paying 15.8 percent of their annual income, and in Claremont-Bathgate they pay 25 percent. “Every day, New Yorkers are working harder and saving less – and right now, huge proportions of their annual incomes are

Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The latest edition of the Norwood News, covering the Bronx, is out and loaded with 20 pages of original news content covering the Bronx. In keeping with tradition we begin with page one! This one focuses on the re-opening of Whalen Park, which unlike other park projects has opened in record time (see headline). Find out how what prompted this park to open so quickly. Also, you can hear from what parents think of the revamped park. On page 3 you’ll find a great feel-good story of Bobby Gonzalez, a Norwood man who will be honored for his

By MARTIKA ORNELLA

Browsing the collage of colorful posters that make up the “Norwood Column,” Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, who represents the 36th New York Senate District which covers Norwood, came across one that caught his eye. “This is what the Bronx is about,” Bailey said at the unveiling of the public art installation on July 16, pointing to a poster describing the Bronx as a “mini United Nations. “This is the world’s borough,” he said. The “Norwood Column,” located at the southeast corner of East Mosholu Parkway and the Grand Concourse, across from the Pickwick Arms, is a temporary installation of the

By SOPHIA EBANKS

The city Department of Transportation has picked five companies for the pilot bike share program in boroughs outside Manhattan. Two of those companies, the Hong Kong-based Ofo and Brooklyn-based JUMP, will supply bikes to the Bronx. The program will bring at least 200 bikes to the central Bronx and Fordham area. “Our goal is to make cycling accessible to anyone anywhere,” said Jordan Levine, head of northeast communications at Ofo. “We want to make it both as affordable and approachable as possible by taking away traditional barriers like having bikes being stolen or dishing out a few hundred dollars to

By JOSE A. GIRALT

Five blocks from where Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz was attacked by members of the Trinitarios gang, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced an $18.4 million investment for youth-based programs in the Bronx. Inside the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club in Belmont the governor described the initiative as “unprecedented” and revealed a multi-faceted approach to support activities for Bronx kids. The initiative, dubbed New Opportunities for Bronx Youth, will offer kids a variety of activities from academics to sports to the arts, in the hope that gang-related activities will decrease. The murder of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz was still fresh on the minds of

“Junior’s Law” Orders Bodegas to Keep Minors Safe

By SOPHIA EBANKS

Following the brutal murder of 15-year-old Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz outside a bodega in Belmont, two Bronx lawmakers look to make sure small businesses step it up to protect young children in the community. State Senator Luis Sepulveda and Assemblyman Victor Pichardo announced the “Safe Havens for Endangered Children” law, nicknamed “Junior’s Law,” alongside community advocates, religious leaders, and some of Junior’s family members outside of the bodega where Junior sought refuge. The proposed law would require small businesses to provide refuge and call police if a minor in danger were to seek their help. Another measure of the bill will

Editor’s Pick Free Concert at VC Park The Bronx Arts Ensemble presents free concert featuring oldies, pop and R&B on July 15 at 2 p.m. at Van Cortlandt Park’s Rockwood Drive Circle (Mosholu Avenue and Broadway) near the stables. In case of rain, concert postponed to Aug 5. For more information, call (718) 543-8672. Events Lehman College, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd., W., presents Summer Jazz Institute, July 11 to 13, for educators, to learn teaching methods including improvisations, active listening, and syncopation. For more information and to register, visit JazzPower.org. Williamsbridge Oval presents the following events for ages 6 to

Breaking Down the Ocasio-Cortez/Crowley Race

By MARTIKA ORNELLA

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Democratic primary victory over incumbent Congressman Joe Crowley left many stunned, including members of the Bronx Democratic Party. Referring to the freshly defeated Crowley, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. told a The New York Times reporter, “We need [Crowley] in Washington, DC. Washington is about consistency and seniority.” Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, the Bronx Democratic Party chairman, told Politico that Ocasio-Cortez’s win “rattled” some members of his party. “I think we don’t have to view it all as a negative,” Crespo said. “There is an energetic new base that identifies as Democrats that are demanding and expecting change.”

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

Excelsior Scholarship Applications for the Excelsior Scholarship are now open for new applicants pursuing a college degree at city- or state-funded colleges/universities for the 2018-19 academic year. Eligible candidates must be New York State residents, take 30 credits per year (including summer and winter sessions), a family whose annual household income is below $110,000, and be on track to graduate on time with an associate’s degree in two years or a bachelor’s degree in four years. Applications will be accepted through July 23. For more information, and to apply, go to https://www.hesc.ny.gov/excelsior/. Bird Walks Free bird walk tours with guides