Former Chief of Staff to Mark Gjonaj Formally Announces Assembly Run

By DAVID CRUZ

Nathalia Fernandez, a the former chief of staff to former Norwood Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, has officially announced she’s running for her old boss’s seat in a special election slated for April 24. “I really take my credit to my experience working in the Assembly District,” Fernandez, a Democrat, said in a phone interview with the Norwood News shortly after her campaign staff released a statement announcing her run. Fernandez’s start in politics began in 2012, when she began working on Gjonaj’s campaign for Assembly. In early 2017, Fernandez took a job serving as the Bronx Regional Representative for Governor Andrew Cuomo, a

By DAVID CRUZ

When it came to the more than 15,000 complaints logged to 311 in the Norwood section of the Bronx, tenants at 3525 Decatur Ave. had the most contact with the data-gathering system in 2017, with the bulk of complaints caused by noise. Those were some of the findings determined in an analysis by the Norwood News which reviewed 311 calls filed in Norwood last year. Some questions answered included how long it took a 311 complaint to close, the top 10 buildings with the most 311 complaints in Norwood, what days were most popular to open and close a 311 complaint, and

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By NIALL RIDGLEY

Councilman Andrew Cohen has requested that the future come to Norwood through a proposed electric vehicle (EV) charging hub. Cohen drafted a proposal for Mayor Bill de Blasio on Jan. 10 having had his constituents in the 11th Council District express interest to be part of de Blasio’s plan to develop 100 new EV fast charging stations across the city in 2018. Cohen believes the northwest Bronx has ample locations conducive to charging hub installation. “I believe a number of locations, both public and private, would be feasible for EV charging. They include the parking lot for the Van Cortlandt

By STEVEN BANKS and ANDREW COHEN

Homelessness is one of the hardest issues we have to confront as public servants and partners in government. But working together to do so is more important than ever because homelessness impacts literally every community across the five boroughs, including our own constituents right here in Bronx Community District 7—often due to rising rents and stagnant incomes, not through any fault of their own. If we’re going to succeed in this fight, it’s because we find ways to tackle these challenges together, collaboratively along with our communities, putting people and neighborhoods first in all that we do. We must make

By PROF. ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA, PFA

Well folks, this is week one of income tax season, and I again ask myself the same question: why? I can honestly say that tax advisory services does bring in 40 percent of our revenue. Of course, that’s a good thing. The Bad: Monday call: “I want to know how much you charge? My taxes are simple but I have a big problem.” Wednesday call (After free 30-minute phone conversation): “…are you sure you know what your talking about? My grandmother never did it this way.” Friday call: “Where’s my check?” Welcome to my world: 16 weeks of wonderful madness called income tax

Norwood Commercial Building To Get Major Facelift (Picture)

By DAVID GREENE

A Brooklyn developer has purchased a parcel of land at the northwest corner of Hull Avenue and East 204th Street, with hopes of transforming it into a modern two-story building featuring medical offices, a fitness center and popular restaurants. Both the Miramar Grocery and Botanica on Hull Avenue closed more than a year ago. The popular Beso Lounge on East 204th Street closed this past June and Liberty Tax closed around the same time. This came shortly before Transition Acquisitions, a family-owned Brooklyn-based real estate firm purchased the 78-year-old, 5,150-square-foot property. Faith Hope Consolo of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, the

Editor’s Pick Motown Music The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., presents A Musical Tribute to the Music of Motown, performed by jazz/pop vocalist Cody Childs and the Ladies of Soul, Feb. 3 at 2:30 p.m. For more information, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. Onstage Bronx Arts Ensemble (BAE) Woodwind Quintet presents a concert of folk dance arrangements at Vladeck Hall, Amalgamaged Houses, 74 Van Cortlandt Pk. So., Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $15; $25/at the door. For more information, call (718) 601-7399. Events Williamsbridge Oval presents the following free events: Winter Olympics, Feb. 20 from 10

Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

Dear Fellow Readers! The latest edition of the Norwood News, largely covering the northwest section of the Bronx, is out with plenty of community news you can use. We pack 16 pages worth of news so let’s get started! We begin, as usual, with page one. There you’ll find a nice human interest story on Nilda Hofmann, a born-and-bred Bronxite who rose to the rank of NYPD Chief of Community Affairs in January. We’ll take you to the ceremony where the 28-year veteran received her gold star from NYPD top cop James O’Neill. You’ll also hear how the NYPD’s Neighborhood

Flea Market Donations Sought Donations are needed for the Bedford Mosholu Community Association flea market scheduled to be held on March 10. Bring new and used items (except clothing and hard cover books) to the BMCA office at 400 E. Mosholu Pkwy. So., apt. B1 (lobby floor) on Feb. 21 and 28 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., March 3 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and March 7 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. For more information, call (718) 367-2230 or email bedfordmosholu@verizon.net. Free Tax Filing Assistance Free tax filing is available for families whose total income is $54,000 or less or individuals who