Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

Dear Fellow Readers, It’s that time again! The latest edition of Norwood News is out, featuring plenty of community news you can use! We begin, of course, with the front page story on a new program rolled out by the 52nd Precinct dubbed the Neighborhood Coordination Officer program. Find out how this program, in the works for nearly a year, can do with improve the fraught relationship between the community and police. On page 2 you’ll find our take on what can make the program a true success. More inside-the-cover stories include the latest in several key political races in the


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Neighborhood Notes

Crafty Seniors R.A.I.N. Boston Secor Senior Center, 3540 Bivona St, presents a free exhibition of crochet creations by the seniors on June 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call (718) 671-8550.  Rent Freeze Meeting A Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) workshop will be held on June 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Serviam Gardens, 323 E. 198th St. Those eligible may be able to receive a rent freeze, and can receive help completing their applications and collecting all documents needed for this program. Seniors must be at least age 62 or disabled, have


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Public & Community Meetings

COMMUNITY BOARD 7 committee meetings are held on the following dates at the board office, 229 E. 204th St., at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted: Community Relations/Long Term Planning Committee meets June 28; Economic Development Committee meets June 28 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call the Board office at (718) 933-5650. THE 52nd PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL meets June 23 at 7pm at the Botanical Gardens Auditorium. The entrance is on Mosholu Parkway opposite the Botanical Gardens Train Station. Editor’s Note: Starting in July, local Community Board 7, Bedford Mosholu Community Association, and the 52nd Precinct Community Council will be


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Fordham Gas Station Plan Fuels Community Opposition

A proposal for a new BP gas station on West Fordham Road was met with strong opposition and little support from the community board whose jurisdiction covers the gas station. The gas station would be replacing a 55-space parking lot at 205 W. Fordham Rd. by Sedgwick Avenue. The plan lays out the gas station as having five pumps, a canopy and three curb cuts serving as entrances and exits. The placement of the curb cuts is what troubled Community Board 7’s Land Use/Housing Committee with respect to driver safety. West Fordham Road, a major thoroughfare, has cars traveling past


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A Gripping Simulator at Monroe College Signals Talk on Police Shootings

A witness called in the incident—shouting between two sisters inside a home. In a neighborhood of one-story ranch houses and serene weather, it’s not exactly the scene of a domestic dispute. But Gloria Bent, a member of Community Board 7, goes in. One of the sisters, abutting her front door, urges Bent to get her other sister out of the house. The woman’s tics and moaning drawl suggests she’s high and agitated. She fidgets with a pair of scissors. Bent notices her voice growing more impatient. “She’s in here, she’s bothering me; she’s telling me she wants me to get


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Inquiring Photographer: Summer Plans in the Bronx

This week we asked readers their plans for the upcoming summer season. Well, I’m planning to get a few extra credits at my school so I can graduate earlier. Having some fun, celebrating my holiday Ramadan, in which we fast for the entire month. It starts on June 6 and ends July 6. And I will help take care of my dad’s two stores and try and have a little fun. Mohammed Abdullah Zerega   I’m going to rest, relax and enjoy the weather until the cold comes back. In Norwood, I like coming to the Williamsbridge Oval Park where I


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Cabrera Confirms to Norwood News He’ll Run for 33rd Senate District…Again

State Senator Gustavo Rivera, a Democrat representing the 33rd Senate District in the Bronx, told the Norwood News he thought he was going to have a quiet summer. Those plans were scrapped after hearing he would once again have to defend his Senate seat against a familiar political adversary—Councilman Fernando Cabrera. Cabrera, representing the Bronx’s 14th Council District, announced a run for the seat, confirming rumors that he would run again. His announcement goes against a request by Bronx Democratic County Committee chair Marcos Crespo to mend fences with Rivera shortly after the two squared off during the 2014 election


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Neighborhood Notes

Open House A meet and greet event with officers of the 52nd Precinct takes place June 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the stationhouse, 3016 Webster Ave. Children are encouraged to come to the free event and take advantage of rock wall, a hot dog stand, and try out some officer equipment. For more information, call (718) 220-5807. Rent Freeze Meeting A Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) workshop will be held on June 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Serviam Gardens, 323 E. 198th St. Those eligible may be able to receive a rent freeze, and


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Financial Focus: Is it Worth it to Delay My Social Security Benefits? 

Question from client: “So when is the best time to take my Social Security?” Answer (in my head): “Well, I don’t know Mr Jack, let me just pull that number out of a hat.” Actually, a great question. And one with straightforward answer. Especially today, as the Social Security Administration has just changed the rules and they are even more complex. But let’s start with the basics: You can take it as young as 62 and as old as 70. What will change? The amount of payments and the dollar size. Now, whether you should start to receive Social Security


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