Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out

Dear Readers, The latest edition of the Norwood News, covering community news in the Bronx, is out with its latest edition covering the northwest part of the borough. We begin with page one, and a confounding story on current zoning rules in Bedford Park and its impact on a three-story home in the neighborhood. Learn why so-called downzoning is nearly impossible for the low-key community. Over the course of our production we learned of a major bust of a Norwood resident in trouble for aiding the ISIS terror network. Read who the suspect is and what neighbors had to say

By DAVID CRUZ

It’s a fight that’s been brewing for more than six years, once arriving with a mountain of momentum only to be put on the back burner. Until now. This time, residents along several square blocks of Bedford Park intend to harangue the city into changing zoning rules they say could stave off further development, reflect most of the zoning standards across Bedford Park, and save the handful of two- and three-story private homes within the neighborhood. The request stood at the center of a pointed Community Board 7 Land Use/Housing Committee meeting on May 18, where residents heard a presentation

By DAVID CRUZ

At a sporadically busy section of Webster Avenue edging towards East Gun Hill Road, cars zip by Radame Jil. For drivers who visit Jil, they can expect one detailed car wash for $15, a fraction of the price when compared to what a brick and mortar car wash would charge for a 20-minute wash. Some days he’s paid only $40 for 11 hours, the equivalent of $3.67 an hour. Other days he makes more, though way below the minimum wage. His boss, barely around, finances the supply of cleaning equipment. Exploitation is not on Jil’s mind. Neither is the rate.

By ADRIANNA LOMBARDO

Getting a cab could get a lot smoother for the disabled in the Bronx. New York State Assemblyman Victor Pichardo traveled to Webster Avenue in Norwood to propose a bill calling for the creation of a dispatch system for New York taxis specific to customers on wheelchairs. Pichardo labeled his legislation a “better solution” to fixing a taxi service hole. Services for the disabled, including the ability to receive accessible car service, are mandated by law. Pichardo noted there is no citywide central dispatch service for wheelchair accessible riders resulting in the disabled having to call a regular car service to

By DAVID CRUZ

Attorneys in the Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) lease case agreed with a judge’s order to have a letter sent to state agencies asking to demonstrate, in writing, that they’re fully committed to a loan needed to jumpstart the massive project. KNIC’s strongest ally, meantime, may be found on the bench. “You need to go to the source,” said Judge Ruben Franco, who heard the case involving KNIC developers and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) at Bronx Supreme Court on May 16. A team of lawyers from the New York City Corporation Counsel, still holding the 99-year lease

The NYPD is looking for a pair of thieves wanted for burglarizing a Planet Fitness gym over the weekend. Police from the 52nd Precinct say the bandits broke into the exercise chain at 309 E. Kingsbridge Road during the overnight hours of May 14 and swiped $100 from the cash registers before taking off. The crooks are described as black or Hispanic men, wearing black hooded sweaters and gray pants. Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).

Neighborhood Notes: Shred Fest and S.A.F.E. Med Disposal

S.A.F.E. Disposal Bring old medications, fluids (i.e. motor oil, paint) and e-waste (i.e. batteries, computers) to Orchard Beach on May 14 for the annual S.A.F.E. Disposal event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shred Fest Shred old, sensitive documents at Frank Siegel Park, Grand Concourse between 157th and 158th Streets, on May 21, and Triangle Plaza at Co-Op City Boulevard and Rom Bouts Avenue next to Municipal Credit Union on May 22. Both start at 10 a.m. Free Tenant Legal Advice State Senator Gustavo Rivera, 2432 Grand Concourse, suite 506, 5th floor, hosts tenant specialists on Tuesdays (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Editor’s Pick Bronx Week The public is invited to enjoy Bronx Week which takes place from May 5 to 15. Events include outdoor performances, health fairs, and more, culminating on May 15 in the free grand finale which includes Bronx Walk of Fame inductions at the steps of the Bronx County Building on the Grand Concourse at 161st Street (11 a.m.), followed by annual parade at noon (reviewing stand at Mosholu Parkway East at Van Cortlandt Avenue), and food & arts festival and concert on

The Spring 2016 edition of Bronx Youth Heard is out, with stories written by teens, geared for teens. This year we present seven stories crafted by these Bronx Youth Heard reporters, who spent twelve weeks learning the fundamentals of news reporting. They took those skills and crafted these stories we hope you enjoy! Bronx Youth Heard was made possible by Mosholu Preservation Corporation, which publishes the Norwood News. The stories appeared in the Vol. 29 No. 10 edition of the newspaper. The Norwood News wants to publicly thank instructor Matt Surrusco for leading the students towards the road of journalism.