Redesigned Fordham Plaza Open, But Vendors Still a Year Away

By WENDY JOAN BIDDLECOMBE

Though federal and city officials officially cut the ribbon on Fordham Plaza earlier this month, neighborhood residents shouldn’t expect vendors to move into the enormous concession area and kiosks for at least a year. The $34 million plaza in the largest transit hub in the Bronx includes a new bus depot, access to the Metro-North and a sitting area for pedestrians. The plaza also features a main concession area near the Metro-North stairways, and three smaller, newsstand-style booths, as well as a bathroom. The plaza could stand as boon for the BID, given the near 80,000 people who travel through

The Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) is edging close to actual construction at the Kingsbridge Armory, with progress in the form of the state’s financial support towards the project. Not much of a sound was heard about the Armory in 2015, though developers insisted plenty was going on behind the scenes. That’s true, and it’s thanks to the working relationship between Governor Andrew Cuomo and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Since the early part of 2015, the pair has forged an ever-strengthening bond that’s allowed Diaz to check off some items (though not yet achievements since certain projects haven’t

Hello readers! As usual, as promised, and right on time–the latest edition of the Norwood News is out with plenty of Bronx community news for you to share. This week the paper heads to Bedford Park for a proposal by the New York Botanical Garden to convert its large space into a multi-used site, with the possibility of a hotel added to the fold. Only residents worry any new development could knock out the existing supermarket. Find out what one top official from NYBG has to say about that. We move from one development to another in Kingsbridge–the Kingsbridge National Ice

Young Public Servant Dons CB7 District Manager’s Cap

By DAVID CRUZ

Even before Andrew Sandler was to officially become the new district manager for Community Board 7, his schedule was beset with meetings focusing on issues impacting the neighborhoods CB7 covers. “I’m meeting, reading, and going to meetings,” said Sandler, 29, who begins his first day as DM on Feb. 8. He represents the fourth district manager at the Board since 2012. It’s been a non-stop lead up to the job essentially tied to keeping the pulse of the Board’s coverage area, namely Norwood, Bedford Park, Kingsbridge Heights, Fordham and University Heights. He’s been doing his homework so far, even reading

By DAVID CRUZ

The Bronx’s commercial landscape is becoming home to a growing number of chains across the borough, according to a recent report by a New York City-based think tank. But while some stores have firmly placed their commercial footprint in the Bronx, other establishments are leaving it altogether. The Center for an Urban Future, a nonprofit research group, reports that the presence of national retailers – defined as a retailer having at least two locations in New York City and at least one location in another state – rose by three percent, or 30 stores in the Bronx last year, the

By DAVID CRUZ

In the last days of December, New York City Council members Andrew Cohen and Ritchie Torres toured Webster Avenue with a burning question in mind: What will it take to spur more commercial development along the avenue? It has been seven years since a major push by community stakeholders ultimately resulted in the official rezoning of eighty blocks of Webster Avenue between E. Gun Hill Road and Fordham Road, considered a key but underutilized artery of the Bronx. New zoning laws in effect on Webster Avenue offer tax credits to developers who build affordable housing with a first floor storefront.

By WENDY JOAN BIDDLECOMBE

New units of senior housing are coming to Bedford Park on the grounds of Mount St. Ursula, abutting the Serviam Gardens senior facility, to address the growing need of affordable housing for the elderly. Once complete, the impending Serviam Heights will add 195 new affordable units of housing to the neighborhood. A new, nine-story tower is planned for 2848 Bainbridge Ave., just north of Serviam Gardens and Serviam Towers. The project will also rehabilitate the convent on the grounds to include apartments, while crews will repurpose the chapel into a senior center. John M. Reilly, the executive director of Fordham

Bronx Youth Heard The Norwood News is accepting applications for Bronx Youth Heard, a free afterschool program that teaches journalism skills to Bronx high school students ages 14 to 18. Applications are available online at http://bit.ly/BYHFall2015. For more information, contact David Cruz, program director for Bronx Youth Heard and editor-in-chief of Norwood News, at dcruz@norwoodnews.org or at (718) 324-4998. The deadline is Monday, Jan. 25. Immigration/Legal Services Immigration and legal services are available at the Office of Councilman Fernando Cabrera, 107 E. Burnside Ave. Appointments are required. To schedule one, call (347) 590-2875. Free 2016 NYC Parking Calendar Free 2016

What is the Villa Maria Academy? The Villa Maria Academy is a Catholic, private, independent, co-educational elementary school situated in the Country Club section of the Bronx. Owned and operated by the Congregation of Notre Dame (CND), the Villa strives to provide a liberating education that develops the full potential of students, supporting them in becoming responsible citizens of the world. Over the course of 129 years, the Villa has established a reputation for academic excellence, a robust faith life and a deep and abiding sense of family and community. The Villa has been an outstanding member of the academic