NYBG Issues RFP, Envisions Mixed-Use Property At Its Site

By DAVID CRUZ

Five years in the making, the New York Botanical Garden is moving forward with a plan to redevelop a parcel of property it owns on Webster Avenue, following through on its part to revamp the still-underutilized stretch. Come March, some potential ideas NYBG hopes to see include mixed-income residences for upwards of 300 units, 12,000-square retail space and a 125-room hotel. Or perhaps all three. “We would prioritize proposals that come back with a mix of all three,” said Aaron Bouska, NYBG’s vice president of government and community relations. Officials with NYBG have tapped Cushman and Wakefield to find a developer

Dear Readers, Have two weeks flew by already? The latest edition of the Norwood News is hitting your local diners, stores, offices, schools and busy corridors as of the time of this writing. But if you want to just view it from the convenience of your home, then here it is! We first begin with a story impacting our entire coverage area, revamping the NYPD sector maps to help improve crime fighting. Putting on his reporter cap is veteran newsman Bob “Kappy” Kappstatter, former NYPD beat reporter and Bronx bureau chief for the New York Daily News, who breaks down what communities

By DAVID CRUZ

Though the Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) was approved to occupy the Kingsbridge Armory in 2013, loose ends relating to the mammoth project were brought up during a hostile public meeting involving an approved loan for the enormous project. In what was a barely publicized public hearing Jan. 14, residents and special interests groups testified before officials representing the Empire State Development (ESD) agency. The ESD’s Board of Directors had voted to approve a $30 million construction loan for the project, part of a larger $130 million project before the economic development agency. The Board’s approval of the loan sparked

COMMUNITY BOARD 7 has a new district manager several months after its former manager resigned. Following an exhaustive search, the Board unanimously approved the hiring of Andrew Sandler, currently the director of community relations and constituent services for Councilman Andrew Cohen. Sandler has a public service background, having worked for Cohen’s predecessor, former Councilman Oliver Koppell. Cohen called the Board’s hiring of Sandler “my loss.” “Mr. Sandler is well- qualified for this position and I believe he will be a great asset to the board. I wish him well in this new endeavor,” said Cohen. District managers are paid city

Lehman College’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies is offering the first of its spring 2016 semester free career information sessions on Jan. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Expert guidance will be provided on several non-credit certificate programs for those who wish to acquire new skills to change careers or upgrade skills for their current position. Programs covered include Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC); Business Bookkeeping; Certified Financial Planner (CFP); IRS Enrolled Agent; Real Estate Salesperson; Entrepreneurship; Computer Information Technology including Microsoft Office Specialist Certification, Graphics and Web Design and Programming, A+ Computer Technician, Healthcare IT Technician, and Cisco

By By ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA, PFA

As I celebrate my 20th year as an income tax and financial advisor, I am sure I will continue to be asked the number one question: “Can I get free money from the IRS?” The answer: YES YOU CAN! But you must qualify and understand the laws. To understand the laws, you must know about tax deductions and tax credits. A tax deduction reduces your taxable income by a percent of every dollar, while a tax credit offers dollar-for-dollar reduction of the tax you owe. For example, if you’re in the 25 percent tax bracket, as most lower middle class New

Anticipating news stories is a bit tricky in journalism. Stories involve truth, which is always stranger than fiction, making news predictions, well, tricky. But in looking ahead, the Norwood News is looking backward to determine what stories will spark ire, provoke further discussion, and signal change. So far, this could be the year of repeats. With that, here are some stories that could get the presses going: Securing the Oval: Let’s hope 2015 was the last year the neighborhood saw a string of violent incidents, brush fires, and fresh graffiti tags that bewildered neighbors around the park in the latter

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/BYHFall2016. 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. “Treecycling” Recycle your holiday tree to nourish parks throughout the city. Free mulch and free collection bags will be provided at Van Cortlandt Park’s golf course at Bailey Avenue and VC Pk. So., Jan. 9 and 10, from 10 a.m. to

By VIVIAN R. CARTER

When the clock struck midnight on Jan. 1, 2016, hundreds of new laws and policies passed by city and state governments and regulatory agencies took effect. Several of these are notable in extending assistance to New York residents, like those in the Bronx, striving to make ends meet. Minimum Wage The most talked-about, an increase in the minimum wage from the statewide $8.75 to $10.50 per hour for New York City fast-food workers (and $9.00 for others), will benefit working-class Bronxites on a massive scale. Annually, that’s a raise of at least $500 for all full-time minimum earners, and over