Hector Aponte, Bronx Parks Commissioner, to Retire

by David Cruz Hector Aponte, the long serving Bronx Commissioner for the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, is slated to retire. The agency confirmed to the Norwood News of Mr. Aponte leaving office after spending ten years as Bronx parks chief. It’s unclear when Mr. Aponte’s retire date is effective. Mr. Aponte, who grew up in the Bronx, was appointed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to serve as the Bronx Parks Commissioner. His first year in the Bronx came amid the early construction phase of the Croton Water Filtration Plan in Van Cortlandt Village, a massive water project tied to a

Bronx News Roundup: Lawsuits, protests and pop-up cafe

By David Cruz Thursday brings you another installment of Bronx News Roundup, where we take you around the Bronx to see what our fellow roving reporters are gathering for you. From what we’ve see there’s plenty to write about: Several outlets are reporting that the Archdiocese of New York is considering the closure of more parishes next year. Preliminary lists show St. Simon Stock Church at 2195 Valentine Avenue may merge with St. Joseph’s Church at 1949 Bathgate Avenue. The New York Times explores the current state of New York State-operated nursing homes following the aftermath death of Frank Mercado

By DAVID CRUZ and JANAKI CHADHA If you walk along East Gun Hill Road, you’ll see the white holiday lights sparking cheery feelings of Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years. Turn the corner onto Jerome Avenue and you’ll notice the holiday rush at several stores throughout the Jerome Gun Hill Business Improvement District.

Preparing For Months, Michael Blake Ascends to 79th Assembly Seat on Dec. 15

By David Cruz The waitress at Symphony Diner quickly recognized Michael Blake. He ordered his usual—a western omelet with a side of orange juice. For the past few months, the man who’s gone from White House aide for President Barack Obama to the newest Assemblyman of the 79th District has been on fact-finding excursion, becoming a familiar face within the district he’s poised to represent.

Digital Edition of the Norwood News Is Out!

by David Cruz Thursday ushers in the latest edition of the Norwood News, available at nearly 300 locations throughout the northwest Bronx. This week we delve into a five-year cluster site in Norwood that’s apparently worn out its welcome, according to rent paying tenants. The Norwood News spoke to both sides, who largely feel misunderstood. We also look at the Stagg Group as it edges closer to opening its three-building complex along Webster Avenue. By and large the buildings are deemed the linchpin to the building boom happening along the northwest Bronx corridor. Hear what residents have to say about the market rate

By CATHARINA THUEMLING and DAVID CRUZ Former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion has gone into the private sector, accepting a job as vice president of a construction developer after months serving as its lobbyist. Carrion, who moved on to briefly become Director of Housing and Urban Development for the White House, will work for Stagg Group as Strategic Advisor and Executive Vice President. The Stagg Group has been developing a trio of apartment buildings on Webster Avenue, kicking off a series of development projects along the corridor. “We are excited to have Adolfo on our team and recognize the value of

By Catharina Thuemling The holiday season is near but not all families are blessed to celebrate Thanksgiving and other upcoming holidays with a table filled with food.

Business Beat – Lobbying Cosmetologists While a BID Gears Up For the Holidays

Diaz Jr. Lobbies Beauty Biz Over Regulation Bill Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. took his bill on grading the beauty industry directly to cosmetologists at a Lehman College symposium Nov. 18. The bill would allow the city to rate every city barbershop, salon and spa, hoping problem spas clean up their act. Though it was introduced in September by the bill’s sponsor, Brooklyn Councilman Rafael Espinal, no action has been taken. “The proposals we put forward today will go a long way towards ensuring that the people of this city have a clean and safe atmosphere to get their

by David Cruz Community Board 7 members are expected to hear from the nonprofit developer of an affordable housing/homeless shelter in University Heights just as interest for waterfront development grows.