Business

Nine Charged in $2.5M Drug Operation in The Bronx, Manhattan, Rhode Island & Pennsylvania

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Nine people were charged following a long-term, wiretap investigation into the manufacturing and interstate trafficking of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, stemming from drug-related activity that allegedly took place in The Bronx, Manhattan, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP) in Manhattan Supreme Court announced on March 29.   The investigation resulted in the seizure of over 26,000 pills containing fentanyl; 2 kilograms of powdered fentanyl; nearly 50,000 pills, weighing about 41 pounds, containing methamphetamine; and 3 kilograms of powdered cocaine. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is approximately $2.5 million.   Bridget


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Fordham Heights: Housing Lottery for Twin Parks Terrace Closes April 11

By SÍLE MOLONEY
An affordable housing lottery remains open for Twin Parks Terrace, a 14-story mixed-use building located at 373 East 183rd Street in the Fordham Heights section of The Bronx, as reported by YIMBY.   Though the name is similar, and though the building is located in Fordham Heights, Twin Parks Terrace is not at the same building as where the devastating Twin Parks fire tragedy occurred on Sunday, Jan. 9, last year, tragically claiming the lives of 17 people, including 8 children, most of whom were immigrants.   The Twin Parks North West fire broke out at 333 East 181st Street,


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AG Announces Prison Sentences for Five Bronx Gun & Heroin Trafficking Ring Members

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the sentencings of five people on Wednesday, March 29, for their role in a gun trafficking operation which resulted in the illegal sale of 16 guns in The Bronx. She said the five defendants, who were charged with trafficking numerous assault weapons, high-capacity feeding devices, semiautomatic pistols, and more than 300 rounds of ammunition, all pled guilty and were sentenced for their respective crimes.   Additionally, two of the defendants, Luis Alsina and Michael Alsina, were also sentenced for their roles in the sale of heroin, officials said. Altogether, all five defendants


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Local Kids Face Off in Fun Night as part of Monthly “Mind Your Beat” Dance Battle Series

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  Local kids from Olinville, Gun Hill Houses and beyond faced off in the third, free, monthly “Mind Your Beat” dance battle at Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center on Saturday, March 4. Dancers ages 9 to 14 shared the spotlight for a series of knock-out, one-on-one dance battles throughout the evening, all with the aim of “releasing their inner beast,” having some fun, and the chance to take home some coveted cash prizes.   The monthly event is part of a dance battle series led by artist-in-residence and lead Hip Hop instructor, Joss [Jocelyn] Gutierrez, judges, “Nate the Great” and Dee Ross, with DJ


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UPDATE DOT Updates CB7 on Gun Hill Road Bus Project

By ARIEL PACHECO
During the March Traffic and Transportation committee meeting of Bronx Community Board 7 (CB7), NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) presented its final plan on proposed bus and pedestrian improvements to address congestion along Gun Hill Road before the plan’s implementation in the coming months.   DOT said as part of the discussions around the MTA Bronx Bus Network Redesign project, implemented in 2022, more than 50 outreach events were held, and it was clear the community wanted to see improvements to the Gun Hill Road bus service, named as one of ten key Bronx corridors for bus priority.   DOT


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Office & Truck Burn at Webster Parking Lot

By DAVID GREENE
  A fire that destroyed a small outhouse office for a parking garage in Bedford Park as well as a truck parked next to it remains under investigation according to the FDNY, while one car owner alleges 40-mile-per-hour winds brought down a powerline in the area, sparking the fire.   Fire officials were called to 2 J’s Parking Lot, located at 2768 Webster Avenue, between East 198th Street and Oliver Place at 7.52 p.m. on Monday, March 13, for a reported “shed / trailer fire” in the back of the lot. The “all-hands” fire brought 12 fire units, comprising 60 firefighters


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Bedford Park: Building Applications Filed with DOB for Building at 225 Bedford Park Boulevard

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Building applications have been filed with NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) for a new, 9-story, residential building at 225 Bedford Park Boulevard in the Bedford Park section of The Bronx, as reported by YIMBY.   Located at the intersection of Valentine Avenue and Bedford Park Boulevard, the corner lot is near the Bedford Park Boulevard subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Vilson Lumaj is listed as the owner behind the applications.   The proposed 84-foot-tall development will yield 48,480 square feet designated for residential space, according to YIMBY. The building will yield 73 residential units, most likely


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UPDATE Yonkers: Michigan Developer Gets $56.8M in Incentives to Build Affordable Housing for Low-Income Seniors

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Michigan-based Verus Development, will receive a $56.8 million incentives package to facilitate the completion of a new, affordable, rental property for low-income seniors at 345 McLean Avenue in Yonkers, New York, as reported by YIMBY.   The 12-story building will feature 105 apartments in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts, all reserved for seniors of 62 years and older with an income at or below 60 percent of the area median income, according to YIMBY.   Amenity spaces will include a community room equipped with computers, a library, recreational space, a shared laundry room, and bike storage. Residents will also have


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Gibson Hails Bronx “Borough of Opportunities” in First State of the Borough Address

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  The following is an extended version of the story which appears in our latest print edition.   Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, the borough’s 14th president, delivered her first State of the Borough address in sparkling attire at Manhattan College on Wednesday, March 1, outlining the accomplishments of her administration during 2022 and unveiling her strategic agenda for 2023.   With the college celebrating its 100th year this year, its president, Brother Daniel Gardner, FSC, said college officials were honored to host the event. “We recognize that The Bronx is a special place and look forward to partnering


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