Community

Jerome Park Memorial Event Planned for Saturday, May 13, for those Lost to COVID-19

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Once again, a coalition of community groups and residents, including Friends of Jerome Park, will hold a memorial event to honor all those lost to COVID-19, for another year. The event takes place at University Avenue and Reservoir Avenue (at Fort Washington Walk) in Jerome Park, on Saturday, May 13, at 1 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.   On Oct. 23, 2021, a tree-planting ceremony took place at the same location to memorialize all victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. Marianne Kraft, one of organizers of Saturday’s event, said trees were the perfect symbol to honor those lost, since


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Burgos Condemns Use of E-Verify System for Immigrants as Federal NYC Delegation Calls to Allow Asylum Seekers Work

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Following the passage of a new law in the Florida state legislature that would require employers of 25 employees or more to step up requirements to check the immigration status of workers, Democratic Bronx Assemblyman Kenny Burgos (A.D. 85) and Democratic State Sen. Jessica Ramos (S.D. 13), who represents parts of Queens, released a statement on Monday, May 9, condemning the move.   According to reporting by the Tampa Bay Times, part of the new bill requires all businesses with 25 or more employees to use the federal E-Verify system to check the immigration status of workers. Since 2021, such


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New York Institute for Special Education Students Race Once Again for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

By SÍLE MOLONEY
More than 100 preschoolers, aged 3 to 5, who are participants in the “Readiness Program” at the New York Institute for Special Education (NYISE) raced their tricycles once again throughout the school halls for the school’s annual “Trike-a-Thon” fundraiser benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.   The annual event took place this year at the school, located at Frampton Hall, 985 Astor Avenue in the Allerton section of The Bronx, on Wednesday, May 10. From 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., the preschoolers, organized in different teams, put their feet to the gas, so to speak, raising money for a worthy


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Fordham Heights: Man Exonerated after 26 Years in Case of Shooting at East 183rd Subway Station

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced on Wednesday, May 10, that a Bronx judge vacated the attempted murder conviction of a Bronx man who served 26 years in prison, after investigations by her office’s Conviction Integrity Bureau, and by The Innocence Project, found that the man had been wrongfully convicted due to ineffective defense counsel. The case related to a shooting that occurred on the border of Fordham Heights and University Heights in 1996.   In the context of the announcement, Clark said, “Norberto Peets has served 26 years in prison, after being found guilty in a trial where his


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Bronx Walk of Fame Inductees Unveiled at Bronx Week 2023 Launch

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Described by one speaker as a room filled with love, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined Bronx Tourism Council, the Bronx Economic Development Corporation, Montefiore Hospital, Essen Health Care, and other community partners to kick-off Bronx Week 2023 at the new Bronx Children’s Museum in the South Bronx on Monday, May 8. The highlight of the event was the announcement of the 2023 Bronx Walk of Fame inductees.   “Bronx Week is our marquee event of the year meant to celebrate everything that makes the Bronx a beautiful place to live, work and raise a family,” said Gibson. “Following


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University Heights: Search for 44-Year-Old Woman Reported Missing

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance locating a 44-year-old woman from University Heights who was reported missing on Tuesday, May 9, and who has not been seen for 6 days.   Police said that Aleeza Crawford, 44, of 2333 Andrews Avenue was last seen on Wednesday, May 3, at around 6.30 a.m., leaving her home. She is described as being 5 feet tall, weighs 210 pounds, has short black hair, and brown eyes.   Anyone with information regarding this missing person is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for


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On National Fentanyl Awareness Day, Bronx DA & NYC Drug Prosecutor Warn of Evolving Opioid Crisis

By SÍLE MOLONEY
National Fentanyl Awareness Day, marked on Tuesday, May 9, underscores the deadly public health crisis afflicting the nation, New York City and The Bronx. According to law enforcement, local prosecutors and health officials, fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, such as xylazine, are widely distributed in mixtures and quantities that significantly raise the risk of overdose deaths. In New York City, Bronx County has the highest rate of overdose deaths, and is also a main distribution hub for illegal drugs, according to law enforcement officials.   On Tuesday, Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor


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Consumer Alert: State Consumer Protection Agency Reminds New Yorkers to Wear Bike Helmets

By SÍLE MOLONEY
May marks National Bike Safety Month and New Yorkers of all ages are being reminded of the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a bike and are being urged by New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) officials to wear helmets to reduce the risk of severe head injury and save lives.   Secretary Robert J. Rodriguez of DCP said, “As New Yorkers across the state begin to take advantage of the warmer weather by biking in one of our state’s many beautiful bike trails, parks or streets, I urge all riders to put on their


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Wakefield: Building Applications Filed for New, 4-Story Residential Building at 767 East 232nd Street

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  Building applications have been filed with NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) for a new, 4-story residential building at 767 East 232nd Street in the Wakefield section of The Bronx, as reported by YIMBY.   Located between White Plains Road and Barnes Avenue, the lot is closest to the 233rd Street subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Kol Zefi of East 232 Builders LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications, according to YIMBY.   The proposed 52-foot-tall development will yield 5,854 square feet designated for residential space. The building will yield ten residential units, most


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