New NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs Appointed as Feb. Crime Rates Double

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell on Wednesday, March 2, announced she had appointed Mark T. Stewart to the position of deputy commissioner of community affairs at what was described as a moment of critical importance in the department’s ongoing mission to protect all New Yorkers and ensure a safe, just and prosperous city. “I welcome Mr. Stewart, I thank him for his public service, and I look forward to working with him as we fulfill our vision to reflect the values and concerns of all the city’s citizens,” said Sewell in the context of the announcement. “I am confident that

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York Attorney General Letitia James warned New Yorkers on Thursday, March 3, to be wary of sham charities attempting to take advantage of the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis and to ensure they are donating to credible organizations. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) also provided tips to those seeking ways to support the Ukrainian people amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia military forces which began on Feb. 24. “At a time of great chaos, confusion, and destruction, it is imperative that New Yorkers be on alert for potential risks to when donating to charitable causes,”

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Gas pipe replacement work is reportedly underway by a contracted entity of ConEd at the junction of Reservoir Place and Reservoir Oval West in Norwood. Trucks and construction workers were seen at the location on Wednesday, March 2. When Norwood News asked the foreman for more information about the reason for the works, he said low pressure [piping] was being replaced with high pressure [piping] and that the street area will be opened up again each day at 4 p.m. He added that the works are expected to last a few more days, and may extend to other

By SÍLE MOLONEY

A 28-year-old man has been arrested following a burglary and criminal trespassing incident at the 52nd precinct station house in Norwood on Wednesday, Feb. 23. The NYPD said police were alerted to the man entering a partially-open side window of the precinct building, located at 3016 Webster Avenue at approximately 10.29 p.m. Police officials said officers located inside the precinct observed the man as he gained entry and attempted to walk around the station house. He was subsequently apprehended. No injuries were incurred as a result of the incident. The man has been identified as Carlos Luciano, 28,

By SARAH BELLE LIN

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a plan on Friday, Feb. 18, to address the City’s worsening homelessness crisis, starting with the removal of those who are homeless from the City’s subway stations. “It is cruel and inhumane to allow unhoused people to live on the subway, and unfair to paying passengers and transit workers who deserve a clean, orderly, and safe environment,” the mayor said. “The days of turning a blind eye to this growing problem are over.” But what comes after that? Where will those without housing or shelter go? The answer is pretty clear:

By JULIAN NAZAR

Janet A. Peguero’s favorite spot in The Bronx is Hunts Point Flower Market. “When things get a little bit stressful, I feel like flowers help me center myself, by just admiring the beauty and the color,” the deputy Bronx borough president said. “And then, it’s just a plus that it’s a Dominican-owned business, and I get to support a local, family-owned and family-operated business,” she added. This week marks the last week of Dominican Heritage Month, which celebrates the legacy and contributions of New York’s thriving Dominican American community who, according to the latest census figures, comprise 323,240

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson hosted her annual Black History Month event, celebrating African-American history and culture. on Friday, Feb. 25, at 5.30 p.m. at Maestro’s Caterers Banquet Hall in the Van Nest section of The Bronx, and was joined on the night by New York City Mayor Eric Adams. During the event, Gibson honored various community leaders in recognition of what she said was their valuable contribution to the residents of The Bronx and throughout New York City. This year’s honorees included President of the NAACP Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, Attorney at Rodman and Campbell, P.C.

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Police Athletic League (PAL) youngsters from all five boroughs of New York City participated in the citywide PAL Tournament of Champions STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Challenge, on Wednesday, Feb. 16. Activities focused on STEM and physical education learning, featuring engineering, design and physics skills building. The 2022 competition was an individual, center-based competition held at each PAL center with participants in Kindergarten through eighth grades working within age groups. Dana Wheeler, PAL director of education and program development, said the academic needs of the participants continue to be a top priority at PAL, with STEM activities serving

By DAVID GREENE

The once popular Madden’s Pub, located at East Bedford Park Boulevard and Villa Avenue in the Bedford Park neighborhood, has sadly and quietly closed its door after at least 50 years in business. Since the pandemic first hit, Madden’s had struggled to survive. In the summer of 2021, the management team opened an outdoor shed for additional seating and brought in a giant TV so that fans could see NFL games on Sundays. The owners also installed a small window for takeout orders and began selling White Castle hamburgers, a move which had begun to draw crowds.

Norwood News

Serving Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights

Community

New NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs Appointed as Feb. Crime Rates Double

AG James Warns New Yorkers to be Cautious in Charitable Giving Amid Ukrainian Crisis

UPDATE Norwood: Gas Pipe Replacement Work Underway at Reservoir Place

28-Year-Old Man Arrested following Burglary at 52nd Precinct

Deputy Bronx BP, Janet A. Peguero, Embodies Spirit of Dominican Heritage Month

Bronx BP Hosts Black History Month Celebration, as Staten Island Ferry Named for City’s First, Free Black Community

Police Athletic League’s Tournament of Champions Engages Bronx Kids in STEM Projects

Bedford Park: Madden’s Pub Quietly Shuts after 50 Years