Atlanta Man charged with Running over Woman Walking Dog inside Claremont Park

By DAVID GREENE

No one could have predicted that a woman who was simply walking her dog in Claremont Park, away from speeding motorists on the streets surrounding the park, would be hit by an out-of-control driver, barreling down a footpath inside the park just before dawn on Saturday. Yet, that is exactly what happened, and police have since arrested an Atlanta man who has been charged with running over the woman. According to the Collision Investigation Squad Report system maintained by the NYPD, the incident unfolded at 6:50 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, after a 911 caller reported “a pedestrian struck

Police have confirmed a 63-year-old man has died following a road collision in the Wakefield section of The Bronx. Police said officers responded to a 911 call on Monday March 14, at approximately 10.06 p.m. regarding a motor vehicle collision, which involved a gas-powered scooter, in the vicinity of East 241st Street and Richardson Avenue, in Wakefield. Upon arrival, the responding officers encountered an unconscious 63-year-old man, unconscious and unresponsive, lying on the roadway with trauma to the head. EMS responded to the location and transported the aided man to Jacobi Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.

The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance locating a 34-year-old woman who was reported missing from Bedford Park, located in the 52nd precinct, on Monday, March 14. Beatriz Matos-Rodriguez, 34, of 320 East 197th Street, Apartment 1A, in the Bedford Park section of The Bronx, was last seen at her home at 00.01 a.m. on Monday, March 7. She is described as an Hispanic, Black woman, is 5 feet, 7 inches tall, and weighs 200 pounds. She was last seen wearing a gray coat, a black dress and black sneakers. Anyone with information regarding this incident is

By SARAH HUFFMAN

Nearly two out of three children affected by systemic poverty cannot read at grade level, according to Literacy Incorporated (LINC), a New York City nonprofit focused on early childhood literacy. The organization said children who cannot transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” by third grade are 13 times more likely not to graduate on time from high school. Childhood literacy, along with resources for youth, schools and libraries formed the main topics of discussion at last month’s Bronx Community Board 7’s education committee meeting, held on Feb. 2, and the first of the year to be

By SARAH HUFFMAN

Frustrations were evident among the attendees at Bronx Community Board 7 (CB7)’s Parks meeting on Feb. 9, as members and residents expressed their exhaustion when it came to dealing with the Forestry unit within New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Parks committee chair, Barbara Stronczer, shared that she had recently attended a meeting with a Bronx representative of the Forestry unit, along with Ischia Bravo, CB7 district manager, and Karla Cabrera-Carrera, community coordinator for CB7. Stronczer said Forestry informed her the unit does not usually attend community board meetings, even though CB7 has been trying

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Bronx Fashion Week, JoJo’s Fabulous Corner, an accessories business, and Straight Walk Runway modeling agency are appealing for donations for The Bronx’s 2nd Annual Prom Dress and Suit Donation Drive. The donation drive has been running since Feb. 16, and ends on Saturday, April 30, and is sponsored by Bronx Fashion Week, JoJo’s Fabulous Corner, Make-up Designory (MUD), a private, for-profit trade school focused on make-up artistry, Straight Walk Runway, graphic designer, Isabela Designer, and Alfred E. Smith Career and Technical Education High School, located at 333 E 151st Street in the Melrose section of The Bronx.

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