52nd Precinct on the Lookout for Pizzeria Thief

By DAVID CRUZ

Police have released video of a brazen burglar who made off with cash and valuables at a Norwood pizza shop. The burglary happened on Jan. 27 close to 2 a.m. That’s when police say a man rammed his way into Marconi’s Pizza Restaurant on 185 E. Gun Hill Rd. The thief went behind the counter and ran off with $350 and a lock box, according to cops. No one was hurt. Police vaguely described the suspect as a male black, though video released by the NYPD shows the suspect appearing to have an injured nose. The pizzeria lies within the

[URIS id=20221] In his third State of the City address, that once again captured the tenor of inequality, Mayor Bill de Blasio offered a synopsis of citywide initiatives while unveiling a short list of goals specific to the Norwood and Mott Haven sections of the Bronx. Presenting his evening address at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the Bronx, the first for de Blasio, Mr. de Blasio summarized policies that he points have raised quality of life for New Yorkers, particularly the city’s downtrodden. Without the help of a teleprompter, Mr. de Blasio’s speech seemed to be refresher on

Hello readers! As usual, as promised, and right on time–the latest edition of the Norwood News is out with plenty of Bronx community news for you to share. This week the paper heads to Bedford Park for a proposal by the New York Botanical Garden to convert its large space into a multi-used site, with the possibility of a hotel added to the fold. Only residents worry any new development could knock out the existing supermarket. Find out what one top official from NYBG has to say about that. We move from one development to another in Kingsbridge–the Kingsbridge National Ice

By DAVID CRUZ

Something’s fishy at a mailbox near you. The 52nd Precinct is hoping to catch a couple of so-called “fishers” targeting mailboxes in Bedford Park and Norwood. “Fishers” get their name after feeding a bottle affixed with an adhesive and shoestring into a street mailbox. The glue works to hook any piece of mail that’s fished out of the box, allowing thieves to sift through letters filled with gift cards or personal checks that are later altered and cashed. “We’ve had an increase in grand larcenies when it comes to people mailing their checks,” said Inspector Nilda Hofmann, the 52nd Precinct’s

Bronx Youth Heard The Norwood News is accepting applications for Bronx Youth Heard, a free afterschool program that teaches journalism skills to Bronx high school students ages 14 to 18. Applications are available online at http://bit.ly/BYHFall2015. For more information, contact David Cruz, program director for Bronx Youth Heard and editor-in-chief of Norwood News, at dcruz@norwoodnews.org or at (718) 324-4998. The deadline is Monday, Jan. 25. Immigration/Legal Services Immigration and legal services are available at the Office of Councilman Fernando Cabrera, 107 E. Burnside Ave. Appointments are required. To schedule one, call (347) 590-2875. Free 2016 NYC Parking Calendar Free 2016

By DAVID GREENE

Friends of Father Richard Gorman, a prominent Bronx clergyman, community leader, and activist expressed shock and sadness just 24 hours after the Archdiocese of New York announced his suspension following accusations of child molestation. The archdiocese issued a statement that revealed the alleged abuse “would have occurred 30 years ago. As usual the archdiocese immediately reported the allegations to law enforcement officials for investigation, who have deemed the allegations to be credible, although they have not yet been substantiated.” The Archdiocese revealed little details on the matter, though it was alleged to occur in Westchester County. No longer permitted to publicly function as a priest until the matter

Dear Readers, Have two weeks flew by already? The latest edition of the Norwood News is hitting your local diners, stores, offices, schools and busy corridors as of the time of this writing. But if you want to just view it from the convenience of your home, then here it is! We first begin with a story impacting our entire coverage area, revamping the NYPD sector maps to help improve crime fighting. Putting on his reporter cap is veteran newsman Bob “Kappy” Kappstatter, former NYPD beat reporter and Bronx bureau chief for the New York Daily News, who breaks down what communities

COMMUNITY BOARD 7 has a new district manager several months after its former manager resigned. Following an exhaustive search, the Board unanimously approved the hiring of Andrew Sandler, currently the director of community relations and constituent services for Councilman Andrew Cohen. Sandler has a public service background, having worked for Cohen’s predecessor, former Councilman Oliver Koppell. Cohen called the Board’s hiring of Sandler “my loss.” “Mr. Sandler is well- qualified for this position and I believe he will be a great asset to the board. I wish him well in this new endeavor,” said Cohen. District managers are paid city

By BOB KAPPSTATTER

Special to Norwood News As crime remains a stubborn problem for some areas of Norwood and its surrounding neighborhoods, the 52nd Precinct is set to embrace some radical crime fighting methods. The news comes amid a year where the Five-Two won the year, though barely. While the number of victims last year was low compared to the precinct’s more problematic days, the Five-Two was hit with a surge of homicides and shootings, as well as bumps in other major crime categories. It still managed to show a four percent drop when the seven major crime categories were lumped together, but it ranked within the top 10