52nd Precinct Community Council Gathers Tonight

Amid a high-tech anti-crime software loaded and ready to go, the 52nd Precinct Community Council will hear from police brass over the new crimefighting tool. Officials will meet at tonight at Fordham United Methodist Church to discuss the new measure. The meeting takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. at 2543 Marion Ave. in the Fordham/Bedford Park neighborhoods. The Five-Two was granted funds to install the software following pressure from local elected officials last summer. The new program is part of a broader pilot program that would see the ShotSpotter system in various Bronx precincts.

Latest Edition of the Norwood News Is Out

By DAVID CRUZ With the seasons changing hands and temperatures climbing (I also think I heard birds chirping), it’s a good time to head to your local business to pick up the latest copy of the Norwood News. We’ve packed 20 pages of community news you can use in the area, with a crime spike in the 52nd Precinct topping our news fold. Find out what the numbers are and what folks in some of the tougher neighborhoods have to say about the crime trend. We’re also following some major development news coming out of the Bedford Park/Norwood areas, beginning with

ShotSpotter Online Within 52nd Precinct

By DAVID CRUZ A high-tech sound system aimed at detecting gunfire is now operational within the 52nd Precinct, covering the northwest Bronx. Commissioner Bill Bratton announced that ShotSpotter, billed as a gun fire detection system with pinpoint accuracy, was installed throughout the 52nd Precinct, along with six others throughout the Bronx. Inspector Nilda Hofmann, the precinct’s commanding officer, had spent several weeks mulling over where to install acoustic sensors needed to detect gun shots, which required building owners consent. The system is activated once gunshots are picked up by sensors, where a real-time signal is sent to a 911 operator’s computer

By DAVID CRUZ On one hand it’s number two. On the other hand, it’s number four. But regardless of how crime is assessed in the 52nd Precinct, the trend has shifted upward, resisting a continued drop in crime across the Bronx.

Digital Edition of the Norwood News Is Out!

By DAVID CRUZ In another day filled with snow, snow, and more snow the Norwood News hopes you stay warm, cozy and aware of the latest edition of our neighborhood newspaper. We have twenty pages full of community news you can use. We first begin with a plan by The Doe Fund to build Webster Green, a supportive/affordable housing at a prime piece of real estate on the ever-changing Webster Avenue, an area that seems to be pushing in different directions. Find out what community stakeholders have to say along with the developers of Webster Green. We also have an

By DAVID CRUZ 52nd Precinct Takes its First Official Homicide The 52nd Precinct’s streak of zero murders in 2015 ended last week following the death of a 52-year-old in University Heights. Police say the victim, identified as Delores Scott of Midtown Manhattan, was found with stab wounds to her chest and back in front of 20 West 190 St., a mentoring program, on Feb. 19. She was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital and was pronounced dead a day later. Following a description of a suspect, police would later arrest Brandi Simmons, charging him with assault, criminal possession of a weapon

By DAVID CRUZ In a State of the Borough speech packed with pomp, ambition and proposals, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. talked of the Bronx on the mend, powered by a list of accomplishments and tempered gravitas.

Latest Digital Digital of the Norwood News Is Out!

By DAVID CRUZ The digital edition of the Norwood News, covering the northwest Bronx and its surrounding communities, is now available here on www.norwoodnews.org. We start with turmoil within a sprawling cooperative off West Fordham Road that’s reached its zenith after a group of shareholders gathered to oust the current Board of Directors. Accusations fly all over the place with this story. Next, the Norwood News has a feature that jumps on the Bronx political coverage—The Bronx Beltway. We highlight several stories swirling around the Bronx political sphere and provide anecdotal analysis. The newest just launched. Expect more in the

by David Cruz Authorities in New Jersey have charged a man linked to the death of a Fort Lee man found dead in the back of a car in Norwood last month. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office says that Andre Jamal Thompson, known by associates as “Boogie,” was charged with felony murder for the homicide of Jordan Johnson. The victim was found in a black BMW on 211th Street and Tryon Avenue just off the Major Deegan Expressway and overlooking the Woodlawn Cemetery on Jan. 15. Investigators learned that Thompson allegedly lured Johnson to an apartment in Fort Lee. Johnson