Norwood Local Facing Webster Construction Hits Brick Wall

By NIALL RIDGLEY

Wooden two-by-fours jut out and over the backyard where children used to play, a giant pit has been dug in the basement, and fast food odors from a nearby restaurant creep straight into a three-story home owned by Darrell Burgess of Norwood. It’s been quite the living nightmare for Burgess, whose struggles stem from construction of a building addition owned by Edward Khalil, the developer of an impending six-story structure that rests at 3103 Webster Ave. by East 204th Street and just across from another building under construction by The Doe Fund. The pair of buildings are the result of

By DAVID CRUZ

Something old can be new again at the annual Bedford Mosholu Community Association (BMCA) Flea Market scheduled for March 10. In the basement of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, 360 Bedford Pk. Blvd., residents can check out some of the offerings up for sale at modest prices. Much of these knickknacks include books, appliances, picture frames, and music items, to a name. Much of these goods came from donations BMCA volunteers cobbled since the beginning of the year. This time, BMCA leadership forewent clothes. “It’s our annual fundraiser, it’s our only fundraiser,” Barbara Stronczer, BMCA president, said. “It’s a big community

KNIC Founder Reaffirms Commitment to Build Project (Thumbnail)

By DAVID CRUZ

Kevin Parker, founder of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center project, told community stakeholders at a closed-door meeting today that the massive project is under way despite being stalled for four years. The meeting, held at Concourse House just blocks from the Kingsbridge Armory, the expected home of the center, was organized by State Sen. Gustavo Rivera. “I felt confident going into the meeting and I feel much more confident after I left the meeting that the project is going forward,” Rivera told the Norwood News several hours after the meeting wrapped up. “Is the [project] happening tomorrow? Sadly, no.” Much of the

Editor’s Pick Flea Market Bedford Mosholu Community Association presents a giant flea market at Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church of India, 360 Bedford Park Blvd. (at Decatur Avenue), March 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Select from new and used items including gifts, china, lamps, bric-a-brac, jewelry, books, toys and much more. Included will be homemade cakes and cookies and a raffle. For more information, call (718) 584-1900. Onstage Lehman College, 250 Bedford Pk., Blvd. W. presents Forever Freestyle 12, March 3 at 8 p.m. featuring a variety of performances. Tickets are $55 to $65; $100/VIP. For more information, call

By DAVID CRUZ

Whether in grueling heat-filled days or frigid temperatures, a cadre of activists has been fighting for their communities’ soul. Their communities lie in the heart of Jerome Avenue between 184th and 167th streets. It’s there where the city looks to rezone 92 blocks, the largest rezoning for the Bronx in years. For the last three years, the valley-like neighborhoods—from Mt. Hope to the Grand Concourse—have been studied by the city. They’re home to a largely low-income Hispanic bloc and a concentration of auto mechanics that do business below the rumbling 4 subway line. Hispanics from all backgrounds make up more

By DAVID CRUZ

The fifth edition of the Norwood News, primarily covering the northwest Bronx, is out with plenty of community news. We have 16 pages full of news for you to share with your friends, family, and make you the smartest person in the room! We begin with page one and a quality of life inconvenience that is being addressed: loud parties and spurts of violence at Devoe Park in University Heights. Reporter Niall Ridgley reports that it’s the off season now, and Councilman Fernando Cabrera has ordered gates to be installed at nine of the park’s entrances. Hear what residents have

By NIALL RIDGLEY

New retrofitted gates, enhanced lighting, and security cameras will be installed by early spring in response to high levels of summer nighttime activity at Devoe Park in University Heights. The installation of the nine locking gates at nine of the park’s entrances, spearheaded by Councilman Fernando Cabrera, should help curb insufferable disturbances for residents living in the neighboring Fordham Hill Oval Co-op and on the adjacent streets of Father Zeiser, Webb Avenue, and University Avenue. Residents near Devoe Park have long been concerned about heavy late-night activity and noise, from partying to drug dealing, particularly during the summer months.

Norwood Man Charged with Aiding ISIS Terror Network (Picture)

By DAVID CRUZ

A Knox Place man has admitted to a federal judge that he attempted to fly to the Middle East so he can train with and join the terrorist group known as ISIS, among the many admissions made. Sajmir Alimehmeti, known as Abdul Qawii, faces numerous charges including one count of attempting to provide material to ISIS, making a false statement in an application for a US passport with intent to support ISIS, and attempting to join ISIS. He faces a maximum sentence of 45 years. “Sajmir Alimehmeti took steps to travel overseas to support ISIS’s terror campaign. He also bought

Fresh Graffiti Scrawls Found on Oval Park Staircase

By DAVID CRUZ

The steps on the northern end of Williamsbridge Oval Park were found smeared with graffiti the week of Feb. 18. The scrawls make out what appear to be a “PF” stained on the family-friendly park’s left staircase facing north. It’s unclear when the markings first appeared. The Department of Parks has stood on top of the graffiti issue, cleaning up a large graffiti-laden sign near the tunnel entrance. Spurts of violence have crept up along the 19.75-acre park in recent weeks, including the shooting of a teenager.