Inquiring Photographer: Celebrating Independence Day

By DAVID GREENE

In honor of Independence Day, this week the Norwood News asks readers their thoughts on the state of America and what areas should be improved upon.

Reconstruction to Begin on Step Street in Kingsbridge

By DEVIN DAE TUCKER

A so-called step street in Kingsbridge is set to undergo a $6.6 million reconstruction following years of complaints. The multi-agency operation between the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC), the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), and local officials united to “make the necessary upgrades that will allow this step street to flourish, and create a safer, more efficient passageway for the community,” according to DOT’s Bronx Borough Commissioner Nivardo Lopez. The 230-foot long step street, comprised of ten flights of concrete steps, connects Heath Avenue and Kingsbridge Terrace. It will be given a complete

By DEVIN DAE TUCKER

Bring Citi Bike to the Bronx! That’s the call from supporters and organizers who’ve proposed a $12 million expansion plan to include the rental bikes to the Bronx and other low-income neighborhoods in New York City. The price tag accounts for .01 percent of the city’s 2018-19 Fiscal Year budget and could mean transportation availability for more than six million New Yorkers, according to organizers. The daily rental price is $12 while a three-day pass runs $24. The prospect of the bikes coming to the Bronx sparked logistical questions from Norwood resident Edward Aucay, who suspected that “lack of space

Fordham Stores Learn to Avoid Fines by Agencies Who Dole Them Out

By REGGIE FRANCOIS

Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Lorelei Salas headed to East Fordham Road the morning of June 23. Although anytime is a good time to shop in the Bronx’s largest shopping district, she was there to educate. Salas was joined by Councilman Ritchie Torres, and officials from the city Department of Small Business Services (SBS), Department of Sanitation and the Fordham Road Business Improvement District for a door-to-door trek for Business Education Day along the Bronx’ Fordham Road Business Improvement District. Salas said the agency’s goal was to reach at least 80 businesses along the East Fordham Road strip to keep

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By JENNIFER RAJEWSKI

Dubbed the “sandwich generation,” those in their mid-thirties and forties are in a unique position. Though sometimes we’d prefer the phrase to refer to an affinity for ham and mustard on rye, it actually alludes to how this group of people is “sandwiched” between two sets of responsibilities: raising young children while simultaneously caring for aging and ill parents. Caregivers in this position can quickly be worn thin—one minute Suzy has soccer practice and Davy has violin lessons, the next Dad has fallen down again or has been forgetting to take his medication. With the mountain of responsibility growing larger

By DAVID GREENE

This week we asked readers their thoughts on a recent public hearing by the Rent Guidelines Board to determine whether to increase rents, despite already indicating it will raise rents by 1 to 3 percent once it’s official.

Health Check: Rethink Your Drink

By Aneka Wynter and Liz Spurrell-Huss

Trying to beat the heat in the hot summer months can be hard work, but staying hydrated doesn’t have to be. Hydration is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay cool, and making healthy beverage choices is important. It’s one reason why Montefiore Health System’s Office of Community & Population Health launched “Rethink Your Drink” to help you make better drinking choices. Here are some easy thirst-quenching tips to help you stay hydrated while avoiding sugary drinks that can lead to weight gain and tooth decay: Reusable water bottles are the latest fashion trend, especially for the

Opinion: Acknowledge Oval Park’s Milestone

By FRANK DA CRUZ

Williamsbridge Oval Park — or simply “The Oval” — turns 80 this September. It’s Norwood’s epicenter on the map and in our hearts. It was built between 1934 and 1937 on the site of an abandoned reservoir by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, which was also responsible for countless other landmarks all over New York City and the entire country. The park opened on Saturday, Sept. 11, 1937, with a ceremony featuring Parks Commissioner Robert Moses, Bronx Borough President James Lyons, and WPA administrator Howard Peckham addressing a crowd of 2000 in bleachers constructed

Sen. Bailey Office Hrs. at MMCC Constituent service hours by the office of state Sen. Jamaal T. Bailey are now available at Mosholu Montefiore Community Center (MMCC), 3450 DeKalb Ave., every first and third Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and every second and fourth Wednesday from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, call (718) 547-8854. Citizenship Help Free, confidential help in obtaining citizenship and immigration information services is available via phone through CUNY Citizenship Now! through June 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be numerous languages available. For English/multilingual services, call