Bronx Links, Tuesday

Here are the Bronx stories (some important, some just funny) that we’re following this Tuesday. Weather: partly cloudy, high in the low-60s, showers possible this afternoon.

Op-Ed: Livable Neighborhoods, Without the Gentrification Label

It’s been almost seven years since the New York Times wrote about the south Bronx transforming into a hip and gentrifying “SoBro,” citing an influx of white residents, artists, croissants and mesclun salad greens. Just last month, the Times ran a similar article, by the same author, once again boldly declaring gentrification in the south Bronx – now on the lower Concourse.

Bronx Notes: ‘Home is Where the Bronx Is’ on Trolley Night

Longwood Arts Project will have its opening reception of “Home is Where the Bronx Is” tonight, Wednesday, April 4 from 5 p.m. to 9. in the Longwood Art Gallery at Hostos Community College, located at 450 Grand Concourse (at 149th Street). The opening will coincide with the April Bronx Culture Trolley.

Envisioning a New Bronx Side of the Harlem River

A view of the Harlem River from University Heights. (Photo by Adi Talwar)

Last week, the Harlem River Working Group and Bronx Council for Environmental Quality kicked off a series of three “community visioning meetings” at Hostos Community College. The idea is to brainstorm new ideas and re-affirm old ideas for usage of the borough’s west coast and come up with a visioning document that will help shape future development. Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Bronx Notes: Bronx Real Estate Summit

The fourth Bronx Real Estate Summit is a twice-a-year presentation that will be held on Wednesday, March 28, at the Bronx Museum of the Arts located at 1040 Grand Concourse.

Bronx Stars of Tomorrow: Chess Master Justus Williams

In his first year as a teenager, Bronx native Justus Williams has already become the youngest African-American chess player to be awarded the title of Chess Master in the country, and he is the first to tell you about the hours of studying and dedication that he is continuing to put towards his game. Williams sat down with the Norwood News at IS 318, the Brooklyn middle school he attends, which boasts a nationally ranked chess team, to talk about his past tournament in Brazil, his favorite chess piece, and his secrets to match preparation.

Bronx Notes: The Planting of the Green at Williamsbridge Oval Park

Tomorrow morning, Mosholu Preservation Corporation (the nonprofit that publishes the Norwood News) is holding a planting and clean-up event at Williamsbridge Oval. Those who want to participate in beautifying Oval Park should meet up at 11 a.m. at the park’s north entrance, between Putnam Place and Reservoir Place.

Bronx Week 2012 To Kick Off May 10

This spring, Bronx Week will start on May 10 and run through May 20, culminating, as always, with a weekend of festivities that will include the Bronx Ball, a parade and street festival (usually on Mosholu Parkway) and inductions into the Bronx Walk of Fame.

In Response to Bias Incidents, Fordham Students Demand Change

Fordham University students took to the streets last week to demand change in how the Bronx Jesuit school approaches multiculturalism and how it handles acts of racism and bias.