FEMA Urges Americans to Spend Their Grants Wisely

By SÍLE MOLONEY

As eligible, disaster survivors start to receive funds for rental assistance, home repairs, or other categories of assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is assuring Americans that federal disaster assistance funds are tax-free. FEMA officials said that the FEMA notification letter will inform residents of the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds and urges them to use the funds as stated in the award letter, and only for disaster-related expenses. The agency has provided the following tips: FEMA will send you a notification letter informing you of the types of assistance you are eligible to receive and the

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York Attorney General (AG) Letitia James released security camera video footage on Friday, Oct. 1, that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Michael Rosado, 24, who died at the end of August, following an encounter with members of the NYPD in the Fordham Heights section of the Bronx, as reported. According to police officials, a dispute began at 4:15 a.m. outside of the Los Polmaritos Deli & Grocery at 2080 Valentine Avenue, located at the corner of East 180th Street on Sunday, Aug. 29. As reported, at an NYPD press

Missing Local People A 10-year-old boy has been reported missing from Jerome Park. For more information, click here A 23-year-old man has been reported missing from Olinville. For more information, click here. A 13-year-old girl has been reported missing form Laconia. For more information, click here. An 85-year-old man has been reported missing from Williamsbridge. For more information, click here. COVID-19 Updates On June 24, 2021, New York State ended the State disaster emergency (PAUSE order) declared on March 7, 2020, to fight COVID-19. On Sept. 15, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a series of universal mask requirements designed

By SÍLE MOLONEY

People who are blind and use screen readers will now have independent access to life-saving information offered by “NY-Alert,” New York State’s Mass Notification System. Disability Rights Advocates, a nonprofit, announced on Wednesday, Sept. 29, that under a settlement agreement just reached between blind advocates and the New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS), the state agency will bring critical information on the NY-Alert website into compliance with web accessibility standards within six months. The advocates said this will mean that individuals who use screen readers can ensure they receive urgent emergency notifications, including time-sensitive alerts about

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The final, Bronx bus network redesign plan, initiated in 2019 by New York City Transit (NYCT), is now available for review and comment by residents, and it may mean the removal of 18 percent of Bronx bus stops in order to speed up service times and improve efficiency. Last month, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) announced an ambitious plan to improve New York City’s bus network. At the time, acting MTA chair and CEO, Janno Lieber, said, “We carry more people on our buses than the next four largest systems in America combined, and for

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), who represents parts of the Northwest Bronx and Northern Manhattan, and Grace Meng (NY-6) who represents parts of Queens, announced on Wednesday, Sept. 22, that they have secured over $11 billion in federal relief to help New Yorkers recover from the devastation caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. “Hurricane Ida marked the second time in two months our communities were flooded as a result of the climate crisis, and New Yorkers need for our support,” said Espaillat. “While we continue to survey the economic toll this storm took on our communities, it’s clear that our people needed immediate

By SÍLE MOLONEY

In an all-new season, “The Zoo,” returns to the Animal Planet network for Season 5, kicking off with a special, two-hour premiere on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 8 p.m., Season 5 dives back into what is described by Bronx Zoo officials as the hard work and heartwarming moments of daily life at the Bronx Zoo’s 265-acre campus and its sister parks across New York City. The series showcases more stories of the animals and staff who care for them. Throughout Season 5, audiences will learn about the zoo’s work, described as groundbreaking, in animal care and welfare, conservation, and

By DAWN CLANCY

Bronx Community Board 7 (CB7)’s Housing, Land Use, and Economic Development Committee have said “yes,” to plans to support the City’s proposal to make outdoor dining permanent, but some residents are wary the move may exacerbate already, unwanted noise levels late at night. The board also gave its support to a new housing development at 3118 Webster Avenue in Norwood, despite some residents’ misgivings over the trajectory of quality-of-life in the area. At the board’s housing committee meeting, held on Sept. 14, the first such committee meeting to take place since breaking for the summer, a quality-of-life discussion

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Representatives of Mosholu Preservation Corporation (MPC) gathered with local community residents, business owners, and elected officials to celebrate its 40th anniversary on Friday, Sept. 17. The event was held outdoors at the historic Keeper’s House, located at 3400 Reservoir Oval East, in Norwood, which is also home to the nonprofit. About 60 community members and former and current elected officials joined past and present MPC staff members for the occasion. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81) presented a proclamation from New York State to MPC executive director, Jennifer Tausig, in recognition of what he described as the organization’s great

Norwood News

Serving Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights

Environment

FEMA Urges Americans to Spend Their Grants Wisely

AG James Orders Release of Video Footage of Shooting of Michael Rosado

Neighborhood Notes on Redistricting, Bronx Bus Redesign, Booster Vaccinations & More!

Lawsuit Gives Blind Individuals Access to NYS Emergency Mass Notification System

Final Bronx Bus Redesign Plan May Involve the Removal of 18 Percent of Bronx Bus Stops

Espaillat & Meng Secure Funding for Federal Disaster Relief in Wake of Hurricane Ida

Animal Planet’s “The Zoo” Series Returns for a 5th Season, Chronicling Activities at Bronx Zoo

CB7: Permanent Outdoor Dining Fuels Noise Debate, as New Housing Planned for Special Needs Population

Mosholu Preservation Corporation Celebrates 40 Years in Norwood