Lawsuit Gives Blind Individuals Access to NYS Emergency Mass Notification System

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

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli recently announced that Bronx residents have $353,393,103.00 in unclaimed funds waiting to be paid. According to the State comptroller’s office, banks, insurance companies, corporations and the courts are among the many organizations required by law to report dormant accounts to the State comptroller. These organizations must attempt to notify residents by mail regarding such dormant accounts, and publish the information in newspapers. According to the City, monies paid to the courts for legal matters, are held in an interest-bearing, NYC Department of Finance common trust account. Deposits and withdrawals of court

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Editor’s Pick The Off-Broadway in the Boros Fest is coming to the Bronx. Enjoy free, outdoor, theater performances at 1 Fordham Plaza, on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, go to nyc.gov/OffBwayBoros. Events The Office of Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, The Office of Councilman Eric Dinowitz (C.D. 11) and partners will host Bronx Skate Night in the Williamsbridge Oval Park in Norwood (tennis courts) on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call (718) 549 7300 for more information on this free event. Lehman College is marking Hispanic Heritage

By DAVID GREENE

Coffee lovers, get ready! Workers are putting the finishing touches to the remodeling of the once popular, “Twin Donut Plus,” in preparation for the grand opening of a new Starbucks branch in Norwood. The former coffee and donut outlet, located at 3396 Jerome Avenue and East 208th Street, which was part of the Twin Donut franchise founded in Boston in 1959, closed in July 2018, as previously reported by Norwood News. The site has remained vacant ever since. According to a filed “RPTT and RETT” document with the Office of the City Register, the property appears to have

Norwood News

Serving Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights

Environment

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

State Comptroller: Bronx Residents Have $353,393,103.00 in Unclaimed Funds

UPDATE Out & About: Bronx Fit Fest, Off-Broadway Boros Fest, Hispanic Heritage Month & More!

UPDATE Starbucks To Open at Former “Twin Donut Plus” Site in Norwood