Homeless Services Wants Volunteers for Annual HOPE Count

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By PHONZ L. REYES

With record number of homelessness still an issue across the city, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) is once again requesting New Yorkers volunteer to help the agency’s annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Survey happening at the end of the month. The overnight HOPE Survey on Jan. 28 provides the agency a chance to collect data that will aid outreach teams in year-round efforts to address street homelessness while providing accurate estimates of un-sheltered homeless individuals in the city, particularly during the year’s coldest of nights when temperatures drop below 30 degrees. “Thanks to increased investment, enhanced coordination, and

Bronx Projects Take Center Stage in State of the City

By DAVID CRUZ

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s fifth State of the City address saw the immediate creation of a Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants, a plan for increased worker protections, expanded 3K program, while also promoting a plan for guaranteed healthcare and a paid two-week vacation proposal for employees. Surprisingly, there were some specifics for the Bronx, a point that was not lost on Democratic colleagues like Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who’s expressed interest in running for mayor in 2021. Still, Diaz criticized de Blasio’s proposal to take buildings away from landlords with a history of harassment and poor building management.

Bronx Gets Priority in de Blasio's NYC Care Initiative

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a plan that would guarantee healthcare for 600,000 low-income New Yorkers, with Bronx residents expected to get priority. Coverage will also apply to undocumented immigrants. But how to pay for it became the biggest question during de Blasio’s announcement. “Health care is a human right. In this city we are going to make that a reality in this city we are taking that ideal and putting it into practice. From this moment on in New York City everyone is guaranteed the right to health care,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio, sitting alongside advocates and First

By DAVID CRUZ

An investigation is underway by the NYPD to determine what caused the death of a man found inside Van Cortlandt Park. The body was found close to the park’s entrance of Jerome Avenue and East Gun Hill Road. Its discovery fell within the 50th Precinct. The investigation also comes days after police in the 52nd Precinct learned of a decomposed body found at French Charley’s Park. Police released very few details other than the victim was 33 years old whose body was found at 7:15 a.m. on Jan. 5. EMS said he was dead at the scene. The body was

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers! The Norwood News is out with its latest edition covering the Bronx. In our last edition of the year, we bring you the latest! The front page story looks at 2018 with our traditional Year in Review, highlighting several major stories that happened throughout the year. We spent several days narrowing down the list. We hope you agree. With the new year here, we give you a briefing of all the new laws you have to comply with now. Meantime, hear what Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. wants from Amtrak when it comes to the stalled

By JOSEPH KONIG

Ahead of what Democrats say will be an historically active legislative session in Albany, here are some notable new laws coming to the Bronx at the beginning of 2019. Tobacco Sale Banned in Pharmacies As part of a bill passed in 2017, New York City pharmacies will no longer sell tobacco products. The nation’s largest pharmacy chain, CVS, famously stopped selling tobacco products in 2014, but now all New York City pharmacies will join them. The law will also affect big box stores and supermarkets with pharmacy departments. According to Councilman Brad Lander, the pharmacy ban and heavy taxation of

By DAVID CRUZ

The Top Stories This Norwood News’ Year in Review saw continued development in the Bronx, political newcomers combatting giants, and a troubling violent crime trend for the local precinct. The paper pored through all 25 editions of 2018 that graced the stands, stores, and other locations in the Bronx, sifting through repeat stories that had, from an editorial standpoint, the greatest impact. Here are the highlights: Homicides in Norwood The Norwood News was there to report on the rise in homicides happening in Norwood and the surrounding areas that comprise the 52nd Precinct. The body count went from a total

By BRENDA BOATSWAIN, Ph.D., CGP

Research shows that having positive close relationships throughout your life has a positive effect on your physical health, mental health, and lifespan. In infants, warm and nurturing parents help them grow into adults that can successfully manage their lives. For young children and adolescents, close positive family relationships can serve as a buffer against stress. Reducing stress lowers the chance of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease. In adults, being socially connected and having access to social support is related to better health and self-care. For aging adults, social ties reduce risk for mental and physical decline and early

Free Oven Safe Knob Covers The Office of Councilman Ritchie Torres is giving away free safe oven knob covers to prevent accidental fires in apartments. Free knob covers can be picked up at 2546 Hoffman St., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. while supplies last. For more information, call the office at (718) 842-8100. Nonprofit Grants Now Available Resident-led groups in low-income communities and Title I public schools can apply for a Neighborhood Grant of up to $3,000. A workshop in how to fill out the application correctly takes place on Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. at