Bronx Projects Few in State of the City Speech, Though Norwood Gets a Boost

[URIS id=20221] In his third State of the City address, that once again captured the tenor of inequality, Mayor Bill de Blasio offered a synopsis of citywide initiatives while unveiling a short list of goals specific to the Norwood and Mott Haven sections of the Bronx. Presenting his evening address at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the Bronx, the first for de Blasio, Mr. de Blasio summarized policies that he points have raised quality of life for New Yorkers, particularly the city’s downtrodden. Without the help of a teleprompter, Mr. de Blasio’s speech seemed to be refresher on

Hello readers! As usual, as promised, and right on time–the latest edition of the Norwood News is out with plenty of Bronx community news for you to share. This week the paper heads to Bedford Park for a proposal by the New York Botanical Garden to convert its large space into a multi-used site, with the possibility of a hotel added to the fold. Only residents worry any new development could knock out the existing supermarket. Find out what one top official from NYBG has to say about that. We move from one development to another in Kingsbridge–the Kingsbridge National Ice

By DAVID CRUZ

In the last days of December, New York City Council members Andrew Cohen and Ritchie Torres toured Webster Avenue with a burning question in mind: What will it take to spur more commercial development along the avenue? It has been seven years since a major push by community stakeholders ultimately resulted in the official rezoning of eighty blocks of Webster Avenue between E. Gun Hill Road and Fordham Road, considered a key but underutilized artery of the Bronx. New zoning laws in effect on Webster Avenue offer tax credits to developers who build affordable housing with a first floor storefront.

By WENDY JOAN BIDDLECOMBE

New units of senior housing are coming to Bedford Park on the grounds of Mount St. Ursula, abutting the Serviam Gardens senior facility, to address the growing need of affordable housing for the elderly. Once complete, the impending Serviam Heights will add 195 new affordable units of housing to the neighborhood. A new, nine-story tower is planned for 2848 Bainbridge Ave., just north of Serviam Gardens and Serviam Towers. The project will also rehabilitate the convent on the grounds to include apartments, while crews will repurpose the chapel into a senior center. John M. Reilly, the executive director of Fordham

Bronx Youth Heard The Norwood News is accepting applications for Bronx Youth Heard, a free afterschool program that teaches journalism skills to Bronx high school students ages 14 to 18. Applications are available online at http://bit.ly/BYHFall2015. For more information, contact David Cruz, program director for Bronx Youth Heard and editor-in-chief of Norwood News, at dcruz@norwoodnews.org or at (718) 324-4998. The deadline is Monday, Jan. 25. Immigration/Legal Services Immigration and legal services are available at the Office of Councilman Fernando Cabrera, 107 E. Burnside Ave. Appointments are required. To schedule one, call (347) 590-2875. Free 2016 NYC Parking Calendar Free 2016

Dear Readers, Have two weeks flew by already? The latest edition of the Norwood News is hitting your local diners, stores, offices, schools and busy corridors as of the time of this writing. But if you want to just view it from the convenience of your home, then here it is! We first begin with a story impacting our entire coverage area, revamping the NYPD sector maps to help improve crime fighting. Putting on his reporter cap is veteran newsman Bob “Kappy” Kappstatter, former NYPD beat reporter and Bronx bureau chief for the New York Daily News, who breaks down what communities

By DAVID CRUZ

Though the Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) was approved to occupy the Kingsbridge Armory in 2013, loose ends relating to the mammoth project were brought up during a hostile public meeting involving an approved loan for the enormous project. In what was a barely publicized public hearing Jan. 14, residents and special interests groups testified before officials representing the Empire State Development (ESD) agency. The ESD’s Board of Directors had voted to approve a $30 million construction loan for the project, part of a larger $130 million project before the economic development agency. The Board’s approval of the loan sparked

COMMUNITY BOARD 7 has a new district manager several months after its former manager resigned. Following an exhaustive search, the Board unanimously approved the hiring of Andrew Sandler, currently the director of community relations and constituent services for Councilman Andrew Cohen. Sandler has a public service background, having worked for Cohen’s predecessor, former Councilman Oliver Koppell. Cohen called the Board’s hiring of Sandler “my loss.” “Mr. Sandler is well- qualified for this position and I believe he will be a great asset to the board. I wish him well in this new endeavor,” said Cohen. District managers are paid city

Anticipating news stories is a bit tricky in journalism. Stories involve truth, which is always stranger than fiction, making news predictions, well, tricky. But in looking ahead, the Norwood News is looking backward to determine what stories will spark ire, provoke further discussion, and signal change. So far, this could be the year of repeats. With that, here are some stories that could get the presses going: Securing the Oval: Let’s hope 2015 was the last year the neighborhood saw a string of violent incidents, brush fires, and fresh graffiti tags that bewildered neighbors around the park in the latter