Hector Aponte, Bronx Parks Commissioner, to Retire

by David Cruz Hector Aponte, the long serving Bronx Commissioner for the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, is slated to retire. The agency confirmed to the Norwood News of Mr. Aponte leaving office after spending ten years as Bronx parks chief. It’s unclear when Mr. Aponte’s retire date is effective. Mr. Aponte, who grew up in the Bronx, was appointed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to serve as the Bronx Parks Commissioner. His first year in the Bronx came amid the early construction phase of the Croton Water Filtration Plan in Van Cortlandt Village, a massive water project tied to a

Bronx News Roundup: Lawsuits, protests and pop-up cafe

By David Cruz Thursday brings you another installment of Bronx News Roundup, where we take you around the Bronx to see what our fellow roving reporters are gathering for you. From what we’ve see there’s plenty to write about: Several outlets are reporting that the Archdiocese of New York is considering the closure of more parishes next year. Preliminary lists show St. Simon Stock Church at 2195 Valentine Avenue may merge with St. Joseph’s Church at 1949 Bathgate Avenue. The New York Times explores the current state of New York State-operated nursing homes following the aftermath death of Frank Mercado

By David Cruz The waitress at Symphony Diner quickly recognized Michael Blake. He ordered his usual—a western omelet with a side of orange juice. For the past few months, the man who’s gone from White House aide for President Barack Obama to the newest Assemblyman of the 79th District has been on fact-finding excursion, becoming a familiar face within the district he’s poised to represent.

Inquiring Photographer – Heat & Hot Water Issues

By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers if they have heat and hot water problems as temperatures drop and how fast their landlords make needed repairs.

Digital Edition of the Norwood News Is Out!

by David Cruz Thursday ushers in the latest edition of the Norwood News, available at nearly 300 locations throughout the northwest Bronx. This week we delve into a five-year cluster site in Norwood that’s apparently worn out its welcome, according to rent paying tenants. The Norwood News spoke to both sides, who largely feel misunderstood. We also look at the Stagg Group as it edges closer to opening its three-building complex along Webster Avenue. By and large the buildings are deemed the linchpin to the building boom happening along the northwest Bronx corridor. Hear what residents have to say about the market rate

By Janaki Chadha Community Board 7’s adding some spark to the holidays with its annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony.

Shelter Developer Outlines Housing Mix In University Heights

By David Cruz When Jean Hill heard a developer’s plan to build their latest shelter proposal, the idea of a fact-finding visit to the developer’s other sites quickly surfaced. After all, she’s poked around other sites before. “We do go out, ask questions of the people who live in [the developer’s] backyard. ‘Have you had any problems with them? Is everything kosher?’” said Hill, serving as Community Board 7’s Land Use/Housing committee chairwoman.

At An Annual Holiday Food Drive, Dinowitz Does His Part

By Catharina Thuemling The holiday season is near but not all families are blessed to celebrate Thanksgiving and other upcoming holidays with a table filled with food.

Future of University Hts. Waterfront Subject of CB7 Committee Gathering

by David Cruz Community Board 7 members are expected to hear from the nonprofit developer of an affordable housing/homeless shelter in University Heights just as interest for waterfront development grows.