UPDATE Elections 2022: Republican Candidate, Phyllis Nastasio, on Education, Crime and NYCHA Housing

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this online story and some copies of the print edition incorrectly referenced Phyllis Nastasio as a Democratic candidate in the upcoming election for A.D. 80. In fact, Nastasio is running on the Republican/Conservative ticket in this race. We apologize for this error. Our profile on Democratic nominee, John Zaccaro Jr., for A.D. 80 can be read here.    Raised on Arthur Avenue, Pelham Parkway resident, Phyllis “Tiz” Nastasio is running on the Republican/Conservative ticket in the November general election in A.D. 80 to succeed incumbent, Democratic Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez. She faces John Zaccaro who


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UPDATE Neighborhood Notes: DV Awareness Month, High School Admissions Test, Heat Season & More!

  GoFundMe Page for Bedford Congregational Church Residents are being kindly asked to donate to support the upgrading of the heating system at Bedford Congregational Church, located at 309 East 201st Street in Bedford Park. Founded in 1889 and a designated landmark since 2000, the church is a 501c3 charity and provides space for local support groups battling addictions, as well as other congregations. A replacement oil tank is needed before the water pipes freeze and burst. To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/warm-hearts-cold-church.   Alternate Side Parking Alternate Side Parking regulations will be suspended Monday-Tuesday, October 17-18 in observance of  Shemini Atzereth and Simchas Torah.


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UPDATE Communities Clash over Orchard Beach Shelter, Rivera Asks Mayor to Reconsider Randall’s Island Site

The following is an updated and expanded version of the story that appears in our latest print edition.   A contentious battle pitting neighbor against neighbor has apparently been averted, as the temporary shelter that was being built to house 1,000 male asylum seekers at Orchard Beach parking lot has been halted. As reported, Mayor Eric Adams did an about-face on Monday, Oct. 3 and is now moving the controversial shelter to Randall’s Island.   Workers had begun erecting several massive tents on Monday, Sept. 26, but three demonstrations were since organized opposing the site by local Republican Party candidates, Tina


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Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on Housing Asylum Seekers at Orchard Beach Temporary Shelter

This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the plan to house asylum seekers at a temporary shelter that was being built on the Orchard Beach parking lot in the Northeast Bronx, but which has, in the meantime, been moved to Randall’s Island.   “I think it’s completely irresponsible for anybody to be putting something over there based on the fact that it’s in a flood zone, based on the fact that there’s no form of transportation for these people, which is pretty much inhumane. Why do they always consider The Bronx the dumping ground for society’s problems? They started


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Mott Haven: Affordable Housing Lottery Launches for Units at 322 Grand Concourse

NYC Department of Housing, Preservation & Development (HPD) has launched an affordable housing lottery for units at 322 Grand Concourse, a 14-story, mixed-use building in the Mott Haven section of The Bronx.   Designed by Fishcher + Makooi Architect, and developed by Simon Kaufman, the structure yields 153 residential units, as reported by YIMBY.   Available on NYC Housing Connect, the online reporting tool for HPD are 25 units for residents at 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $56,983 to $115,280.   According to NYC Housing Connect, and YIMBY, residents will have access


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Permits Filed For 4829 White Plains Road In Wakefield, The Bronx

Building Applications have been filed with NYC Department of Buildings for a new, 4-story residential building located at 4829 White Plains Road in the Wakefield section of The Bronx, as reported by YIMBY.   Located at the intersection of East 243rd Street and White Plains Road, the lot is one block north of the 241st Street subway station, serviced by the 2 train. Shimshon Grunstein of AFS Systems Inc. is listed as the owner behind the applications.   The proposed 40-foot-tall development will yield 6,937 square feet designated for residential space, according to YIMBY and the building will have ten


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UPDATE Mayor: Orchard Beach Asylum Seeker Relief Center to be Moved to Randall’s Island

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Monday evening, Oct. 3, that the Orchard Beach relief center which was targeted to house up to a thousand asylum seekers will be moved to Randall’s Island in Manhattan. The announcement comes after a weekend of both protests and flooding at Orchard Beach, located in the Northeast Bronx, and further to the mayor’s earlier announcement on Sept. 22 of the construction of the Orchard Beach site, as reported.   “New York City has, on its own, safely and efficiently provided shelter, health care, education, and a host of other services to more


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Mayor, NYC Parks, NYCHA to Build New Open Spaces, Playgrounds at NYCHA Housing Developments

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks), and the NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) announced, on Sept. 14, a pilot program to re-imagine and invest in nearly three acres of NYCHA open space, including playgrounds, at two developments in the Soundview section of The Bronx, three in Queens, and one in Brooklyn.   The announcement was held at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new open space at Pomonok Houses in Queens, which has been fully reconstructed under the pilot program and now includes fitness equipment, sensory play equipment, seating, and new landscaping.  


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Belmont: Housing Lottery Launches for Units at 2321 Belmont Avenue

NYC Department of Housing, Preservation & Development (HPD) has launched an affordable housing lottery for units at a 7-story, mixed-use building 2321 Belmont Avenue in the Belmont section of The Bronx, as reported by YIMBY.   Designed by Sion Consulting Engineering, the structure yields 42 residential units, and available on NYC Housing Connect, HPD’s online portal, are 13 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $72,000 to $167,570.   Amenities include covered parking with assigned parking spaces and electric car charging stations, bike storage lockers, and common area Wi-Fi, according


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