KNIC Officially Inks Lease To Bring Ice Center To Armory

by David Cruz The i’s have been dotted. The t’s crossed. The lawsuits cleared. Now the Kingsbridge National Ice Center is officially set to bring the world’s largest skating center to the long vacant Kingsbridge Armory after a bumpy start. Kevin Parker, the lead developer of the complex, officially signed a 99-year lease with the city Economic Development Corporation this week, two weeks after a judge ruled he is the sole developer of the $350 million project. “Reaching this juncture caps a monumental effort from community partners, elected officials and local residents who joined us in dreaming big – in

Public & Community Meetings

COMMUNITY BOARD 7 will hold its general board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Serviam Gardens, 321 E. 198th St., at 6:30 p.m. Committee meetings are held on the following dates at the board office, 229A E. 204th St., at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted: Education/Libraries & Youth Services committee meets Wednesday, Oct. 22; Parks & Recreation and Senior Services committees meet Wednesday, Oct. 29 (Note: Senior Services Committee meets at 7:30 p.m.) For more information call (718) 933-5650. THE 52ND PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL meets Thursday, Oct. 16 at the Fordham Hill Oval Corporation, 2455 Sedgwick Ave. from 7 to

by David Cruz Take participatory budgeting, a Tour de Bronx, the rebirth of the NCBH maternity ward and the list of Norwood’s worst landlords and you have the latest edition of the Norwood News, hitting newsstands at over 200 locations in the northwest Bronx. This week we explore key events happening in the community for you to share with friends and family. Check out roving reporter Hayley Camacho’s article on shady landlords whose buildings have made life hell for tenants in Norwood and Bedford Park. The responses she gathered are quite interesting. Next, we give you an update to a murderous

By Hayley Camacho On his dining room table, Victor Rosario has six letters from the city Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Code Enforcement Division certifying the numerous violations in his apartment at 3540 Decatur Ave. Rosario has been fighting an uphill battle for the last several years to get the landlord, Bob-Al Management Corp, to make the necessary repairs.

Put the Pedal to the Metal at the 20th annual Tour de Bronx

by David Cruz Strap on your helmet, tune up the two-wheeler and get set for the 20th annual Tour de Bronx. The state’s largest bike outing, according to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., is a way of shattering the nagging stigma of the Bronx. “And the best way to do that is to show people that the Bronx is not what it was, but so much more,” said Diaz, as he stood outside the Bronx YMCA in Castle Hill, overlooking a scenic view of the East River and Whitestone Bridge. The largest free bicycling event in the state, the

By David Cruz Vital Stats: 10% – Percentage of Bronx births that happen at North Central Bronx Hospital (Source: North Central Bronx Hospital). North Central Bronx Hospital has delivered its newest bundle of joy–a revamp of its maternity ward that’s slated to open.

Neighborhood Notes

Fitness Classes for Seniors The City Parks Foundation offers yoga classes on Mondays/Wednesdays and Fitness Walking on Tuesdays/Thursdays; each free at 9 a.m. at the Woodlawn Tennis Courts on Jerome Avenue and 233rd Street to seniors ages 60 and over. For more information, call (718) 760-6999. Williamsbridge Oval Classes The Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center holds a variety of exercise classes, game room time, and computer classes for children, teens and adults this fall. For more information, call (718) 543-8672. Financial Ed Workshops University Neighborhood Housing Program at 2751 Grand Concourse, offers a series of five free financial education workshops on

Be Healthy – Early Flu Shot, Early Protection

Vital Stats: 30K – Number of people who die from influenza each year. (Source: Montefiore Medical Center) To get ahead of the upcoming flu season, one must pre-plan. It’s a reason why experts at Montefiore Medical Center are raising awareness about the importance of the flu vaccine, which remains the best option to reduce a person’s risk of contracting the virus. The flu season can start as early as late September and usually runs for about 12 to 15 weeks.

AMSU Alumna Leads the School

By HAYLEY CAMACHO The start of a new school year is often met with a mix of excitement and anxiety for students. Those feelings are shared by principals as well, who grapple with raising student achievement, listening to uneasy students and helping parents navigate the high school system. For Sr. Jean Marie Humphries, her new role as principal of Academy of Mount St. Ursula (AMSU), the catholic girls high school on Bedford Park Boulevard, is both a homecoming and chance to redefine the school’s role for students and the community.