Norwood: Residents Live in Fear of Rat Infestation

By MIRIAM QUINONES & SÍLE MOLONEY

A number of residents who live at and adjacent to 3440 Gates Place in Norwood are living in fear of rats which they said are frequenting the alleyway where the garbage is stored, adjacent to the building. At least one rat has entered the basement of an adjacent home, and though the residents have allegedly complained to the super at 3440 Gates Place, to the landlord, 3440 Holdings LLC, and to a number of city agencies, they have yet to receive a satisfactory response. One resident said the situation is already a health hazard. The residents, who wish to

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Josmer Tena Valverde, 17, who was reported missing in the 44th precinct. Josmer was last seen on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at around noon inside her home at 1551 Sheridan Avenue in the Claremont section of the Bronx. She is described as female, Hispanic, 5 feet, 6 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds, and was last seen wearing all dark clothing. Anyone with information in regards to this missing person is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Mosholu Preservation Corporation (MPC) has partnered with Columbia University to collect data, through a survey, to ascertain the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses in New York City, as well as identifying what can be done to help the business community in both the short and long-term to survive the crisis. The COVID Watcher Small Business Survey is a research, advocacy and policy tool. Its purpose is to identify and understand the challenges facing small business owners as a result of COVID-19, and learn about what they are already doing to ensure their economic viability, and the health and

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Najah Rodriguez, 15, who was reported missing in the 44th precinct. Najah was last seen Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020 at 8.50 p.m., leaving her home at 3071 Park Avenue, Apt 3C, in the Concourse Village section of the Bronx. She is described as being approximately 5 feet, 1 inch tall, weighs 125 pounds, has a thin build, medium complexion, brown eyes and dark hair. No clothing description was available on the date she was last seen. Anyone with information with regard to this missing person

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Nevaeh Reid, 14, who was reported missing in the 40th precinct which covers Port Morris, Mott Haven, and Melrose. Navaeh was last seen at her home at 530 Exterior Street Apt 5H in the South Bronx on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020 at 5 p.m. She is described as female, Black, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighs 140 pounds, has brown eyes and black hair. She was last seen wearing a gray sweater and a black coat. Anyone with information with regard to this missing person

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Friday, Nov. 27, 2020 at 8.24 a.m., an off-duty New York City employee was arrested and charged in the 45th precinct, which covers Co-op City and City Island. Rosana Martinez, 24, an NYPD police communications technician was charged with menacing behavior.

NY AG Urges Caution Against Rising Threat of ‘Revenge Porn’ in Time of Coronavirus

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued an alert on Wednesday, Nov. 18, to warn New Yorkers about potential invasions of privacy while they are engaged in intimate online or mobile conversations with their partners. Her office wrote that as New Yorkers practice social distancing in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, an increased number of individuals are engaging in intimate conversations with distanced partners with webcams and video chat apps, or are meeting new partners online and dating virtually. Unfortunately, some users have chosen to take screenshots or recordings of their partners without their knowledge or consent

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City’s Small Business Services (SBS) commissioner, Jonnel Doris, announced on Nov. 25 three financial assistance programs available to small businesses in low-to-moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods. The NYC LMI storefront loan, interest rate reduction grant, and strategic impact COVID-19 commercial district support grant will provide critical resources to small businesses to help them build back and grow beyond the pandemic. “Our fight against COVID-19 has been costly for the small businesses that anchor New York City’s neighborhoods. We’re proud to offer real relief to help these business owners keep their teams together and continue serving their communities for years to

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The following street and bridge closures will be in effect over the weekend from Nov. 27-29 in the Bronx. East 178 Street between Anthony Avenue and Grand Concourse: This street will be closed Saturday from 8am to 6pm and Sunday from 9am to 6pm through 12/30/20 to facilitate crane operation. Bergen Avenue between East 152 Street and Westchester Avenue: This street will be closed Friday from 9am to 7pm through 12/25/20 to facilitate crane operation. Fox Street between Westchester Avenue and East 163rd Street: This street will be closed from 8am to 6pm Saturday through 12/30/20 to facilitate crane operation. Mount Hope Place between