Bronx Connections: 2020 Election Local Lens (Part 1 of 5)

By ELIOT SCHIAPARELLI

Norwood News, in partnership with WFUV radio and BronxNet Television, presents a five-part series on national issues affecting voters in the lead up to the 2020 presidential election, seen through the local lens of Bronx neighborhood communities. Part 1 looks at the environment. Sewage treatment plants, major trucking routes, food distribution centers, and highways like the Cross Bronx Expressway, all clustered together in the South Bronx have created an area with such poor air quality, it has been nicknamed “Asthma Alley,” by locals. According to a 2018 City health department report, pollution levels in the South Bronx

By SÍLE MOLONEY

After ten years of honoring powerful women, Kings of the Bronx 2020 marked an inaugural event to celebrate successful men who made an impact on their community. On Sept. 17, 2020, Mitch Rose, president, chief executive officer and trustee of The Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservancy, was honored at the Kings of the Bronx 2020 virtual event, in collaboration with Schneps Media, the Bronx Times and the Bronx Times Reporter. Rose was recognized along with other male honorees for their leadership, vision, community service and contributions to the Bronx. Receiving his award, Rose said, “It is a great privilege to

King Casts Himself the Victim Post-Suspension, Appears to Back Theory of a Larger Plot

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson released a statement on the findings of the Standards and Ethics Committee regarding Council Member Andy King, following an investigation launched in February 2020 into alleged conflict of interest violations, disorderly conduct, breaking City, and possibly State laws and running afoul of the Council’s anti-discrimination and harassment policies. “I agree with the recommendations of the Standard and Ethics Committee. Council Member King should be expelled from office,” Johnson said. “This is not a decision to be made lightly, but Council Member King has given us no alternative. This is the

By SÍLE MOLONEY

A man has died following an apparent stabbing in the Norwood section of The Bronx, police said.

Update: Bronx NYPD Employee Arrested on Assault Charges

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Sunday, Sept. 27, at approximately 4.30 a.m., a New York City employee was arrested and charged, in the confines of the 44th precinct in the Bronx. Ariel Victor Castillo, 41, of the NYPD was arrested and charged with assault.

Mott Haven: Historical Landmark Honored With Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award

By SÍLE MOLONEY

A Bronx landmark has been honored with the Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award, New York Landmarks Conservancy’s highest honors for excellence in preservation. The Church of St. Anselm & St. Roch, located at 685 Tinton Avenue in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, was the only Bronx landmark to win an award during a virtual ceremony which took place via Zoom on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m., the 30th anniversary of the awards. Peg Breen, president of The New York Landmarks Conservancy, said the Church of St. Anselm & St. Roch was modeled on the

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law a package of bills on Monday, Sept. 28, that will expand protections for workers, consumers, and commercial tenants. The first bill, which was sponsored by local Councilman Andrew Cohen, extends and expands the City’s paid safe and sick leave law to reach more workers. The other two bills reinforce and extend protections for commercial tenants, and protect the jobs of hotel workers. “Today is about justice for hard working New Yorkers,” said the mayor. “From expanding paid sick leave, to protecting our commercial tenants and hotel workers, these bills

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. attended the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Enid A. Haupt Conservatory palm dome which was recently completed. The iconic venue reopened in accordance with “New York Forward” safety guidelines, with very limited capacity. The magnificent glasshouse, which includes galleries, features aquatic plants and vines, lush tropical rain forests, cactus-filled deserts, and its palm dome, an architectural gem, newly replanted with majestic soaring species from around the world. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. also helped the NYBG kick off their annual

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez has issued a statement regarding residents’ concerns in the Allerton community about the possibility of a substance abuse treatment center being opened in the neighborhood. Department of Buildings work permit signs at 2500 Williamsbridge Road had prompted concern among the community that a treatment center was going ahead. The assemblywoman said that she contacted the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports who confirmed that there was no such application pending at the site. Proud to stand with my community to demand answers on the use of 2500 Williamsbridge Road. Together we will make