Coronavirus Fears Haven’t Fully Crippled Norwood’s Commercial Corridor, But Changes Are Underway

By JOSE A. GIRALT

As COVID-19, or coronavirus, paralyzes New York City, with Mayor Bill de Blasio taking the unprecedented step in closing schools through April 20, and restaurants and bars in the interim, the verdict is still out on how much the virus has had on local businesses in Norwood. A trip along the neighborhood’s East 204th Street and Bainbridge Avenue business corridor finds many merchants and customers discussing the inconvenience of complying with new city restrictions for eateries, which have been ordered to simply serve take out food or have it delivered. Delivery drivers who’ve relied on e-bikes will not face any

By DAVID CRUZ

The spread of coronavirus has prompted Community Board 7, covering Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham, Kingsbridge Heights, and University Heights to suspend in-person constituent services and cancel all of the remaining committee meetings and its upcoming general board meeting. In an email blast sent out today, the decision to suspend meetings was motivated “out of an abundance of caution.” So far, there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus originating in the Bronx. For now, such constituent services will happen over the phone, with board officials sharing a listing of names, emails, and phone numbers should they need help. The list

Inquiring Photographer: How Are Shoppers Coping With the Plastic Bag Ban?

By DAVID GREENE

This week we asked readers their thoughts on the new ban on plastic bags from local stores and if the new plan will be successful. Yes, I support the ban because it’s killing the marine life and our environment, so I’m totally for it. They are giving out brown paper bags, which is perfect and environmentally friendly or these things (reusable bags), which are reusable. I haven’t seen anyone giving out plastic bags. You know what I do [with the reusable bags]? I throw them in the washer with the towels and then I throw them in the dryer for

ALL EVENTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS SCARE. CALL IN ADVANCE. Editor’s Pick St. Patrick’s Day at Woodlawn Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by wearing your green on March 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Irish Heritage Trolley Tour at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visit the final resting places of some of new York’s most prominent Irish men and women including George M. Cohan and Geraldine Fitzgerald. Meet at the Jerome/Bainbridge avenues gate at 1:45 p.m. Info/tickets: (718) 408-5600. Onstage Lehman College for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd., W., presents Forever Freestyle 14, featuring live

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s sixth edition (and my final one as editor-in-chief) of the Norwood News is out with plenty of interesting community news stories to read and share. In a rare instance, which we hope will be a regular thing moving forward, we’ve packed a whopping 32 pages into this community paper! So let’s start with page one! Our top story focuses continues our look into the changing Bronx political landscape, which shifted once again after Assemblyman Marcos Crespo announced he will not seek re-election for his seat. The story looks at a number of upcoming races, including two

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By JASON CARABALLO

The 2020 Census kicks off on March 12 with nearly every household in the country receiving an invitation to complete the census online, over the telephone, or by mailing in a paper form, all in an effort to count every person residing in the United States. The decennial census is a requirement of the United States Constitution and the results determine a number of very important things, including the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives, congressional and state legislative districts, school districts, voting precincts, and the annual allocation of $675 billion dollars of federal

By DAVID CRUZ

With coronavirus worries sweeping New York City, it was only a matter of time before those worries came to the Bronx. In the last 24 hours, a slew of events and meetings have been cancelled. They include: All CUNY & SUNY Schools Working Remotely: The decision by Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered CUNY and SUNY in-class sessions to be cancelled and taken online. This includes Lehman College and Bronx Community College. SUNY Maritime in Throggs Neck remains open. This is already on top of other institutions, including Fordham University’s Bronx campus, shut down. Mercy College announced classes cancelled until March 15. Manhattan

The Changing Bronx Political Landscape Both Big and Small

By DAVID CRUZ

It began at the top. Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who’s helmed the borough presidency for 10 years, announced in late January that he will no longer seek the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor, dashing the hopes of many that Diaz would be the first Latino mayor in city history. Just over a month later, as many political observers were still processing the Diaz news, one of his closest allies and power player, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, who happens to be the Bronx Democratic Party boss, announced he’ll be done with public life, opening his seat for the Democratic

Duane Reade, Staple in Kingsbridge Heights, Closes

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

Kingsbridge residents who depend on the Duane Reade at 1 E. Kingsbridge Rd. to fill their prescriptions, purchase greeting cards, or buy their cosmetics will now have to find another store. Walgreens, the parent company, closed the store on Tuesday night. According to multiple signs on the storefront windows, pharmacy customers will have their prescriptions automatically filled at the next closest Duane Reade at 58 E. Fordham Rd., about a half mile south. The now-closed store sits at a prime location on the northeast corner of East Kingsbridge Road and Jerome Avenue. The Kingsbridge number 4 train station is just