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Andy Byford, NYC Subway Chief Who Championed Bronx Bus Redesign, Resigns

Andy Byford, NYC Subway Chief Who Championed Bronx Bus Redesign, Resigns
By DAVID CRUZ
Andy Byford, the New York City Transit Authority chief credited for helping to turn around the subway system while overseeing a plan to revamp the Bronx bus network, has resigned today. His resignation comes two years after he signed on. Byford’s resignation was first reported by Politico. At today’s MTA Board meeting, Byford said a few words of thanks. “I’d like to say a big thank you to Governor [Andrew] Cuomo for giving me this opportunity, but also Governor Cuomo and the legislature for having the courage to pass congestion pricing, but also get the funds that I know will


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New West Bronx Housing Executive Director Looks to Build Legacy Started by Predecessor

New West Bronx Housing Executive Director Looks to Build Legacy Started by Predecessor
By DAVID CRUZ
As Sally Dunford was preparing for retirement as executive director of West Bronx Housing, a job she’s held on to for 28 years, there was already someone she had in mind to succeed her. It didn’t require any sifting of resumes or recommendations, but an understanding of who already demonstrated the capability in doing the work. It came from Joshua Stephenson, the former constituent services director for Councilman Andrew Cohen, who had worked with Dunford over the last two years to settle housing grievances for tenants living within Cohen’s 11th Council District. The work was already familiar to him, and


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Inquiring Photographer: New Legislative Season Begins

Inquiring Photographer: New Legislative Season Begins
By DAVID GREENE
With state lawmakers from the Bronx back to work for the new legislative session, we asked readers what are some of the current issues our local politicians should be addressing? Well, believe it or not, there is still a lot of racism here still. And it’s not just white people, it’s Africans and Dominicans; so it’s not a white thing. It’s all the races. And they’re (the NYPD) are doing the stop and search again that they were ordered not to do. Yes, they’re starting it again. You can thank [President] Trump for all of this and half the people


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Police: Suspect Shoots Victim in the Back in Bedford Park For Refusing to be Robbed

Police: Robbery Suspect Shoots Victim in the Back For Refusing to be Robbed
By DAVID CRUZ
The NYPD needs help tracking a suspect they say shot a 25-year-old man in the back after the victim refused to be a robbed. The incident happened on Jan. 18 at the corner of Grand Concourse and East 202nd Street just before 10 p.m. in Bedford Park, according to police. The victim was in that area when he was approached by a man demanding what police calls “his property.” When the victim refused and walked off, the suspected perpetrator shot him, according to police. The 52nd Precinct is now investigating the shooting, which sent the victim to St. Barnabas Hospital


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Ahead of Two Meetings on Bus Redesign Plan, Express Bus Service for the Bronx Spared For Now

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service
By DAVID CRUZ
Meetings are once again slated to pore over the MTA’s bus route redesign plan. The move comes days after MTA officials announced it will spare any changes to express bus service operating, including the BxM4, which runs through Norwood. Two meetings are scheduled for the Bronx in February, with state Sen. Gustavo Rivera hosting a meeting on Feb. 1 at Monroe College and the MTA hosting a hearing at the Bronx Museum of the Arts on Feb. 20, where officials will offer an overview of impending changes to the bus network while seeking input from riders. I just got off


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Lt. Governor Outlines State’s Vision for 2020 at Montefiore

Lt. Govenor Outlines State's Vision for 2020 at Montefiore
By DAVID CRUZ
Days before Governor Andrew Cuomo’s preliminary budget announcement, his second-in-command paid a special visit to Montefiore Health System on Jan. 16, reiterating Cuomo’s State of the State address, which includes the promise of seeing four Metro-North stations built in the East Bronx. Mixing policy with shtick, Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul–introduced by newly appointed President and CEO for Montefiore Health System, Dr. Philip O. Ozuah–broke down a bevy of initiatives spearheaded by Cuomo that have statewide interest. That includes combating domestic violence, ferreting out hate crimes, adding greater protections for gig workers, reducing taxes, reducing the unemployment rate in the Bronx,


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A Daycare Center for Nora Feury Opens to Fanfare and Adoration

A Daycare Center for Nora Feury Opens to Fanfare and Adoration
By DAVID CRUZ
On her 75th birthday, Nora Feury, dubbed “the legend,” received quite the gift: the opening of a daycare center in her name, courtesy of Mosholu Montefiore Community Center (MMCC). “I never expected to get a present like this,” said Feury, who spoke to a small crowd just a few minutes before being given a pair of scissors to cut the ceremonial ribbon outside the center. The eponymous center in Crotona Park is a kind of living tribute for Feury, who has consulted for MMCC on matters related to child care for years and whose entire life has been spent cultivating


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Financial Focus: The Path to a Bigger Tax Refund for 2021 – Itemized Deductions (Part 3 of 7)

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service
While the majority of Americans probably may not be eligible to itemize, I encourage you to give yourself what I call the “Itemized Deductions” test: Add up all the sections below and if that number is higher than your standard deduction then itemize, itemize, itemize, with Form Schedule A. First, understand all taxpayers, based on filing status, get a no-questions-nor-receipts asked, automatic standard deduction. According to the IRS, “for tax year 2019, the standard deduction amounts will increase to $12,200 for individuals, $18,350 for heads of household, and $24,400 for married couples filing jointly and surviving spouses. For 2019, the additional standard deduction amount for


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