Norwood Muslim Center Looks to Open Soon

By ALONDRA VASQUEZ

“As-Salaam-Alaikum,” Arabic for “Peace be unto you,” is what Muslims say before entering the mosque, or Masjid, at 3156 Perry Ave., whose lack of space has Norwood worshipers anticipating the opening of the North Bronx Islamic Center Inc. Located on the first floor of 261 E. 206th Street, the North Bronx Islamic Center is reserved specifically for prayer. The off-white walls are complemented by a huge portrait of the holy city of Mecca. On the left side there are multiple carpets for prayer left inside plastic wraps waiting to be spread out once the center opens. Towards the far left

The Mosholu Library will host a housing and enrollment event and seminar on Thursday, Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event is a partnership between the city’s Department of Finance and Council Member Andrew Cohen. There will information on enrolling in the city’s Rent Freeze Program and tips on how to obtain property tax exemptions. To apply to the Rent Freeze Program, make sure to bring an ID, tax or income documents, copies of recent leases, and if you have one, bring your Social Security award letter. Check out Community Board 7’s event flyer for more information.

Financial Focus: Want Your Tax Refund? Do Your Taxes Now!

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By PROF. ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

On Jan. 4 , I wrote a financial article I thought was both very important and timely. I simply suggested at the time that if the federal government did not open by Feb. 16, its own citizenry might take action against our own elected officials. Two paragraphs from that article reflected that sentiment: First, I said, “Last tax season, the IRS had paid $12.6 billion in refunds to more than six million households by Feb. 2, 2018. By Feb. 16, the IRS had paid $101.2 billion to nearly 32 million households. And by March 30, the IRS had paid $212 billion to 73 million households.” Then

Norwood Post Office Closes Then Reopens...Again

By DAVID GREENE

For the second time in as many months, a post office in Norwood had its iron gates up, but its front door locked during weekday hours. But, this wasn’t the result of the partial federal government shutdown, but rather a busted water pipe. The Van Cott Post Office branch at 3102 Decatur Ave. by East 204th Street was shuttered on Tuesday, Jan. 22, one of the coldest days of the year. Signs reading “Water Pipe Burst” and “Station Will Re-Open Tomorrow” were seen on the front façade of the office. The situation worsened by the frigid 15-degree temperature leaving customers

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

After an extensive manhunt, the NYPD apprehended a man suspected of exposing himself and attempting to assault an 11-year-old boy in Norwood. News of the incident was shared on the 52 Precinct’s official Twitter account one day after officials posted a plea to help find the suspect. According to the police officials, the man approached the boy inside a residential building near East Gun Hill Road and DeKalb Avenue on Jan. 23 around 5:25 p.m. The man allegedly then took the 11-year-old to another floor and exposed his genitals to him. Video surveillance caught the suspect inside an elevator. Police

Suspect Wanted for Exposing Himself to Child in Norwood

By DAVID CRUZ

The NYPD needs help identifying a man wanted for exposing his genitals to a little boy in Norwood. According to police at the 52nd Precinct, the man approached the boy inside a residential building near East Gun Hill Road and DeKalb Avenue on Jan. 23 at around 5:25 p.m. The man then took the 11-year-old to another floor and exposed his genitals to him. Video surveillance caught the suspect inside an elevator. The suspect is described as Hispanic, standing around 5′ 5″ or 5’7″ and wearing glasses. Police believe the man was trying to sexually assault the child. Anyone with

Mayor's Coming to the Bronx, and He's Bringing City Hall With Him

By STEPHANIE GARCIA

Next week the annual City Hall in Your Borough: Resource Fair will be coming to the Bronx, and several high level officials from all New York City agencies will be attending. This will allow residents to speak with these city officials, and voice concerns. Representatives from the city’s Transportation, Finance, Police, Education, Health, and Parks Department will be on hand. They’ll also be joined by employees from the New York City Economic Development Corporation and City Hall. The event is slated from Jan. 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It will be taking place at the Latino Pastoral Action

A Victim is Attacked in Fordham, All for $5

By DAVID CRUZ

The NYPD needs help tracking a man accused of slapping a woman before robbing of her just $5 in Fordham. The incident happened on Jan. 13 just before 6 a.m. in front of 3 W. Fordham Rd. by the 4 subway train. Police in the 52nd Precinct say the suspect approached the 21-year-old victim, with some words exchanged. The suspect then slapped her, according to police, taking the money before taking off. The victim did not seek medical attention. The suspect was captured on video. He’s described by police as Hispanic, around 20 to 25 years old, standing at 5′

The Bronx Develops: A Metro-North Station in a City Within a City

By DAVID CRUZ

The plan to bring four Metro-North stations to the East Bronx crossed a major hurdle today after Governor Cuomo’s office announced that talks between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Amtrak, which owns the existing tracks Metro-North operates, have ended with a deal. Preliminary designs and a feasibility study that determines whether Amtrak can use its tracks on a daily basis will get underway for the project dubbed Penn Station Access, according to Cuomo’s office. Co-Op City, Morris Park, Parkchester, and Hunts Point will receive a station. These Metro-North trains will be re-routed to Penn Station instead of Grand Central Terminal.