Bronx Woman Shot by Police Sergeant Spark Questions of Protocols

By DAVID CRUZ

A somber Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters that the NYPD fatal shooting death of a 66-yearold mentally ill woman from the Bronx “should never have happened,” citing the incident could have been avoided. And the questions kept coming: Why was a gun used over a Tazer, which the officer had? Why wasn’t Emergency Services Unit, which handles the mentally ill, brought in? “It’s not for lack of training,” de Blasio told reporters at a news conference that focused on the shooting. “There were decisions made that should have been made differently.” De Blasio condemned the actions of the shooter,

By Daniela Beasley

A beloved flea market run by the Bedford Park Congregational Church is back and better than ever, offering bargains on a number of items as part of its Annual Fun Fair set for Oct. 22. The fair runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3008 Bainbridge Ave. next to East 201st Street. This is the church’s major fundraiser of the year and has been running for several decades. The fair doubles as an opportunity for the community to contribute to the church, as well as a fun way for people to buy things uncommon in mainstream stores. “It’s

By DANIELA BEASLEY

Within the next few months, what was previously PS 51 will be reborn as a school for autistic students living in New York City. PS 51, located at 3200 Jerome Ave. by Van Cortlandt Avenue, was shut down in August of 2011 after high levels of toxins were discovered. The renovated building, cleared for occupancy by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will house the special needs school run by Quality Services for the Autistic Community (QSAC). To accommodate the school, QSAC is working to change the parking restrictions to no parking 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday

COMMUNITY BOARD 7 will hold its general board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Tracey Towers, 40 W. Mosholu Pkwy. S. (Community Room 8). CB7 committees are held on the following dates at the Board office, 229A E. 204th St., at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted: Traffic & Transportation Committee on Oct. 13; Veterans Committee on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Senior Services Committee on Oct. 17; Parks & Recreation on Oct. 17 at 7:15 p.m.; Housing, Land Use & Zoning Committee on Oct. 19; Environment & Sanitation on Oct. 20; Budget, Personnel & Ethics Committee on

With recent NYPD crime statistics showing September as the safest month since the Police Department began tracking violent crime trends, we asked readers if they believe that. No. I think it’s the same as it’s always been. I see a lot of crime and it’s not safe. I don’t know if the police are under reporting crime, but I know these streets are still dangerous. Sylvia Soriano Morris Heights I’d agree with that; I don’t really hear anything going on around here. I think it’s mixed, but I don’t think crime is drastically down like that. Do they say what

Tenant Assistance The Office of Senator Gustavo Rivera offers assistance on tenant-related issues every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment at 2432 Grand Concourse. For more information or to make an appointment, call (718) 933-2034. Halloween at Gracie Mansion Free tickets for a Spooky Halloween at Gracie Mansion on Oct. 28 and 29 are available now through Oct. 17. To reserve a spot, go to www.nyc.gov/GracieHalloween or call 311. Donate Used Coats The Office of Councilman Andy King is accepting winter coats for the less fortunate, starting Oct. 31. Donate new or gently used, clean coats to 940 E. Gun

By ANDREW COHEN

Participatory Budgeting introduces the public to the City budget process and gives them a direct say in how millions of tax dollars are spent in our communities every year. This grassroots, people-powered initiative not only increases civic engagement, it connects individuals to their neighbors and encourages them to learn how local government plays an important role in our daily lives. Yes, Participatory Budgeting has its flaws. It is labor intensive for Council Members’ staff; volunteers don’t necessarily have the time necessary to devote; and it is challenging for community members to learn the complexity of the City budget. However, Participatory

By ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA, PFA

Well, now that America has seen “page 1” of GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump’s income tax return, we now know The Donald was telling the truth about learning the true meaning of his wealth, through his “financials” versus his income taxes. In the income tax world, he’s been broke for the last 20 years and unless we simplify the tax code, he’ll be broke for life! Page one on his return shows his true side to lowering his income taxes: The buying, depreciation and selling of business property and equipment, or Section 179. It’s going to sound a little like

By DANIELA BEASLEY

Flu Season may peak during December and March, but Beatrice McMillan, along with others, isn’t chancing it this year and has already gotten her shot. “I think they are out of their minds,” McMillan said of people who choose not to get vaccinated. “I would feel unsafe if I didn’t get it. I need that flu shot.” This is the third year in a row McMillan has gotten her vaccination at the R.A.I.N. Boston Road Senior Center. A member of the center since 2009, the fact that it’s free certainly works as an incentive to get her shot as early