Public Bench Dedicated to Norwood Fixture

By DANIELA BEASLEY

Call it an early birthday present for a Norwood centenarian. Longtime member of the 52nd Precinct’s Community Council, Mary Vallati, was recognized yesterday with the unveiling of a public bench right in front of the landmark precinct on Webster Avenue, engraved with her name. Vallati will be turning 101 in July, and although she faced some health problems recently, she was all smiles yesterday as eponymous bench was revealed to the public. Accompanied by family and friends, Vallati was acknowledged for her involvement in the 52nd Precinct with a proclamation by outgoing state Sen. Ruth Hassell-Thompson. “I still can’t believe

Editor’s Pick Boogie on the Boulevard The public is invited to take part in a day of free music, and art and fitness programs in the center lanes of the Grand Concourse starting at 162nd Street which will be closed to vehicular traffic, from noon to 4 p.m., May 29, June 26, July 31, and Aug. 28. Activities include biking, bollywood classes, button making, face painting, skating, street games, yoga, zumba, and more. Main stage performances are at 165h Street (call for detailed schedule). For more information, call (718) 681-6000 or visit www.bronxmuseum.org/events/boogie-on-the-bolevard_1. Onstage Bronx Arts Ensemble presents free Memorial

Dear Readers, The latest edition of the Norwood News, covering community news in the Bronx, is out with its latest edition covering the northwest part of the borough. We begin with page one, and a confounding story on current zoning rules in Bedford Park and its impact on a three-story home in the neighborhood. Learn why so-called downzoning is nearly impossible for the low-key community. Over the course of our production we learned of a major bust of a Norwood resident in trouble for aiding the ISIS terror network. Read who the suspect is and what neighbors had to say

By DANIELA BEASLEY

A Norwood cab driver attacked and robbed on Saturday night claims the incident was solely based on his Muslim faith. Serjul Islam Khan had $200 and his cell phone stolen from him and was beaten by a passenger riding in his taxi by 187th Street near Park Avenue. Recounting his story to News 12 the Bronx, Khan remembered his attacker shouting “I am going to kill you Muslims” during the beating. The 48th Precinct will be investigating this crime and are still searching for Khan’s attacker. The police did not log this incident as a bias crime since Khan initially

By DAVID CRUZ

It’s a fight that’s been brewing for more than six years, once arriving with a mountain of momentum only to be put on the back burner. Until now. This time, residents along several square blocks of Bedford Park intend to harangue the city into changing zoning rules they say could stave off further development, reflect most of the zoning standards across Bedford Park, and save the handful of two- and three-story private homes within the neighborhood. The request stood at the center of a pointed Community Board 7 Land Use/Housing Committee meeting on May 18, where residents heard a presentation

By DAVID CRUZ and TATYANA TURNER

A Norwood man was arrested for allegedly aiding the ISIS terror network from his home in Knox Place. The FBI swept into the sleepy Bronx neighborhood on May 24 to arrest Sajmir Alimehmeti, 22, for numerous terror-related charges. The authorities said Alimehmeti had a cache of weapons, including nunchucks inside his sixth floor apartment at 3464 Knox Pl. The area bursts with patriotism. American flags hoisted prominently along pre-war buildings surround the neighborhood. In the building in which Alimehmeti lived, pro U.S. military stickers can be found on the front doors of some units. “Alimehmeti is charged today with actions

By DAVID CRUZ

At a sporadically busy section of Webster Avenue edging towards East Gun Hill Road, cars zip by Radame Jil. For drivers who visit Jil, they can expect one detailed car wash for $15, a fraction of the price when compared to what a brick and mortar car wash would charge for a 20-minute wash. Some days he’s paid only $40 for 11 hours, the equivalent of $3.67 an hour. Other days he makes more, though way below the minimum wage. His boss, barely around, finances the supply of cleaning equipment. Exploitation is not on Jil’s mind. Neither is the rate.

By DANIELA BEASLEY

With nice weather and the start of the unofficial summer season approaching the recognizable red signs that read “No Barbecuing in this Area” have been taken out of storage and officially put up along Mosholu Parkway and other neighboring parks by the city Parks Department. There are only a few red signs placed in obscure locations along the parkway, which was said to be a problem last year. This is the second year the signs have been installed before Memorial Day Weekend as opposed to past years when the signs weren’t put up until early July. Although illegal, year after

By TATYANA TURNER

A team effort by several Bronx institutions brought the arts to Norwood’s local hospital. The Healing Arts Department at Montefiore Medical Center hosted roughly 30 elementary students from P.S 280 in Norwood on May 18. Residents, including parents, gathered at the Grand Hall in the Moses Campus to watch several performances including dance, chorus, and African drumming. The department hosts several programs that use art and creativity to improve health outcomes and ease anxiety, primarily for hospital patients. Employees have taken part in art galleries to show off their creative side. Montefiore typically hosts community artists to showcase their