Talks on Reforming Bail Reform Set to Take Place Across the Bronx

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By HENRY MCEACHERN

With concerns on bail reform contributing to a spike in crime, and a dis-information campaign on the new measure fueled by those concerned, Community Board 7 is holding a forum to discuss the future of the state’s new criminal justice reforms, and what these sweeping changes actually mean for the Bronx. The meeting by CB7 is scheduled for on March 12 at 2530 Jerome Ave. at 6:30 p.m. Bail reform eliminates cash bail for misdemeanors, meaning that accused persons can no longer be held in jail before their trial if they can’t afford to get out. Judges can still place

By DAVID CRUZ

Councilman Fernando Cabrera, the socially conservative Democrat, announced he won’t be running for the congressional seat currently held by Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, five months after announcing he will run for the seat. He instead is running for borough president, a move he initially told the Norwood News he would not be doing. Cabrera, who represents the 14th Council District covering Kingsbridge Heights, broke the news over the weekend, telling the New York Post he wants to clear the moderate Democrat lane so another moderate Democrat, Michelle Caruso-Cabrera (no relation), can run against the democratic socialist. In a statement sent out to

A Tribute for the Bronx's 'Unsung Heroes' and a Vital Bus Stop That Could Be Cut: Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s fifth edition of the Norwood News is out with plenty of interesting community news stories to read and share. We have 28 pages packed full of news from this corner of the Bronx, so let’s start with page one! Our top story focuses on a unique State of the Borough address delivered by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. The speech, Diaz’s penultimate before he heads into retirement in 2021, put the focus on the borough’s men and women who “put in the work” to better the borough. The story focuses on one Fordham local who certainly

A Decade After Representing 85th A.D., Assemblyman Marcos Crespo Announces He Won't Seek Re-Election

By DAVID CRUZ

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, who wielded power both in Albany and as Bronx Democratic Party boss, announced he won’t be running for re-election. He’ll be finishing out his term at the end of the year, opening the door for a vacant Assembly seat. In a long statement posted on Facebook, Crespo called his time as Assemblyman for the 85th Assembly District, representing the southeast neighborhoods of Soundview, an “honor of my life.” “I have decided not to seek re-election, but instead pursue opportunities outside of government that will allow me to continue to serve my community, be closer to my daughters

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. delivered his annual State of the Borough speech in a rather interesting way, sidestepping its usual ceremonial proclivities that involve absorbing all the attention while unveiling his to-do list for the upcoming year by honoring the borough’s unsung heroes (more on this can be found in our front page story). But missing in that retrospective speech complete with pomp and swagger, bespoke of Diaz’s own personality, were ideas for the borough. Where were they? Checking back on previous state of the borough speeches (unlike this year, his office would send reporters a transcript of

By DAVID CRUZ

United Auto Workers Region 9A union (UAW) is throwing its support behind former New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, the first labor union to support Mark-Viverito in her run for the 15th Congressional District race. The endorsement comes a day before candidates in the crowded race start collecting signatures to get on the June Democratic primary ballot. “Although we have relationships with several of the candidates in this race, our bond with Melissa is strong,” Beverley Brakeman, UAW Region 9A director, said in a statement. “From her days as a City Councilwoman and then Speaker, Melissa always stood by

By DAVID CRUZ

Samelys López, a grassroots community organizer, indirectly picked up the official endorsement of Bronx Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, through a political action committee she began in January. López was endorsed by Courage for Change, a political action committee controlled by Ocasio-Cortez, the Democratic socialist legislator (who’s also facing multiple challengers to her seat), boosting López’s chances at securing the seat long held by Congressman Jose Serrano. Her endorsement was first reported by the New York Times. “Growing up homeless in the shelter system, while facing housing insecurity like many of our neighbors in the Bronx, I have made it my mission

By DAVID CRUZ

Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. threw away the oft-formulaic State of the Borough speech he’s delivered over the last decade for a retrospective of sorts while honoring a who’s who of civic activists, educators, and captains of industry. His penultimate speech at Borough Hall comes a few weeks after announcing he won’t be running for New York City mayor after all. Diaz, 47, told reporters he’s “at peace” with his decision, mentioning that the Bronx certainly has a crop of elected officials ready to pick up the baton. He mentioned by name Assembly Members Marcos Crespo, Michael Blake, Victor Pichardo,

UFT Gives Early Endorsement to Eric Dinowitz's 2021 Run for Council

By DAVID CRUZ

Eric Dinowitz, the scion of Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz and a special education teacher in the New York City public school system, received his first endorsement from the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), representing rare public support in an election cycle that’s less than two years away. Such an endorsement was also embroiled in an awkward rollout last year when the younger Dinowitz put the cart before the horse, telling supporters in May he was endorsed by the 200,000-plus strong union well before the union publicly supported him. Educators, school staff, classroom paraprofessionals, psychologists, and retirees make up the union. Dinowitz