Hearkening Back to a Rail Yards Proposal in Bedford Park That Fizzled

By DANIELA BEASLEY

The Concourse Yards Development proposal is an innovative idea but not the first time that this airspace has been looked at to become something more for the Bronx. For years, a number of projects similar to Diaz’s current proposal languished in development, with starts and stops that cost the city millions, or ignored completely. It’s a fate that could or could not mar the proposals this time around. An original proposal dates back to 1961 when a plan to create a platform over the Concourse Yards in Bedford Park was proposed by Bronx Community College (BCC). The platform would have

Hello Faithful Readers: The Norwood News brings you the latest edition of the community newspaper, with plenty of Bronx news you can use. With 24 packed pages, it’s tough determining where to begin. Well, we’ll go to page one and a recent spike in crime at the local 52nd Precinct, which is dealing with a spike in burglaries. Thieves hit several stores around the busy Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District, with some taking the news in stride while others deeply concerned. Check out the nifty map detailing where the crimes have occurred. We also bring you some sad news of a

A pair of Bronx legislators are once again backing state Sen. Adriano Espaillat for the 13th Congressional District, which covers Norwood. But an endorsement from the Bronx Democratic County Committee appears unlikely. Espaillat, a Democrat, grabbed support from his Democratic colleague, Senator Gustavo Rivera, along with state Assemblyman Victor Pichardo, a Democrat. The endorsement is a familiar move, as both legislators backed Espaillat in both Congressional elections. His first order of business should he win: opening a Congressional office in the Bronx. “I think the people of the Bronx have been lied to,” said Espaillat, sitting alongside Rivera and Pichardo

By DAVID CRUZ

In his yearly address highlighting accomplishments while pushing a heavy agenda, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.’s seventh State of the Borough speech addressed more city matters than in previous addresses, further underscoring his ambition to run for Mayor of New York. In the 44-minute speech, ripe with roughly 59 rounds of applause, Diaz took jabs at the city’s response to last year’s Legionnaire’s outbreak, its approach to its lofty rezoning plan, and made clear his support for charter schools, conflicting with the lukewarm take of Mayor Bill de Blasio. Issues relating to the borough, of course, took center stage in

Dear Loyal Readers, A brand new edition of the Norwood News is out with plenty of local Bronx news you can use. We begin at the sprawling Concourse Yards in Bedford Park, where Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is proposing to build a platform to serve as the foundation for potential development. Find out what one professor of civil engineering has to say about the project and whether it’s even feasible. At Montefiore Medical Center, read the life story of Montefiore Health System’s newest cardiologist, and his circuitous route to the Norwood hospital. It’s a story you won’t want to miss.

By DAVID

The former executive director of the Bronx Democratic County Committee has officially announced a run for the 78th Assembly District, long held by Assemblyman Jose Rivera, whose term expires at the end of the year. The race pits two politicos heavily entrenched in borough politics, which could force established lawmakers to pick a side. Ischia Bravo announced her candidacy via Facebook, calling her run for office “a life changing decision” that generated nearly 200 comments from well-wishers. “The people of this district deserve a fresh choice and a new vision in Albany. I am committed to enacting a strong agenda

By DAVID CRUZ

In a proposal that’s likely several years away from construction, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. unveiled his vision to generate more development by plating over existing open air rail yards dotted around the borough. The concept served as the crux to his ten-page report on the promise three rail yards hold for development. And while two yards in the Concourse and Riverdale sections of the Bronx would work as pragmatic sites, Diaz zeroed in on the Concourse Yard, a breathtaking span in Bedford Park, as having “tremendous potential” in seeing any type of development. The yard houses the B, D and 4

This week we asked readers about the city’s response to the recent record-breaking blizzard Jan. 23-24, compared to last year’s cleanup efforts. I guess it was better for what we got slapped with this year. Some places got like 20 inches, you know? It actually doesn’t look too bad, it’s only been a couple of days. I actually got an e-mail about helping out shoveling, so I do like the fact that they were reaching out to residents to help out. Kyante Adams Hollis, Queens For me it was fast enough, they did a good job. I remember last year,

The Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) is edging close to actual construction at the Kingsbridge Armory, with progress in the form of the state’s financial support towards the project. Not much of a sound was heard about the Armory in 2015, though developers insisted plenty was going on behind the scenes. That’s true, and it’s thanks to the working relationship between Governor Andrew Cuomo and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Since the early part of 2015, the pair has forged an ever-strengthening bond that’s allowed Diaz to check off some items (though not yet achievements since certain projects haven’t