Torres’ Highest Priority for Small Business: Access to Capital

By JULIAN ROBERTS-GRMELA

Ahead of Election Day, Nov. 8, and in a bid perhaps to win over his future constituents in New York’s redrawn 15th Congressional District, Rep. Ritchie Torres has said one of his highest priorities is to provide small businesses with access to capital. The Democratic congressman was speaking at a virtual forum held on Thursday, Oct. 13, hosted by Biz2Credit, an NYC-based lending company for small businesses. Torres appeared as a guest alongside Long Island Republican, Rep. Andrew Garbarino. “One of my strongest priorities is to ensure that we are doing everything we can in Congress to support the

By DAVID GREENE

Youngsters were treated to an end-of-summer party as Friends of Devoe Park (FoDP) hosted their first ‘Peace Rally and Back-to-School Giveaway,’ in Devoe Park on Saturday, Sept. 10. Held inside the park, located along University Avenue between Father Zeiser Place and West Fordham Road in Fordham Manor, the event opened with a unity and protection prayer by FoDP core group member, Myrna Calderon. FoDP were supported on the day by local elected officials and the NYPD who provided security for the event, which was organized by FoDP members, John Howard, Calderon, Rachel Miller- Bradshaw, Tobie Buford, Kenson Clarke, Erika

By ARIEL PACHECO

Brooklyn-based nonprofit, CAMBA Housing Ventures (CHV), provided an update on the status of its 323-unit housing development, located on 202nd and 203rd Streets in Bedford Park, during the October meeting of Bronx Community Board 7’s (CB7) Housing, Land Use & Economic Development committee. Construction of the project is 70 percent complete and is expected to be ready for occupancy in the first quarter of 2023, according to CHV. The development comprises two buildings, one on 202nd Street, between Briggs Avenue and Valentine Avenue, made up of 163 housing units, and a second on 203rd Street, also between Briggs

By DAVID GREENE

This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the City Council’s new law to expand access to childcare services, and if the new law will allow them to return to work or potentially change to a better job. “Oh yeah, that’s a good idea! That could get people to work, but are you sure the daycare is safe? Of course, daycare is important. We are struggling more in The Bronx than people in the City. A lot of people don’t have anyone to take care of their kids like a grandmother or someone related to a single mom. Yes, it’s

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Ischia Bravo, district manager for Bronx Community Board 7 (CB7), has been appointed as the county clerk for Bronx County at the Supreme Court of the State of New York Appellate Division, First Judicial Department, effective Jan. 2, 2023. The news was announced in a press release on Wednesday, Oct. 19, by presiding Justice Rolando T. Acosta. According to Acosta, in her new capacity as county clerk, Bravo will be responsible for the oversight of one of the State’s busiest county clerk’s offices and will serve several functions, including as clerk of the Supreme Court, civil branch, Bronx County

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York City Council voted on Wednesday, Oct. 12, on new legislation which addresses systemic issues with child care, establishing a provider directory, a pilot grant program, and planning processes to advance access to child care across the City. The council said child care is essential for families to ensure their children receive quality care and so that working parents can succeed in the workforce. “Child care is one of the biggest challenges for working women, who experienced some of the greatest job losses from COVID,” the council members wrote in a press statement. “Nationally, there are approximately 225,000

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this online story and some copies of the print edition incorrectly referenced Phyllis Nastasio as a Democratic candidate in the upcoming election for A.D. 80. In fact, Nastasio is running on the Republican/Conservative ticket in this race. We apologize for this error. Our profile on Democratic nominee, John Zaccaro Jr., for A.D. 80 can be read here. Raised on Arthur Avenue, Pelham Parkway resident, Phyllis “Tiz” Nastasio is running on the Republican/Conservative ticket in the November general election in A.D. 80 to succeed incumbent, Democratic Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez. She faces John Zaccaro who

By SÍLE MOLONEY

GoFundMe Page for Bedford Congregational Church Residents are being kindly asked to donate to support the upgrading of the heating system at Bedford Congregational Church, located at 309 East 201st Street in Bedford Park. Founded in 1889 and a designated landmark since 2000, the church is a 501c3 charity and provides space for local support groups battling addictions, as well as other congregations. A replacement oil tank is needed before the water pipes freeze and burst. To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/warm-hearts-cold-church. Alternate Side Parking Alternate Side Parking regulations will be suspended Monday-Tuesday, October 17-18 in observance of Shemini Atzereth and Simchas Torah.

By DAVID GREENE

The following is an updated and expanded version of the story that appears in our latest print edition. A contentious battle pitting neighbor against neighbor has apparently been averted, as the temporary shelter that was being built to house 1,000 male asylum seekers at Orchard Beach parking lot has been halted. As reported, Mayor Eric Adams did an about-face on Monday, Oct. 3 and is now moving the controversial shelter to Randall’s Island. Workers had begun erecting several massive tents on Monday, Sept. 26, but three demonstrations were since organized opposing the site by local Republican Party candidates, Tina

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Politics

Torres’ Highest Priority for Small Business: Access to Capital

Hundreds Attend Peace Rally in Devoe Park

CAMBA Provides Update on Bedford Park Housing Development

Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on the City Council’s New Law Expanding Childcare Access

Bronx CB7 District Manager, Ischia Bravo, Appointed as County Clerk for Bronx County at Supreme Court

City Council Votes to Advance Access to Child Care Services in New York City

UPDATE Elections 2022: Republican Candidate, Phyllis Nastasio, on Education, Crime and NYCHA Housing

UPDATE Neighborhood Notes: DV Awareness Month, High School Admissions Test, Heat Season & More!

UPDATE Communities Clash over Orchard Beach Shelter, Rivera Asks Mayor to Reconsider Randall’s Island Site