This week, we asked readers their thoughts on 2022 and their hopes for the New Year.

 

“I did not feel safe in 2022 and I couldn’t enjoy my summer. A few people dear to me passed away. Despite the few accomplishments that we had, 2022 was filled with disappointments, empty promises, and uncertainty. I hope that in 2023 we can put an end to the reckless motorcycle and motorized bike riding on the sidewalk and the senseless loud noise coming from passenger cars and SUVs. My hopes are to raise awareness to the needs of our folks with disabilities, encourage our youth to learn needed skills, and empower our residents who are facing challenges directly related to where they live.”

Chad Royer,

Fordham Manor

 

“I think 2022 was challenging. It was cold and it was like we were living in a fog; one couldn’t get their thoughts straight. But my hope for 2023 is peace and harmony within our thoughts. That’s my goal and my hope for 2023.”

Elizabeth Nunez,

West Farms

 

“I think 2022 was probably the most trying year we’ve had in a few, trying to get back to what everyone calls ‘normal.’ So, I think we have to have a little leeway with everyone as we try and get back to normal. We’re getting there, but 2023 is going to be even more challenging because I think everyone is trying to get to that point but are still coming back from working from home or trying to get the resources that are available. I think we’re going to have to have a lot of patience moving forward. If not, we can fall back into a rut, especially business-wise.”

James Rodriguez,

Pelham Bay

 

“I think 2022 was a very…I don’t even know what to say. I mean I think it was a step in the right direction. I think when Trump was president there was a lot of disharmonies, I would say. It seems that once President Biden got sworn in, all that went away. I think that was good for the country. I hope everything continues in the right direction [with] less violence, and hopefully we can survive.”

Bruce Nigro,

Morris Park

“For me, 2022 was a good year. I don’t have my family here, but my family back home is good. The crisis started for everybody with the coronavirus and some people don’t have food, don’t have money to pay their rent, it caused a lot of problems in the city. Right now, on the trains it’s [expletive]; people have guns, people fight on the train. That’s the problem in the city right now. I would like things to improve and get rid of some of these problems like mental illness, and we need jobs.”

Rudy Garcia,

Fordham Heights