As Jerome Avenue Rezoning Is on the Mind, Mechanic Shops Show Signs of Impending Exodus

By WILLIAM MATHIS As the city undergoes the outreach phase of a large-scale plan to rezone the southern end of Jerome Avenue, its large swath of mechanic shops are beginning to stage an exodus.

Musical Troupe Performs at Woodlawn Cemetery, with Poe Park Slated as the Next Venue

By VIVIAN CARTER The Bardekova Ensemble, founded in the Bronx more than 30 years ago, continues its melodious quest to bring free concerts to Bronx residents, regardless of age or socio-economic status, with two programs at landmark Bronx venues this week. On Sunday July 12, the group’s quintet, composed entirely of wind instrument performers, filled the majestic Woolworth Chapel at Woodlawn Cemetery with the classical sounds of groundbreaking European composers Mozart and Rossini. Guests also enjoyed the musical strains of George M. Cohan and Irving Berlin, two famed American composers whose final resting places are on the Woodlawn grounds. Breezes

Neighborhood Notes

Free Curb Dog Signs Free “curb your dog” signs are available to homeowners and building superintendents at Community Board 7’s office, 229A E. 204th St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (718) 933-5650 to schedule a pickup. School Lunch Program The summer school lunch program is now available to children ages 18 and under and disabled young adults over 18 who are enrolled in school programs. To find a site in your community, call (800) 522-5006 or visit www.summermealsny.org. Food Assistance Programs The New York Coalition Against Hunger offers information on several food assistance programs including the federal SNAP/food

Out & About

Editor’s Pick Adults are invited to sign up for a free Adult Summer Reading 2015 at the Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. and submit reviews at www.summerreading.org or in the library by 5 p.m. on Aug. 28. Prizes will be awarded to the four individuals who read the most books and post/submit reviews. Winners will be announced on Aug. 29 at 2:30 p.m. This program is open only to those who select the Bronx Library Center as their local library. For more information, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org.

Changes, Unexpected and Impending, Seen at Norwood’s Churches

By DAVID CRUZ Norwood’s catholic churches are undergoing a dual shift in its religious staffing, as one church is expected to close while another has seen the reassignment of its pastor. For the last few months, the community has been bracing for the closure the Shrine Church of St. Ann’s on Bainbridge Avenue, a historic parish that includes a catholic school. But lack of finances had put the church on a closure list by the Archdiocese of New York. It’s last day will be July 31 when parishioners are expected to take part in the church’s last Feast of St.

By DAVID CRUZ On a recent Monday night, stereo sound clamored at an apartment unit at 15-19 W. Mosholu Pkwy. N., which until recently housed a cluster site homeless shelter. It was 11:30 at night, and the sound roared into the apartment unit of Sandra Tovar, one of several rent-paying tenants burdened by rowdy neighbors.

Police in Northwest Bronx Hunt for Cop Impersonator

By DAVID CRUZ Police have been on a three-month hunt for an alleged cop impersonator exploiting kind-hearted Bronxites, and now need your help in tracking him. Police say Richard Gomez, 43, is suspected of hitting stores within the 52nd and 50th precincts in the northwest Bronx, addressing himself as “Sgt. Russo,” and asking employees to donate funds for sick children of officers. Gomez is swindling employees at Salsa Con Fuego at 2297 on Apr. 27 within the Five-Two and the Caridad Restaurant at 135 W. Kingsbridge Road, falling in the Five-O. Gomez is described as a male Hispanic at 5’8″

By DAVID CRUZ Sepulveda It comes with a heavy heart that we hear that Bob “Kappy” Kappstatter, former longtime editor and political columnist of the Daily News and most recently The Bronx Times Reporter, has joined the “Dark Side”–public relations. Now a political and media consultant, his first client is Parkchester Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda. Kappy sounds happy in his new role. “After years on being on one side of the fence, it’s now kind of fascinating to be on the inside, and hopefully doing some good.” Good luck Kappy.

Digital Edition of the Norwood News Is Out!

By DAVID CRUZ Plenty of community news you can use can be found in the latest edition of the Norwood News, which can also be found at 300 locations throughout the northwest Bronx. In this edition we take you to the Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District and Fordham Road Business Improvement Districts, which are engaged in a fight to stem a move by a special interest group pushing for more licenses to street vendors. It’s a tale that spans 30 years, and the Norwood News will give you the low-down. We also go around the corner from the BID, and to a building