Preparing For Months, Michael Blake Ascends to 79th Assembly Seat on Dec. 15

By David Cruz The waitress at Symphony Diner quickly recognized Michael Blake. He ordered his usual—a western omelet with a side of orange juice. For the past few months, the man who’s gone from White House aide for President Barack Obama to the newest Assemblyman of the 79th District has been on fact-finding excursion, becoming a familiar face within the district he’s poised to represent.

Petitioners Renew Fight to Convert Decatur Avenue Land to Playground

by David Cruz In some instances, a vacant lot serves as a makeshift refuge for the homeless. Other times it’s stash site for drug dealers. Makeshift basketball tournaments have been organized there. But residents have mostly viewed it as a dumping ground, and whether good or bad the only play area. Now some Bedford Park residents are renewing their push to convert the ad hoc landfill on Decatur Avenue and Oliver Place into a playground. Though no parkland is in the works, the lot is now set for a desperately needed cleanup job thanks to its local councilman. Shanequa Charles,

By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers if they have heat and hot water problems as temperatures drop and how fast their landlords make needed repairs.

Beloved Norwood Pastor Dies at 83

by David Greene Cardinal Timothy Dolan is expected to lead a funeral service this weekend for a revered Norwood pastor who passed away this week.

Digital Edition of the Norwood News Is Out!

by David Cruz Thursday ushers in the latest edition of the Norwood News, available at nearly 300 locations throughout the northwest Bronx. This week we delve into a five-year cluster site in Norwood that’s apparently worn out its welcome, according to rent paying tenants. The Norwood News spoke to both sides, who largely feel misunderstood. We also look at the Stagg Group as it edges closer to opening its three-building complex along Webster Avenue. By and large the buildings are deemed the linchpin to the building boom happening along the northwest Bronx corridor. Hear what residents have to say about the market rate

By CATHARINA THUEMLING and DAVID CRUZ Former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion has gone into the private sector, accepting a job as vice president of a construction developer after months serving as its lobbyist. Carrion, who moved on to briefly become Director of Housing and Urban Development for the White House, will work for Stagg Group as Strategic Advisor and Executive Vice President. The Stagg Group has been developing a trio of apartment buildings on Webster Avenue, kicking off a series of development projects along the corridor. “We are excited to have Adolfo on our team and recognize the value of

By Janaki Chadha Community Board 7’s adding some spark to the holidays with its annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony.

Despite Assurances, Norwood Cluster Site Remains

By David Cruz Amid a streak of violence at a controversial cluster site shelter in Norwood, the New York City Department of Homeless Services intends to replace the building’s shelter provider for a new one, according to officials. This comes despite assurances the cluster site shut done.