Bronx Reacts to Stop-and-Frisk Settlement

by David Cruz Mayor Bill de Blasio promised, and now he’s delivered. In what was a major campaign pledge during de Blasio’s road to Gracie Mansion, the city will now settle two class-action lawsuits over the constitutionality of stop-and-frisk, a decision that sends ripples through a public that grew distant from the police. The controversial practice had for years eroded relationships between police and minority communities, with Bronxites claiming it was an intentional form of racial profiling. The lawsuits— Floyd v. City of New York and Ligon v. City of New York—

Bronx Pummeled AGAIN by Snow

By Justin McCallum The blizzard, originally forecast to hit the tristate area yesterday, has bared down on the Bronx, where there is a winter storm watch in effect until 7:00PM. Although public schools opened this morning, after school programming, field trips and PSAL games have been canceled “due to inclement weather conditions,” the Department of Education Chancellor Fariña announced in a press release.

Bronx News Roundup: January 26-31

The Bronx newspapers are hard at work delivering some local stories for neighbors in the Boogie Down. We highlight some in this latest edition of Bronx News Roundup! First up, former Mayor David Dinkins still not getting love from the city after a move to rename the Willis Avenue Bridge is once again shelved. The New York Daily News reports that “David Dinkins’-Willis Avenue Bridge” name was featured on the Dept. of Transportation website, but was later removed. Just in time for Superbowl Sunday, The New York Post has a timely story on an $8 million drug bust in Pelham

by David Cruz, Editor-in-Chief Stop, Question and Frisk Appeal Dropped Mayor Bill deBlasio promised, and now he’s delivered. In what was a major campaign promise during deBlasio’s road to Gracie Mansion, the city has now dropped its appeal in two-class action lawsuits over the constitutionality of stop-question-and-frisk, preferring to settle the case entirely. The controversial policy, which for years created a divide between the police and Bronx minority men and women, will now be overseen by a court-appointed monitor, under the terms settled between the city and several Bronx plaintiffs who were stopped, questioned and frisked by police. Mayor deBlasio

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Crunch Gym Set to Open in Norwood

By DAVID CRUZ In what’s considered symbolic of the type of business Norwood looks to draw on Webster Avenue, Crunch Gym is on its way to opening following a yes vote from Community Board 7’s Housing Committee. The snowstorm on Jan. 21 impeded the full board to vote on approving a Letter of Support to owners of the exercise chain. As of press time, that full general board meeting was postponed to Jan. 28. But the Housing Committee voted in favor of the plans during its Jan. 15 gathering, with zoning attorney Michael Nacmias offering a presentation. Members pored over

by David Cruz Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. pegged himself as a job creator and economic development booster in his first gathering with his new fellow heads of borough at a forum sponsored by Crain’s New York Business. Diaz Jr. arrived as the more experienced borough president in the city these days, as his fellow BP’s have just begun their tenure as their respective borough’s chief executive.

Editor’s Note: The Norwood News publishes a section in the paper dubbed “In The Public Interest.” It features noteworthy news items that can make for a better informed public. Below is what we featured in the Norwood News. Bronx Celebrates Centennial For 2014, the Bronx will examine its past, present and future with the Bronx Centennial, reflecting on the 100 years the Boogie Down became known as Bronx County. In celebration of the borough’s first 100 years, a year-round centennial celebration will be held, with the

Musicians Homegrown at PS/MS 95

by David Cruz “It is really lovely to bring music into this school, and win over the hearts of the classes,” explains Julie Waters, a music teacher at PS/MS 95 Sheila Mencher, a K-8 school in Kingsbridge. She looks at music as a very natural activity, an art form paired with high standards, discipline and a sense of humor.