Storm Relief Effort Blossoms at Kingsbridge Armory

After more than 15 years of vacancy and several failed redevelopment efforts, it took a storm of unprecedented proportions to put the Kingsbridge Armory back to extended use. It’s now the site of the largest storm relief effort in the Bronx, bringing much-needed food, supplies, cleaning materials and manpower to the region’s most ravaged communities.

Bronx Biz: Corner Pizza Shop in a Crowded Market

The community was buzzing and rumors were flying about what would become of the vacant storefront on the corner of Jerome Avenue and Mosholu Parkway North. Those rumors can be put aside now as the signage for The Corner Pizza Shop was unveiled two weekends ago, just before Super Storm Sandy hit the Bronx.

Editorial: Honoring the Good Guys

The police and community need each other to combat crime and keep our streets safe. It’s a symbiotic relationship that needs nourishing. And the council breakfast helps feed that relationship. It also introduces us to some often overlooked heroism.

Armory Market Plan Boosted by Community Rally Ice Out

Brian Boggan stood nervously in the press box outlined with tape on the side of the St. Nicholas of Tolentine School gym in University Heights. Boggan had come to a rally, organized by the grassroots Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, with an opinion about plans for the long vacant Kingsbridge Armory. As a physical education teacher with a long history of ice skating, Boggan was ready to defend the Kingsbridge National Ice Centers’s bid to fill the empty armory with nine ice rinks.

Bronx Notes: Business Workshop for Women Veterans

The Bronx Women’s Business Resource Center is offering a series of free workshops open to the public to explore different industries and business opportunities in various Bronx locations. Topics include food, fashion, credit, medical, blogging, exporting and veteran opportunities. On Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 6 p.m., there will be workshop to discuss business opportunities for veterans at BWBRC office, 2499 Grand Concourse, Suite 321. On Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 6 p.m., there will be a workshop to discuss medical-related business at Bronx Community Board 12, 4101 White Plains Rd. Email Marcia Cameron at mcameron@bronxwbc.org, or call (718) 933-7466 to register for the workshops.

Police Relations Exposed in Council, Court and Class

The police department’s most controversial crime prevention strategies are coming under increased scrutiny with politicians debating their merit and the court system ruling on their constitutionality. In the meantime, the question in the Bronx and elsewhere in New York City remains: Are tactics like stop and frisk and Operation Clean Halls “putting a distance between police and communities?”

Northwest Bronx School Progress Reports Released

Below, we have compiled the grades for each of the elementary and middle schools considered part of the Norwood News’ primary coverage area here in the northwest Bronx. Each letter grade is accompanied by its corresponding score, which might give a more accurate picture of a school’s performance. For example, PS/MS 15 dropped just four tenths of point but went from an A in 2010-2011 to a B in 2011-2012. For more detail on each school’s progress report or if your school isn’t on this list, visit schools.nyc.gov, search your school’s name and click on “statistics.”

Gas Rationing Implemented in the Bronx, Other Boroughs

As this AP video explains, Mayor Bloomberg is trying to ease the build-up of lines at gas stations throughout the Bronx and the rest of New York City. The system is pretty simple — if your license plate ends with an even number you can fill up on even numbered day and the same for cars that have license plates that end in odd numbers. For example, today is Nov. 9, so cars with odd-numbered ending plates can fill up today. Evens will go tomorrow.