The Bainbridge merchants who lost their businesses overnight last weekend were part of all of our lives, whether you picked up salmon at Bainbridge Fish Market, dined on enchiladas at Diamante Poblano, bought your favorite snacks at the European Market, or had your hair done at Betty’s. Our hearts go out to all the merchants and their employees.

It will be a difficult road to recovery, but we hope that as many of the businesses as possible can reopen or relocate soon. Elected officials, community leaders and concerned residents have their work cut out for them, and many have already risen to the occasion. The key is follow-up and we pledge to keep you posted in the paper and on our blog (www.bronxnewsnetwork.org) about the latest developments.

The disappearance of at least 10 stores could mean less foot traffic on the rest of the strip. That would compound this tragedy. Each of us can make sure that doesn’t happen by shopping in the district whenever possible.

We are heartened by all the good wishes expressed on the blog, in conversations with readers, and just generally the words of concern expressed on the street in the hours and days following the fire.

If we all keep paying attention and helping wherever we can, Norwood will rebound. Let’s get to work.

Bronx politicians have a choice. They can keep making the same mistake over and over again by letting developers walk all over them (and us).

Or they can send a message that taxpayer subsidies like the tens of millions about to be handed over to the Related Companies to build a mall at the Kingsbridge Armory comes with significant responsibilities.

I experienced several firsts today: It was my first time speaking directly to an elected official (rather than e-mailing, sending a letter, or speaking with an assistant) about an issue of concern to me; it was my first time being yelled at by an elected official; it was my first time telling an elected official to stop yelling at me.

Norwood mourns the loss of its neighborhood small businesses due to last Saturday’s fire on Bainbridge Avenue. All of the businesses that have been affected by the fire are neighborhood fixtures. The Fish Market, the Bakery and Sal’s Hillside Meat Market are among the unique businesses in Norwood.

A listing of events, programs, services and announcements for our readers.

A listing of arts, entertainment and recreational events for our readers in the Bronx and beyond.

A five-alarm fire gutted at least 10 stores and severely damaged four others in the heart of the Bainbridge Avenue merchant district early Saturday morning.

Officials are still trying to determine the cause of the blaze which took 198 firefighters more than five hours to extinguish. Four sustained minor injuries, including a sprained ankle and smoke inhalation.

After more than three months of no hot water, cooking gas, heat or answers, tenants at a deteriorating building in University Heights rejoiced last Friday evening. Finally, Con Edison restored gas lines and fired up the building’s boiler. Finally, a hot shower was no longer a distant fantasy.

"Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, God is good," exclaimed Caroline Loja

Local City Council candidates Fernando Cabrera (14th District) and Oliver Koppell (11th District), both Democrats who were expected to coast to easy general election victories on Tuesday, raised significant amounts of money during their campaigns. But where did it all go?