Neighborhood Notes

A listing of community events, programs and services for our readers in the northwest Bronx.

Crime Down in Area But Chronic Hotspots Persist

Crime statistics remain down overall in the 52nd Precinct (Norwood, Bedford Park, University Heights and North Fordham), including a significant drop in murders and shootings. But violent incidents in perennial high-crime areas, serve as a reminder that the precinct’s hotspots are resilient and don’t always jibe with precinctwide statistics.

Mounting Costs, Changes Rile Filter Foes Anew

As the enormous water filtration plant project in Van Cortlandt Park moves farther away from the original plan outlined in 2003, the project’s monitoring committee, local activists and city planning experts say it’s becoming glaringly apparent that the plan didn’t account for significant impacts on the community.

Packed House for St. Brendan’s 100th

The parish of the Church of St. Brendan in Norwood wrapped up its centenary celebrations last Sunday with a multilingual standing-room-only Mass that included a homily by Cardinal Egan and drew the attendance of over two dozen guest clergy and about 1,100 worshippers.

Council Races Take Shape Following Term Limits Vote

Lost, or at least partially obscured, in the tussle over term limits is the reality that the incumbents who are now eligible to run for a third term, including the mayor, have to actually run. Many local insurgent candidates launched Web sites and have been fund-raising for months, meaning some spirited and competitive races may be coming next fall.

Bronx Rep Engel Helps Obama in Florida

With mere days remaining in the presidential campaign, Bronx Congressman Eliot Engel spent some time campaigning for fellow Democrat Barrack Obama in Florida.

Bike-Friendly Goal Set For Bronx

Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión wants to make the Bronx the most bike-friendly borough in the city. By increasing the number of bike racks in the Bronx, Carrión hopes to encourage more commuting and recreational riding throughout the borough.