Financial Focus: Love Animals? Learn How to Tax Deduct!

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By PROF. ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

Did you know a junkyard owner can deduct the cost of cat food as a business expense? Did you know if you have a service animal or guide dog you can deduct the cost of buying, training, and maintaining it? Finally, did you know if your pet becomes an Internet sensation you might be able to deduct related costs as business expenses? Now, noticed I wrote business expenses? Yes, we can deduct our animals! But! Your pet’s activities must be considered a business–not a hobby–for expenses to be deductible. The IRS has a very strict multi-step procedure they use to

A Cramped Five-Two Needs an Annex, Says Cohen

By DAVID CRUZ

Space at the 52nd Precinct is busting out at the seams. Sandwiched between both sides of Mosholu Parkway and Webster Avenue, the North Bronx stationhouse has become increasingly tight given the number of police officers assigned there. It’s also evident in the number of cars frequently seen parked along Mosholu Parkway North, drawing ire from residents. The need for extra digs for one of the city’s busiest precincts has been batted around for years. But now Councilman Andrew Cohen, whose district covers the precinct, is attempting to convince NYPD Commissioner James O’Neil to purchase or at the very least lease

Norwood's Muslim Community Reacts to New Zealand Attacks

By EMILY SUZANNE LEVER

Over 9000 miles away from New Zealand, the murder of Muslim worshippers in the town of Christchurch had resonance in one of the Bronx’s Muslim communities. A killer who expressed white supremacist beliefs targeted two mosques full of congregants during Friday prayers in Christchurch, New Zealand and appears to have live streamed himself shooting dozens of people. The anti-Muslim attack, in which a reported 49 people were murdered, was deeply felt worldwide—including in Norwood, home to a significant Muslim community. “We are just praying for everybody,” said Mohammed Shuaib Uddin, a pharmacist at the People’s Pharmacy in Norwood. “As a

Free Tax Prep Free tax preparation services are available at Ridgewood Savings Bank, 711 Allerton Ave., on March 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To be eligible, a person must be single with no dependents with an annual salary of $30,000 or less, or with dependents and making an annual or salary of less than $55,000. For information, or to reserve a space, call (917) 509-4609 or email vkancler@ridgewoodbank.com. Free Tax Prep Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave. offers free tax return service Mondays through Fridays from 4 p.m. Those who made $54,000 or less in 2018 and

Editor’s Pick MMCC Fun Mosholu Montefiore Community Center presents the third annual MMCC SpringFest on March 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3450 DeKalb Ave. The free open house features program demonstrations, a bounce house, face painting, crafts, snacks and fun for the whole family. There will also be an exhibition of an art show. Onstage Lehman College’s Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd., W., presents Forever Freestyle 13, featuring a variety of artists performing Latin music including hip-hop and disco, March 16 at 8 p.m. (tickets $55 to $100); Grupo Niche, performing Salsa, March

By MARINA KOPF of WFUV

Meeting the Demand for Dental Work in Underserved Communities Dr. Douglas York, CEO of the Union Community Health Center (UCHC) in the Belmont section of the Bronx, said the center’s waiting rooms for a dental check-up are always packed. They’re open six days a week and even some nights, hoping to get as many patients on their dentists’ chairs so they can utilize their services sometimes at no cost. There’s a shortage of dentists in the Bronx, with 33 dentists per 100,000 people in the borough, about half the national average, according to data from the ADA and The Center

With New York Governor Andrew Cuomo making the legalization of recreational marijuana one of his top priorities for 2019, lots of questions remain about the specifics of the law and its implications for communities across the state. It’s one reason why the Norwood News, in partnership with BronxNet Television and WFUV Public Radio have organized a forum around this topic dubbed, “Bronx Connections: The Impact of Legal Weed,” which will be presented and televised live on March 21 at 6:30 p.m. Concerns still loom over the impact of the bill. Some want to make sure those incarcerated for the sale

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s sixth edition of the Norwood News with plenty of community news you can use. We’ve packed 20 pages full of great stories impacting the Bronx. As usual, we’ll begin with page one! Our front-page story brings you to Williamsbridge Oval Park where the Bronx Buccaneers have reclaimed their practice spot just in time for spring. The Bucs nearly lost their spot after the team parted ways with the permit holder. Martika Ornella reports on who the team is tipping its helmet for the good news. Inside the cover you’ll find a follow-up piece what exactly

Stagg Group, and its Tenants, Make Their Case Before Community Board 7

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

In a packed, standing room only office of Community Board 7, the Housing, Land Use, & Zoning Committee heard heated arguments about the lack of repair and maintenance services for tenants of 2985, 2987, and 2999 Webster avenues. It was the result of a long-awaited meeting between tenants and representatives from the Stagg Group. The realty firm’s representatives were present defending their recent actions in improving response time to complaints about repairs and maintenance work. The buildings, collectively making up The Bedford Park Manor, opened in 2015, the first such properties to open following the 2011 rezoning of a large