10458 and 10468 Zip Codes Top Bronx Evictions in ‘17 & ‘18

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By EMILY SUZANNE LEVER

New York City’s decades-long housing crisis continues, and it’s hitting the northwest Bronx the hardest. Fordham and Bedford Park were among the neighborhoods with the most evictions in the city, according to a report released by the office of City Council Speaker and interim Public Advocate Corey Johnson. From January 2017 through 2019, the Bronx led in evictions, in one eviction for every 79 units. That’s more than twice as much as in the next-most affected borough, Brooklyn, which saw one eviction in every 180 units. The 10458 and 10468 zip codes, which encompass Bedford Park, Fordham and other neighborhoods,

Ahead of Possible Government Shutdown, Bronx Locals Get Free Tax Help

By DAVID GREENE

As a possible federal government shutdown looms, Bronxites converged at one local bank for some to have their taxes prepped and filed before they’re refunds are stalled. On Feb. 7 Ridgewood Savings Bank, the largest mutual savings bank in New York State, announced it had partnered with non-profit tax professionals Ariva, in offering free tax preparation at two of its Bronx branches, including one at 3445 Jerome Ave. in Norwood. Customers arrived at the Jerome Avenue branch on Feb. 9 and 10 with documents in hand and met with a tax specialist and e-filed their returns the same day. Few seats

SEE PICTURES: Bronx Polar Bears Take Orchard Beach Plunge

By DAVID CRUZ

The cold temperatures this weekend were nothing compared to the icy cold waters of Orchard Beach. The Bronx’s Riviera was the scene for the annual Polar Bear Swim on Feb. 9. Check out these pictures by Miriam Quinones.

An Awareness Campaign to Combat Lead Exposure Beyond NYCHA

By EMILY SUZANNE LEVER

The fight against childhood lead exposure is about more than just lead paint. Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday announced his new initiative, LeadFreeNYC, which aims to completely eliminate lead poisoning in children throughout the city. “We mean literal eradication,” said de Blasio, at a news conference alongside health experts at North Central Bronx Hospital in Norwood. Children can experience learning and behavioral problems and delayed physical and mental development due to the toxicity of lead, with children 6 and under being the most vulnerable. To make lead exposure “one of those diseases of the past” requires a deeper look

By SHA-NIA ALSTON

A new no parking zone has been temporarily issued for Jerome Avenue between Woodlawn Cemetery and Shandler Road through Feb. 28 so crews can install a new 72″ Trunk Water Main. The work is part of a major renovation project to improve Norwood’s sewer system. Vehicles found in violation of signage posted in advance by the contractor will be towed to other locations nearby. Sidewalks access may a be temporarily restricted as well. For questions on the no parking zone residents can contact the 52nd Precinct or Community Construction Liaison (CCL) Yoshabelle Desulme direct line at (718) 644 2065.

Bronx Power Women

Bedford Park Etched In History

By DAVID CRUZ and EMILY SUZANNE LEVER

Neighborhood chosen for ‘Six to Celebrate’ designation Bedford Park stepped closer towards legitimate neighborhood preservation after the Historic Districts Council (HDC), a nonprofit group specializing in maintaining neighborhoods’ familiar aesthetics and cultural heritage, placed it in its ‘Six to Celebrate’ designation. The group, which lobbies the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and touts its involvement in the creation of over 100 historic districts in its 49-year history, puts a spotlight each year on six neighborhoods it considers important to New York architecture, culture and history and in need of preservation. In a statement, HDC described Bedford Park as an

Editor’s Pick Polar Bears at Orchard Beach The Bronx Polar Bears will take their annual dip against homelessness at Orchard Beach on Feb. 9 at noon preceded by an official welcome, safety instructions and warmups. All are invited to attend but registration is requested to help raise money for BronxWorks services provided to the Bronx homeless. BronxWorks’ mission is to help individuals and families improve their economic and social wellbeing. Donations of new winter clothing may be brought to the event. For more information, call (646) 393-4002. Onstage Lehman College’s Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd., W.,

By MARTIKA ORNELLA

“These are powerful American stories,” is how Susan C. Greenfield, an English professor at Fordham University, describes the collection of profiles in her new book, Sacred Shelter: 13 Journeys of Homelessness and Healing. Greenfield gathered together the narratives of 13 individuals who share the painful and isolating experience of having been homeless in New York. South Bronx native Dennis Barton, 68, spent years living on the city’s streets. He explained, “My reason for doing [Sacred Shelter] was one, to try to give people an idea of what it’s like to be homeless. And two, to help change some of the