New City & State Laws Could Impact Your 2019

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By JOSEPH KONIG

Ahead of what Democrats say will be an historically active legislative session in Albany, here are some notable new laws coming to the Bronx at the beginning of 2019. Tobacco Sale Banned in Pharmacies As part of a bill passed in 2017, New York City pharmacies will no longer sell tobacco products. The nation’s largest pharmacy chain, CVS, famously stopped selling tobacco products in 2014, but now all New York City pharmacies will join them. The law will also affect big box stores and supermarkets with pharmacy departments. According to Councilman Brad Lander, the pharmacy ban and heavy taxation of

By DAVID CRUZ

The Top Stories This Norwood News’ Year in Review saw continued development in the Bronx, political newcomers combatting giants, and a troubling violent crime trend for the local precinct. The paper pored through all 25 editions of 2018 that graced the stands, stores, and other locations in the Bronx, sifting through repeat stories that had, from an editorial standpoint, the greatest impact. Here are the highlights: Homicides in Norwood The Norwood News was there to report on the rise in homicides happening in Norwood and the surrounding areas that comprise the 52nd Precinct. The body count went from a total

SEE VIDEO- Man Accused of Molesting Little Girl on 4 Train

By JOSEPH KONIG

A four-year-old girl was molested on the 4 train Thursday night, according to the NYPD. Her alleged assailant is still at large, and police are asking for help identifying him. Police said that around 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 27, the four-year-old and her mother were riding on the southbound 4 train when a man got on the car at the Jerome Avenue and West 183rd Street station. The man sat down next to the daughter and placed his right hand under the daughter’s buttocks, the mother claimed. Neither the mother nor the daughter was identified in the police statement

By BRENDA BOATSWAIN, Ph.D., CGP

Research shows that having positive close relationships throughout your life has a positive effect on your physical health, mental health, and lifespan. In infants, warm and nurturing parents help them grow into adults that can successfully manage their lives. For young children and adolescents, close positive family relationships can serve as a buffer against stress. Reducing stress lowers the chance of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease. In adults, being socially connected and having access to social support is related to better health and self-care. For aging adults, social ties reduce risk for mental and physical decline and early

University Heights Woman, Unintentionally Shot by Police, Sues for $10 Million

By DAVID CRUZ and DAVID GREENE

Irene Ureña Perez, the woman accidentally shot by an officer of the 52nd Precinct as he was chasing down a suspect in University Heights, is suing the NYPD following the Dec. 5 shooting. Perez, 46, spoke inside her University Heights apartment alongside famed personal injury attorney Sanford Rubenstein, who announced the $10 million lawsuit. Perez was walking home with a small child near University Avenue and West 183rd Street when a bullet pierced her abdomen, damaging several organs, according to the criminal complaint. Perez, recuperating at home, told reporters she underwent three surgeries. “My liver has a cut, my pancreas,

By DAVID GREENE

This week we asked readers their thoughts on the city Department of Transportation (DOT) plans for a “road diet” which calls for converting two-way Morris Park Avenue from a double lane to a single lane each way roadway. Somewhere along the line our elected officials at City Hall forgot that they serve the people. They got into office by saying that this was a tale of two cities and now it’s a tale of one city, run by a king: [Bill] de Blasio. Start listening to what the people have to say, they’re the ones that pay your salary. It’s

Dog, Left By a Hydrant in the Cold, Seeks Owner

By DAVID CRUZ

Police at the 52nd Precinct are trying to locate the owner of a dog left tied to a hydrant in Norwood. The precinct posted a picture of the pooch on Twitter pleading for anyone to find the dog. It was found at the corner of Tryon Avenue and East 211th Street just near Williamsbridge Oval Park. It was found with a fitted coat over its back and found sometime during the day. Temperature highs on Christmas Eve were in the mid-40s. Anyone with information is asked the call the 52nd Precinct at (718) 220-5811.

Neighborhood Notes: Free Safe Oven Covers, and Crime Victims Support

Free Oven Safe Knob Covers The Office of Councilman Ritchie Torres is giving away free safe oven knob covers to prevent accidental fires in apartments. Free knob covers can be picked up at 2546 Hoffman St., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. while supplies last. For more information, call the office at (718) 842-8100. Nonprofit Grants Now Available Resident-led groups in low-income communities and Title I public schools can apply for a Neighborhood Grant of up to $3,000. A workshop in how to fill out the application correctly takes place on Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. at

By DAVID CRUZ

With a partial federal government shutdown underway, there will be some changes in service should it continue, but at least two Congressional representatives will be open during the interim. Congressman Adriano Espaillat, whose 13th Congressional District covers Norwood, will have his Fordham office open as he and congressional members attempt to hammer out a spending bill without President Donald Trump’s pledge for a $5 billion border wall. Espaillat’s district office at 2530 Grand Concourse by East 190th Street, will reopen from Dec. 27 through Dec. 29 before closing once again. It will reopen Jan. 3 following observance of the New