New Strategy to Combat Bronx Opioid Abuse Announced

By JOSEPH KONIG

TYRELL JONES OF New York Harm Reduction stresses the importance of making Narcan widely available. Photo courtesy New York City Mayoral Photography OfficeNew York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced new measures to combat the opioid crisis in the Bronx, including $8 million for new mental and physical health personnel and additional funding for Bronx-based faith groups.”This is an epidemic that can be treated,” de Blasio said at a news conference on Nov. 28. “But we’re only going to do it with the people of the Bronx. We’re only going to do it if we get deep, deep into

By JONATHAN CUSTODIO

Every weekend Brandon Montes puts out a crate full of books on East Gun Hill Road between Bainbridge and Wayne Avenues. Books come in and books go out. And it’s all for free. On average, Montes brings 5 to 15 books each time he puts out the crate. In the morning, he chains the book crate to a small tree guard and returns at sunset, usually to an empty box or some new books. Montes wants to address the dearth of brick-and-mortar bookstores in the Bronx and expand upon on the borough’s literary access. “We deserve a literary community. There

MTA Denies Elevator Plan for Mosholu Parkway Station for Now

By DAVID CRUZ

Despite a petitioning campaign pushing for the installation of an elevator at the Mosholu Parkway 4 train station on Jerome Avenue, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) opted to award it to another Bronx station. The MTA, however, is considering to add the station to its list of those that will receive an elevator when the next capital plan takes effect. “The design phase for elevator accessibility at Mosholu Parkway will soon begin, and the station is likely to be done in the next capital program; we look forward to completing this project,” Shams Tarek, a spokesman for the MTA, said.

SEE VIDEO: New 52nd Precinct Captain Introduces Himself at CB7

By DAVID CRUZ

The new commanding officer of the 52nd Precinct, Deputy Inspector Thomas Alps, told an audience at the latest Community Board 7 general board he would take a bullet for them if need be. “I would give my life for you,” said Alps. “And there’s plenty of police officers in the Five-Two Precinct that would do the same and they don’t know you on a personal level.” The audience at CB7 was much larger than Alps’ initial introduction to the neighborhood when a snowstorm that crippled traffic on Nov. 15 kept everyone at home or stuck on the roads. Approachable with

By CHRISTY RAE AMMONS

In response to the fire that started two days before Thanksgiving at 3210 Hull Ave. in Norwood, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, who represents the neighborhood, is hosting a clothing drive for the families. The drive will be held at the Community Board 7 Office at 229A E. 204th St. Displaced families are in need of men, women, and children’s clothing and shoes, or gift cards. The collection of clothing and other personal items for the families will be held at least until the end of the week. The four-alarm fire happened on Nov. 20 around 2:15pm. Helicopters and 200 firefighters responded

By PROF. ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

Do you own a home, condo, or coop? Do you pay job expenses or alimony? Do you have dependents? Guess what? You’re in income tax trouble! Welcome to income taxes 2018! Starting in January of 2019, taxpayers will learn the true effect of the 2017 tax reform bill. In my opinion it’s the good, the bad, the ugly, and the ugliest. The Good: Well, since January of 2018, you have received more money in your check. Yes I know it’s not that much (on average two percent) but still, if you make $50,000, you are going to receive by the

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By SHELBY DANIEL of WFUV

Amid War on Gangs, NYPD’s Controversial Database Draws Critics The Norwood News, WFUV radio, and BronxNet Television continue their five-part series on the impact of gangs in the Bronx. Following the killing of 15-year-old Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz in the Belmont section of the Bronx, the NYPD quickly turned to its controversial gang database for help. Since 2012, 17,000 people believed to be or affiliated with gangs have been added using a variety of identification methods, including social media. In the investigation into Lesandro’s killing, 12 members tied to the Trinitarios gang were identified through the system and eventually arrested. The

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers! The Norwood News is out with its latest edition covering Bronx communities. With 20 pages of news, let’s get into the coverage! The front page focuses on the ensuring madness that was the Nov. 15 snowstorm. The roads became veritable traps as the city couldn’t quite clean up the streets. The Norwood News spoke with some frustrated residents while getting an explanation from city officials. The paper also has community reaction to sex allegations made against Bishop John Jenik. Supporters held a rally for Jenik, speaking up for the embattled bishop who was removed after a decades old sexual

Heating Assistance Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for older adults and low- and middle-income New Yorkers will be accepted by local departments of social services. Eligibility is based on income, household size and how the home is heated. Residents can apply online at https://on.ny.gov/2Fn062M and mail it to NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP, P.O. Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008. For more information, call (212) 331-3126. IDNYC Pop-Up Sign up for a free IDNYC card at the Community Board 7 office, 229A E. 204th St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed 1 to 2 p.m.) through