Survey: Bronx Biz’s Bullish

Small businesses are booming in the Bronx, according to a small sample survey. The analysis, conducted by TD Bank, asked 495 New York businesses about their prospects for the coming year. Some 100 participatory businesses are located in the Bronx. The survey detailed citywide optimism for the year, with 86 percent of Bronx small business owners expecting higher revenue, the strongest mark of any borough. Additionally, 93 percent of those Bronx small business owners surveyed are optimistic or excited about 2016, making it the most optimistic borough in the city. Some indicators for a positive outlook included cost of office

With the presidential primary underway, a special hotline has been set up to take in complaints of alleged voter fraud or voter intimidation by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Preet Bharara. The office is on hand to hear complaints at (212) 637-0840 on Tuesday, April 19, 2016: Complaints can also be made to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at (212) 384-1000. Federal laws mandate local election authorities make voting accessible to disabled and elderly voters. Voters who require assistance because of blindness, disability, or inability to read and write have the right to receive such assistance from a person

By DAVID CRUZ, DAVID GREENE & DANIELA BEASLEY

SpA recap of how the candidates schmoozed voters in the Bronx From Mott Haven to University Heights, presidential candidates vying for the White House converged in the Bronx, bringing to the borough a week full of rallies, surprise stops, condemnation and a boost to its political influence. Those visits all boil down to today, with New York holding its most critical presidential primary in recent years. CHECK OUT THIS HANDY BREAKDOWN OF CANDIDATES ON BALLOTPEDIA Bernie Sanders, the U.S. Senator from Vermont, was the first to arrive, launching his New York campaign tour in the Bronx. Three weeks before the April

This week we asked readers who they would consider voting for in the upcoming presidential primaries set for April 19 in New York State. I think that Donald Trump would be a fine president. Donald Trump is the right man for the right job. We need Mr. Trump as President of the United States of America. Phillip Daniel Chandler Norwood I wish Hillary Clinton would be president. She will help with the job situation and with Social Security benefits and housing. I think she’s more for the people. I’m praying that Donald Trump doesn’t become president. I don’t

There are exceptions to everything. For reporters, that mostly involves revealing your personal biases, good or bad. That’s why it was so uncommon to witness some 200 journalists standing in a celebratory cheer for U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, the keynote speaker at the 2016 New York Press Association spring convention. The Norwood News stood with them, joining in several applauses, including a long ovation for Mr. Bharara at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs. Indeed, it’s largely his relentless assault against the culture of corruption long linked to the Albany Legislature that’s earned him rock star status among New

Cleanup Volunteers Needed The Bedford Mosholu Community Association seeks volunteers to help in its annual cleanup of Mosholu Parkway on April 30. To sign up, email bedfordmosholu@verizon.net. Free Tax Services Councilman Ritchie Torres hosts free tax preparation services for Bronx residents at his office, 573 E. Fordham Rd., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., every day except Thursdays and Sundays; Mondays till 7 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment with a tax preparer, call (718) 842-8100. Computer Resource Center at Oval The Williamsbridge Oval’s Resource Center offers free digital learning resources for its members of all ages.

Editor’s Pick Belly Dancing at Mosholu Library Adults and young adults alike are invited to join a free Introduction to Belly Dance Class on April 16 at 2:30 p.m. at the Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St. Join the fun with this different type of dance. For more information, call (718) 882-8239. Onstage Lehman College’s Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents Grupo Niche, Latin salsa group, April 16 at 8 p.m. (tickets $45 to $60). Program is subject to change. For more information and program details, call (718) 960-8833. The Bronx Arts Ensemble presents Three

By VIVIAN CARTER

New York City’s trendy downtown culture visited the Bronx on April 2, as the Mobile Unit of Joseph Papp’s celebrated Public Theater presented the classic play by William Shakespeare, Romeo & Juliet, at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center. Obie Award winner Lear deBessonet directed the production, described in the program as “the classic tale of star-cross’d lovers caught between the world outside the bedroom window and passion as boundless as the sea.” The starring roles of Romeo and Juliet were played by Sheldon Best and Ayana Workman. The small indoor venue at the Oval was booked well in advance, with over

By DAVID GREENE

Despite the 52nd Precinct’s quick apprehension of two of four alleged fast-food thieves, few in the local restaurant industry think this is the end of a gang that has terrorized an entire block and could be responsible for as many as 12 similar incidents along a one-block stretch of the Grand Concourse. Mike Koufalis, 37, the manager of the family-owned Bedford Park Café, said, “We got hit three times in one week.” Koufalis recounted an April 2 attempted robbery of his delivery driver by three would-be thieves. The local American eateries were suddenly feeling what the owners and deliverymen from Chinese restaurants have been dealing with since November. Restaurants, including