Coming to you live from the Bronx County Criminal Courthouse on East 161st Street where your humble author is giving back to his borough by serving jury duty, I’m pleased to present today’s Bronx News Roundup. Here are the stories we’re following today. Weather: Afternoon sunshine could give way to scattered showers and maybe a thunderstorm later tonight.
A final report by the National Transportation Safety Committee said the bus crash that killed 15 passengers in the Bronx last year was the result of driver, Orphadell Williams, being fatigued (hadn’t slept much in the three days leading up to the crash) and speeding (he was going 78 m.p.h. just before the crash) on I-95. [Times]
Authorities are looking into the construction company that illegally removed the fire escapes from 2400 Webb Ave. in University Heights. Some 200 of the building’s tenants were evacuated after the complete lack of fire escapes were discovered. Tenants are upset that they’re only being given $120 a night by the owner for housing accommodations. [DNAinfo, NY Post]
Marcia Kramer, the CBS reporter who doggedly chased ex-Bronx pol Pedro Espada from the south Bronx to his home in Mamaroneck (and back again and so on), tracked down a man named Gary Adams, who apparently represents the owners of 2400 Webb Ave., Goldfarb Properties. Adams refused to answer Kramer’s questions, saying he didn’t know anything about the missing fire escapes. The owners did not have permits for the work that led to the fire escapes being removed and the tenants being forced to evacuate.
In the new Manhattan/Bronx 13th Congressional District race, the endorsement war continues. Incumbent Charlie Rangel picked up the endorsement of embattled Comptroller John Liu (whose campaign leaders are facing criminal charges) and challenger Adriano Espaillat was endorsed by the Transit Workers Union, which Rangel acknowledged was a blow. Labor groups have mostly been behind Rangel. Primary date is June 26. [WNYC]
Bronx native Swizz Beatz talks about why it’s important for him to give back to his home borough. Where you at, Al Pacino/Calvin Klein/Ralph Lauren/J-Lo? [Huff Post]
A new theatrical production from Bombazo Dance Co. about the experiences of Puerto Rican and Dominican immigrants coming to New York City is showing for free at Pregones Theater in Mott Haven. [Daily News]
In Councourse Village (location of my temporary office!), a woman allegedly ran over her teenage boyfriend after an argument. [Post]
Police are looking for a suspect who fatally stabbed a man in a Wakefield hotel room. The Post has video:
Here’s video, courtesy of the Daily News and PIX, from the police chase that started in New Rochelle and ended with a fatal Bronx car crash:
Enjoy the day. Send links and news tips to us at norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org.
The Goldfarbs are horrible landlords. They bully tenants and get away with so much corruption. Hopefully they will investigate the other buildings they own to ensure that every tenant is safe.