The Jerome Avenue Rezoning’s Spoken and Unspoken Policies

By DAVID CRUZ

Whether in grueling heat-filled days or frigid temperatures, a cadre of activists has been fighting for their communities’ soul. Their communities lie in the heart of Jerome Avenue between 184th and 167th streets. It’s there where the city looks to rezone 92 blocks, the largest rezoning for the Bronx in years. For the last three years, the valley-like neighborhoods—from Mt. Hope to the Grand Concourse—have been studied by the city. They’re home to a largely low-income Hispanic bloc and a concentration of auto mechanics that do business below the rumbling 4 subway line. Hispanics from all backgrounds make up more

By DAVID CRUZ

The fifth edition of the Norwood News, primarily covering the northwest Bronx, is out with plenty of community news. We have 16 pages full of news for you to share with your friends, family, and make you the smartest person in the room! We begin with page one and a quality of life inconvenience that is being addressed: loud parties and spurts of violence at Devoe Park in University Heights. Reporter Niall Ridgley reports that it’s the off season now, and Councilman Fernando Cabrera has ordered gates to be installed at nine of the park’s entrances. Hear what residents have

By NIALL RIDGLEY

New retrofitted gates, enhanced lighting, and security cameras will be installed by early spring in response to high levels of summer nighttime activity at Devoe Park in University Heights. The installation of the nine locking gates at nine of the park’s entrances, spearheaded by Councilman Fernando Cabrera, should help curb insufferable disturbances for residents living in the neighboring Fordham Hill Oval Co-op and on the adjacent streets of Father Zeiser, Webb Avenue, and University Avenue. Residents near Devoe Park have long been concerned about heavy late-night activity and noise, from partying to drug dealing, particularly during the summer months.

Norwood Man Charged with Aiding ISIS Terror Network (Picture)

By DAVID CRUZ

A Knox Place man has admitted to a federal judge that he attempted to fly to the Middle East so he can train with and join the terrorist group known as ISIS, among the many admissions made. Sajmir Alimehmeti, known as Abdul Qawii, faces numerous charges including one count of attempting to provide material to ISIS, making a false statement in an application for a US passport with intent to support ISIS, and attempting to join ISIS. He faces a maximum sentence of 45 years. “Sajmir Alimehmeti took steps to travel overseas to support ISIS’s terror campaign. He also bought

Fresh Graffiti Scrawls Found on Oval Park Staircase

By DAVID CRUZ

The steps on the northern end of Williamsbridge Oval Park were found smeared with graffiti the week of Feb. 18. The scrawls make out what appear to be a “PF” stained on the family-friendly park’s left staircase facing north. It’s unclear when the markings first appeared. The Department of Parks has stood on top of the graffiti issue, cleaning up a large graffiti-laden sign near the tunnel entrance. Spurts of violence have crept up along the 19.75-acre park in recent weeks, including the shooting of a teenager.

At State of the Borough, BP Highlights Fixes and Needs

At State of the Borough BP Highlights Fixes and the Needs (Web Picture)

By MARY MELLON

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. delivered his ninth State of the Bronx address before an audience of supporters, well-wishers, and fellow elected officials. For nearly 45 minutes, Diaz stood composed as he delivered a speech that largely underscored the borough’s positives while lambasting the city’s shortcomings. But read between the lines, Diaz’s speech also showed his sights set on higher office. “Look at how different things are in this borough today than just a decade ago,” Diaz said. “We have set the bar for the entire nation on transformative urban renewal and development. We are the new standard

Securing Kingsbridge Ice Center Funding a Waiting Game

By DAVID CRUZ

The founder of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) is expected to appear at a closed-door meeting with community stakeholders March 2 to discuss the long delayed project. Kevin Parker, founder of KNIC, has been a mere no-show at community meetings since the city announced his project would be housed in the cavernous Kingsbridge Armory, which has been vacant since the 1990s. Mark Messier, the NHL legend and face of the project, serves as president of the KNIC and has made the rounds since the project was approved nearly five years ago. His appearance was confirmed by Senator Gustavo Rivera’s office,

By PROF. ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA, PFA

So, now everyone thinks they are a do-it-yourself tax preparer. That’s wonderful! I’m curious: does the box you bought your software in tell you the following: Tax refunds may face additional examination before you receive them. Yes, welcome to Income “Tax Hell Oops” Season 2018-2017 Taxes. While “the loss of deductibility effect” on the new tax laws actually take place for 2018 taxes, President Donald Trump says many are skirting the IRS system now and for this year’s taxes. He says he’s going to do something about it. You’ll need a Social Security number in order to claim certain tax

By DAVID GREENE

Ahead of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.’s State of the Borough speech on Feb. 22, this week we asked readers what they think is the current state of the Bronx. I haven’t really seen too much improvement, to be honest with you. Maybe it’s a little better, they’ve opened more businesses in the area and that brings more jobs. Housing is still a big problem too, you have two families living in a two-bedroom apartment, which causes overcrowding. When they distribute the funds, we get what trickles down and the Bronx doesn’t get much–it don’t. I believe they’re cutting