Jules Ira Rubenstein, the Original Inquiring Photographer, Dies at 74

By DAVID GREENE

Life-long Van Cortlandt Park resident Jules Ira Rubenstein, the original “Inquiring Photographer” who produced that popular feature for the Norwood News for 14 years until his retirement more than a decade ago, died from complications of pneumonia. He was 74. A source at Montefiore Hospital, where Rubenstein had been hospitalized since October, stated he had died on Feb. 4, confirming that at around 4:30 a.m., he was found unresponsive. “They tried to resuscitate him [but] he expired,” the source added. Rubenstein was the Norwood News’ first “roving reporter” who covered local breaking news events such as police and fire department activity. He was first hired by

NYBG Enters Into Residential Development Market With Pending Pair of Buildings

By DAVID CRUZ

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is slated to construct two residential buildings totaling more than 400 units along a property it owns Webster Avenue in Bedford Park, advancing an interest in development that harkens back to nearly a decade when community advocates joined city leaders in rezoning Webster Avenue to welcome such development projects. Ahead of a Community Board 7 Housing/Land Use and Economic Development Committee meeting tonight, NYBG approached community stakeholders regarding the two projects—a senior home and an affordable housing development. It’s tapped Douglaston Development to spearhead the projects after entering into a 99-year lease. Financial details

“Save Our City”: de Blasio Outlines Two-Year Agenda in State of the City Address

By HENRY MCEACHERN

Mayor Bill de Blasio delivered his State of the City address yesterday at the American Natural History Museum, framing his points that centered around the theme dubbed “save our city” in a town hall style format. That included promises to expand education, spur small business reform, and create greater affordability. Under the enormous blue whale model inside the American Natural History Museum, de Blasio also focused on creating stronger bonds between the NYPD and young people. Last year, there was an increase in the number of youth-on-youth robberies, with 29 percent of those arrested falling under the age of eighteen,

Oval Park Sees 42 Fresh Trees on Landscape

By DAVID CRUZ

The city Parks Department is planting seeds for a leafier Oval Park after construction-hatted crews decked in neon vests were spotted planting close to four-dozen trees around the perimeter of the Norwood greenscape. A Caterpillar crawler also joined the crews the week of Jan. 20, digging out soil as crews shimmied an unprecedented 43 saplings ranging from oaks, Japanese katsura trees, and London planes, into their new home. The new trees are scattered about the park though many can be found on the upper promenade. It can take decades to see these trees grow to maturity, with the katsura tree

Inquiring Photographer: The Bronx Driving Experience

By DAVID GREENE

After a recent 15-car pile-up on the Bronx River Parkway on Jan. 18, we asked readers about their driving experiences in the Bronx. I’m new to the Bronx, but the few highways I’ve been on have potholes, signs that say construction, and where they are going to dig. I keep asking myself, ‘why do they keep digging?’ They dig, they resurface the roadway and then they dig again and that has an effect on the ground. The road sinks, because it’s unsettled because of all the digging. Patrick Sing Belmont The problem with the highways for me is I

The Push to Expand Right to Counsel, Diaz Jr. to Retire: Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s third edition of the Norwood News for 2020 is out with plenty of community stories to read and share. We have packed 28 pages full of news from this corner of the Bronx, so let’s start with page one! Our top story focuses on a bill being championed by Councilman Andrew Cohen and housing advocacy groups that expands Right to Counsel. The act–which provides free legal counsel to those facing eviction–covers those considered extreme low income. New legislation looks to expand the income eligibility standards. Jose A. Giralt breaks it all down for us. Inside the

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By DAVID CRUZ

Meetings are once again slated to pore over the MTA’s bus route redesign plan. The move comes days after MTA officials announced it will spare any changes to express bus service operating, including the BxM4, which runs through Norwood. Two meetings are scheduled for the Bronx in February, with state Sen. Gustavo Rivera hosting a meeting on Feb. 1 at Monroe College and the MTA hosting a hearing at the Bronx Museum of the Arts on Feb. 20, where officials will offer an overview of impending changes to the bus network while seeking input from riders. I just got off

Lt. Govenor Outlines State's Vision for 2020 at Montefiore

By DAVID CRUZ

Days before Governor Andrew Cuomo’s preliminary budget announcement, his second-in-command paid a special visit to Montefiore Health System on Jan. 16, reiterating Cuomo’s State of the State address, which includes the promise of seeing four Metro-North stations built in the East Bronx. Mixing policy with shtick, Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul–introduced by newly appointed President and CEO for Montefiore Health System, Dr. Philip O. Ozuah–broke down a bevy of initiatives spearheaded by Cuomo that have statewide interest. That includes combating domestic violence, ferreting out hate crimes, adding greater protections for gig workers, reducing taxes, reducing the unemployment rate in the Bronx,

A Daycare Center for Nora Feury Opens to Fanfare and Adoration

By DAVID CRUZ

On her 75th birthday, Nora Feury, dubbed “the legend,” received quite the gift: the opening of a daycare center in her name, courtesy of Mosholu Montefiore Community Center (MMCC). “I never expected to get a present like this,” said Feury, who spoke to a small crowd just a few minutes before being given a pair of scissors to cut the ceremonial ribbon outside the center. The eponymous center in Crotona Park is a kind of living tribute for Feury, who has consulted for MMCC on matters related to child care for years and whose entire life has been spent cultivating