A Tennis Court Gets a Major Facelift at St. James Park. Will it Be Used?

By DAVID CRUZ

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony ushering the completion of a rehabbed tennis court in St. James Park, Councilman Fernando Cabrera, who allocated funds for the court, posed a question to his special little guests: third grade students from PS 246. “How many of you like tennis?” asked Cabrera. Several perfunctorily answered with hands raised. But just outside the fence facing the court, a heckler randomly shouted that he’s barely seen anyone use the court in his 35 years as a resident. The court, prior to its substantial upgrade, was severely cracked, barely suitable for a set. It was enough for Cabrera

Inquiring Photographer: Police-Community Relations

By DAVID GREENE

Five years after the death of Eric Garner at the hands of an NYPD officer, we asked readers their thoughts on current police-community relations. I think it’s a little better. The community is getting a little closer to the police as they are around a little bit more now. I think the time that passed has helped the healing, definitely. Things are much better now, of course. Crime is down and the police are doing their job. Gilbert Rodriguez Norwood When it comes to the 52nd Precinct, I see they are definitely trying to make a difference. They are coming

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

Educational Resource Fair Community Board 7’s Education Committee hosts an Educational Resource Fair on June 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. Events include health, education, and school readiness information, local community resources, along with free entertainment. For more information, call CB 7’s office at (718) 933-5650 or email ibravo@cb.nyc.gov. Beach Season Begins Beach season officially begins on May 25, with operating hours for Orchard Beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Sept. 8. For more information, call 311. UFT Bronx Fair United Federation of Teachers and NYC Department of

Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s eleventh edition of the Norwood News is out with plenty of great community news stories to dive into. There’s almost something happening in this corner of the Bronx, and we’ve captured a good chunk of it. And as usual, we’ll start with page one! Our front-page story analyzes the ongoing construction happening in Norwood and Bedford Park. It’s part of a larger trend of construction happening in the city. Read the story by me and Alondra Vasquez. Also, you maybe want to check out our map outlining some projects. Inside the cover you’ll find a piece

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

The goal of guaranteeing healthcare for all New Yorkers advanced on May 7. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced at Lincoln Hospital the initial offering of the NYC Care card, guaranteeing all New Yorkers access to healthcare. “Healthcare is a human right. It’s as simple as that. . . . It’s a universal right. And we need, in this city, to prove that things can be done differently,” de Blasio said, at a news conference on May 8. The city estimates that 600,000 New Yorkers do not have insurance to receive healthcare, half of those are thought to be undocumented. As

The 46th annual Bronx Week celebration featured numerous activities and ended in Norwood with a parade that capped an 11-day extravaganza which answered why the Bronx is a special place to many. Before the parade, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. honored an accomplished boxer, musician, and planetary scientist for their contributions to their field and link to the borough.

Bx10 Could See Massive Changes Under Bus Route Revamp Plan

By DAVID CRUZ

Of all the bus complaints Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz’s office receives, the ire is usually directed at the oft unreliable Bx10, which snakes virtually around Dinowitz’s 80th Assembly District, ending and beginning in Norwood. The Norwood Assemblyman hears the usual about the beleaguered bus route: there are long waits, it’s overcrowded, and the idea of “bus bunching,” where two Bx10 buses arrive simultaneously, is the norm. “It’s such a long, convoluted route that has to be looked at,” said Dinowitz, joining advocates from the Riders Alliance, a transit advocacy group, in calling for greater resources to the bus route. Their calls

At Rally for Blake, Supporters Outline 15th Congressional District's Issues

By DAVID CRUZ

At the epicenter of a district partially on the mend, Assemblyman Michael Blake, who officially declared a run for Congress for the 15th Congressional District, told supporters he sought to remove the label that the district is the country’s poorest. “I’m not proud of that,” said Blake, standing before supporters on a stage erected on East 134th Street between Alexander Avenue and Bruckner Boulevard. Serving as the nation’s most impoverished district has prevailed since the current seat-holder, Congressman Jose Serrano–who announced he’ll retire after his current 15th term is up–took office in 1990. While the quality of life within the

By SHA-NIA ALSTON

As part of Bronx Week, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined business owners and students in announcing a new organization that aims to reduce the Bronx’s stubbornly high unemployment rate, which stands at six percent for the Bronx. The Bronx Private Industry Council (PIC) is leading the fight. Founded by HERE TO HERE, a Bronx non-profit that helps with economic development issues, PIC looks to create a pipeline between high school students and potential employers. It differs from the ordinary summer-youth employment program, according to PIC executive director Eddie Summers. “They get special development opportunities throughout their experience, whether its