Class Action Settlement Approved in Legal Aid Landmark Homeless Youth Lawsuit

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) has approved a class action settlement in C.W. v. The City of New York – litigation brought by The Legal Aid Society and Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, which expands access to essential, life-saving youth programs and services for runaway and homeless youth ages 16 to 20 in New York City. Under the settlement, the City will implement procedural changes regarding how city agencies manage homeless youth, improving the system for all young people ages 16 to 20 that will enter it going forward. “We are

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Monday, Nov. 30, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) released its October 2020 enforcement bulletin, which provides highlights of the agency’s actions to sanction and deter bad actors in the construction industry through the enforcement of safety laws and codes of conduct for construction professionals. The bulletin includes summaries of DOB-imposed disciplinary actions, including penalties and license suspensions and revocations. The actions below represent a portion of DOB’s overall work to enforce the City’s building codes and safety laws, in addition to the thousands of inspections conducted and violations issued by the agency each month for illegal

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City area may experience severe weather, including potential wind gusts over 40 mph, starting Monday, Nov. 30. Accordingly, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment. The department wrote it will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If sites are not secured, the department is expected to take immediate enforcement action, issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where it deems it necessary. Winds may reach higher speeds, and last longer than forecast

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Friday, Nov. 27, 2020 at 8.24 a.m., an off-duty New York City employee was arrested and charged in the 45th precinct, which covers Co-op City and City Island. Rosana Martinez, 24, an NYPD police communications technician was charged with menacing behavior.

Three Small Business Supports Launched for Low and Moderate Income Communities

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City’s Small Business Services (SBS) commissioner, Jonnel Doris, announced on Nov. 25 three financial assistance programs available to small businesses in low-to-moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods. The NYC LMI storefront loan, interest rate reduction grant, and strategic impact COVID-19 commercial district support grant will provide critical resources to small businesses to help them build back and grow beyond the pandemic. “Our fight against COVID-19 has been costly for the small businesses that anchor New York City’s neighborhoods. We’re proud to offer real relief to help these business owners keep their teams together and continue serving their communities for years to

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The following street and bridge closures will be in effect over the weekend from Nov. 27-29 in the Bronx. East 178 Street between Anthony Avenue and Grand Concourse: This street will be closed Saturday from 8am to 6pm and Sunday from 9am to 6pm through 12/30/20 to facilitate crane operation. Bergen Avenue between East 152 Street and Westchester Avenue: This street will be closed Friday from 9am to 7pm through 12/25/20 to facilitate crane operation. Fox Street between Westchester Avenue and East 163rd Street: This street will be closed from 8am to 6pm Saturday through 12/30/20 to facilitate crane operation. Mount Hope Place between

By SÍLE MOLONEY

As many Bronxites were digesting the latest news and results regarding the presidential election, around 15 volunteers from the University Heights community and Friends of Aqueduct Walk gathered for a park clean-up event along the Old Croton Aqueduct Walk between 183rd Street and Fordham Road on Sunday, Nov. 8. The group also used the occasion to plant a series of crocus bulbs along the route as well. Friends of Aqueduct Walk member, Samantha Cardenas, told the Norwood News, “The event was hosted in collaboration with Partnership for Parks with Park Catalyst extraordinaire, Pilar Maschi.” Maschi is a “Catalyst” initiative

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York Lottery announced on Thursday, Nov. 26, there were multiple top-prize winning tickets sold in the Nov. 25 Take-5 drawing. The tickets were sold in the Bronx at: Fordham Conv & Groc Mart Inc., located at 38 W Fordham Rd in the Bronx, which sold 2 prize winning tickets worth $62,362.50 Take 5 numbers are drawn from a field of one through 39. Drawings take place every evening at 10.30 p.m. Winning tickets at all prize levels may be cashed up to one year from the date of the drawing. About The New York Lottery

By SÍLE MOLONEY

During the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the spring, it became quickly apparent that many residents of the Bronx, particularly those living in high-rise apartments, could not easily practice social distancing nor easily quarantine. This was especially true for multi-generational families living in the same dwelling. Various studies, reviews and hearings on how the City handled the first wave of the crisis showed this to be a major point of concern, along with the increased risk of domestic violence, among other factors. Now that COVID-19 cases are once more on the rise, the City has sought to