Earlier this month, the Norwood News and the Mount Hope Monitor (the News’ sister paper, both are part of the Bronx News Network) took home three awards at the New York Community Media Alliance’s 8th annual Ippies awards dinner Thursday night.

Norwood News managing editor Alex Kratz was recognized for his article, “Armory Could Bring More Than a Shopping Mall,” which explored community benefits agreements in other cities and what the lessons were for big city development projects like the recently shot down shopping mall planned for the Kingsbridge Armory (see front page article).

Mount Hope Monitor editor James Fergusson won first prize in the photo category for his shot of a group of youngsters participating in a “lie-down” to remember the victims of gun violence. James was also recognized in the education category for his article about the lack of gyms in Bronx public schools.

The New York Community Media Alliance is the only association of ethnic and community media in New York City. (Norwood News editor Jordan Moss is a founder of the organization.)

In October, the Norwood News was named the “Best Little Newspaper That Beat the Odds” by the Village Voice. The Voice writes: Since 1988, “local residents have had access to some of the finest and most clear-eyed reporting on local politics and events anywhere in the borough.”

Thanks to NYCMA and the Voice. This recognition only strengthens our resolve to continue bringing our readers the best, most in-depth coverage possible.