university heights

NYC DOT Launches 2023 Open Streets Program with More Locations but Few in Northwest Bronx

By SÍLE MOLONEY  
NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the launch of the 2023 Open Streets program on Saturday, April 22, coinciding the program’s 2023 launch with DOT’s Car-Free Earth Day. As previously reported, the program, according to DOT officials, transforms streets into public spaces open to all, allowing for a range of activities that promote economic development, supporting schools, and providing new ways for New Yorkers to enjoy cultural programming and build community. However, a review of the City’s list of designated open street locations finds very few in the northwest Bronx.   DOT officials said this year the


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Fordham Manor: Father Sentenced to 5 Years Probation in Death of 4-Year-Old Son in Two-Vehicle Scooter Accident

By SÍLE MOLONEY & DAVID GREENE
  Mario Rosario was sentenced on Thursday, April 20, by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Linda Poust-Lopez to five years’ probation and 500 hours of community service for his plea to criminally negligent homicide in the death of his son, 4-year-old Mario “Mjay” Rosario, as the two rode on a scooter and crashed into a car on August 15, 2022, as reported by Norwood News at the time. Police said the child had not been equipped with a helmet at the time of the collision.   In the context of the announcement, Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said, “The loss


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Dr. Anita Gupta Appointed as New Chief Surgeon of DOC’s Health Management Division

By SÍLE MOLONEY
NYC Department of Corrections (DOC) announced the appointment on Thursday, April 20, of Dr. Anita Gupta as the new chief surgeon of its health management division (HMD). They said Gupta has extensive experience, has held several professional government appointments, and is actively board licensed and certified as an anesthesiologist.   In her new role, DOC officials said Gupta will report directly to First Deputy Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie and will oversee and direct the administration, delivery, and review of employee medical and health services. Additionally, they said Gupta will be responsible for reviewing and establishing relevant polices and operating procedures for


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University Heights: 25-Year-Old Man Shot in Leg in Stable Condition

By SÍLE MOLONEY
A 25-year-old man is in stable condition after he was shot in the leg in University Heights, police said.   The 52nd Precinct Community Affairs team initially informed the community about the incident, saying it occurred at 2.55 p.m. on Sunday, April 16.   “A call for a male shot came through 911 for a walk-in at St Barnabas Hospital. When officers arrived, they met with the victim, a 25-year-old male shot once in the leg. The victim stated he had a dispute with a group of males when an unknown perpetrator shot him in the leg. The victim is


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UPDATE University Heights: Fire in Garbage Truck Caused by Lithium-Ion Battery

By SÍLE MOLONEY & DAVID GREENE
A fire broke out in a garbage truck at Grand Avenue and North Street in University Heights on Saturday morning, April 15, 2023. Video courtesy of Lois Chadwick A fire broke out in a garbage truck in University Heights on Saturday morning, FDNY officials said. The fire department was alerted to the incident at Grand Avenue and North Street at 8.45 a.m., an FDNY spokesperson said.   The fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery inside the garbage truck, the spokesperson said.   The fire, categorized as a hazmat incident, was extinguished and handled by units on scene and that there


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UPDATE University Heights: Two Arrested in Early Morning Shooting of Two Youths

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  Police said two people have been arrested in the case of the non-fatal shooting of two teenagers in University Heights in April. The NYPD had been asking for the public’s help identifying the people seen in the attached photo who, they said, were sought for questioning in connection to the incident.   Police said that on Friday, April 14, at around 2 a.m. in the vicinity of 1950 Andrews Avenue, three people fired several gunshots from a gray Hyundai Sonata, striking the two 18-year-old male victims.   “One victim sustained a gunshot wound to the back. The other victim


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Fordham Heights: Man Punched & Robbed aboard Overnight 4 Train at 183rd Street Station

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New York City Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance identifying the person seen in the attached photos who they said is sought in connection with a robbery that occurred in transit on the border of Fordham Heights and University Heights.   Police said that on Thursday, April 13, at around 4.45 a.m., a 33-year-old male victim was sitting on the southbound 4 train which was heading toward the 183rd Street Station when an unidentified man, unknown to the victim, approached him and punched him multiple times in the face.   A police spokesperson said the suspect then


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University Heights 14-Year-Old Girl Reported Missing, Last Seen at her School

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The NYPD is seeking the public’s help locating a 14-year-old girl from University Heights who has been reported missing.   Police said it was reported to them that Chantal Vazquez Fong Ruby of 1 North Street was last seen on Friday, March 24, at around 8.05 a.m. at her school, located at 2392 Jerome Avenue in Fordham Heights. She is described as female, is around 5 feet, 2 inches tall, is Hispanic, weighs around 120 pounds, has brown eyes and black hair.   Chantal was last seen wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt, a white t-shirt displaying an angel graphic, black


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Allerton: One Dead and Two Hospitalized in Motorcycle Accident

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New York Police Department said a 72-year-old woman has died, and a 46-year-old male driver of a motorcycle and a 17-year-old pedestrian were both hospitalized following a motorcycle accident in the Allerton section of The Bronx.   Police said that on Wednesday, March 22, at around 4.30 p.m., officers from the 49th Precinct responded to a 911 call regarding a motor vehicle collision in which a pedestrian was struck at the intersection of Pelham Parkway and Williamsbridge Road, within the confines of the 49 Precinct.   A police spokesperson said, “A preliminary investigation on scene determined that a 46-year-old


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