Translate

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): St. Theresa Feast

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): St. Theresa Feast: Faithful Flock  to Feast BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 31- The faithful and fun seekers came out to celebrate the Annual St. Theresa Feast in Pe...

St. Theresa Feast


Faithful Flock 
to Feast


BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 31- The faithful and fun seekers came out to celebrate the Annual St. Theresa Feast in Pelham Bay. In addition to the rides and games, fare goers were treated to a choral concert inside the church. On the final day of the feast, a procession with the statue of St. Theresa wound its way through the neighborhood. It concluded with a prayer at the foot of the church where rose petals rained down on the faithful.

Photos by Dan Gesslein




Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Speed Kills

Factor in West Farms Crash Death

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 30- After an initial investigation the NYPD says speed was a key factor in the death of a young man driving along West Farms Road in the Claremont Village section.

Rescue personnel were called to 1759 - 63 West Farms Road, where a 1997 Saturn jumped the curb and struck a light-pole at 2:35 a.m., on July 26. The victim was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he later died.

Police vehicles would shutdown both directions at E. 174 Street as members of the NYPD Highway Patrol performed their investigation.

An unidentified brother of the victim was watching the officers, now taking photographs of the vehicle, and the debris that now littered the roadway-- blurted out, "I'm just trying to find out what happened."

No doubt bewildered how the vehicle wrapped around the pole in a near circle from the direction he was apparently coming from.

The teen could not say where his brother was coming from or what he had been doing that night. He walked off, shuffling across E. 174 Street, his departing words, "I have to go home and be with my mother."

Police would later identify the victim as Shalik Wilson, 22, of Longfellow Avenue.

After a preliminary investigation, one police source stated that speed, "played a major factor," as it's estimated the vehicle was traveling, "over 60-miles-per-hour."

Contrary to initial reports that the vehicle was traveling southbound, the source continued, "It looks like he was going northbound... crossed over the yellow line and then hit a light-pole."

The road that runs parallel with the Sheridan Expressway is a dimly-lit, dark desolate and winding road that has claimed the life of at least one other driver, over the past five-years.

Asked if drugs or alcohol could have been a contributing factor, the source added, "We have to wait for a toxicology report, we don't have that yet."

Monday, July 29, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Dominican Parade

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Dominican Parade: Politics and pride mixed during the annual Bronx Dominican Parade. Mayoral candidates Christine Quinn, John Liu and Adolfo Carrion stumped f...

Dominican Parade

Politics and pride mixed during the annual Bronx Dominican Parade. Mayoral candidates Christine Quinn, John Liu and Adolfo Carrion stumped for the mayor's race along the parade route on the Grand Concourse. Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. met Bronxites at the parade.

Photos by Gary Quintal























Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Dominican Parade

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Dominican Parade: Politics and pride mixed during the annual Bronx Dominican Parade. Mayoral candidates Christine Quinn, John Liu and Adolfo Carrion stump...

Jeter's Back with a Bang

But Yanks Still have a lot of Work to Do

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 29- They needed the win, with or without Derek Jeter back in the lineup Sunday afternoon. The New York Yankees got the walk-off win in the ninth inning from Rafael Soriano. For the moment, as they depart for a road trip to Los Angeles, San Diego and Chicago, the Yankees are feeling good about themselves.

They could not afford being swept by first place Tampa Bay. And the feeling was, after that Derek Jeter home run in the first inning, this would be the game. One game, for the moment the Yankees felt good about themselves after their 6-5 win in the Bronx.

The right handed bat, one they have lacked, also returned. Alfonso Soriano in his third game back in pinstripes goes 4-for-5 and a home run. Indeed, the Yankees have a better lineup and much different with a healthy Jeter at bat and on the field. And with Soriano, the Yankees also believe they have the right handed bat they need.

“Being able to win one like that especially going on the road is important,” said Yankees manager Joe Girardi who was the first to show a sign of relief when Jeter deposited a ball to left field off Mike Moore in his first at bat after his second stint on the disabled list.

It was nice to see Jeter smile going around the bases.

Girardi knows, as does every Yankees fan about the significance of Jeter in the lineup. He is the captain, and one of those right handed bats that have been missed which have made this an offensive strapped and incognito lineup.

“He’s a winner, his presence,” commented Girardi. “To get a big day from him and Soriano, to be able to do what we did today was important.”

And getting home runs, the first two for the Yankees in their last nine games, that was important. “It helps put some quick tallies on the board,” said Girardi. “It changes our lineup.” Yes it does. Instead of four or six left handed hitters in a row, the Yankees now have right handed bats in between.

“It’s was fun, I worked hard to get back on the field,” said Jeter who said the home run gave his team a run and possibly the jolt they needed. He did not have fun his first time back going down again, after three at bats in the Bronx and quickly hitting the disabled list a second time with a strained quad.

It was his first home run and run batted in, and as late in the season as it is, any contribution from the Yankees and the captain is an added improvement from what has been coming from this lineup.

“I said, thank God because I did not want to play extra innings because I was tired. I was happy for Sori,” said Jeter about the walk-off hit from his teammate.

Soon, Curtis Granderson will return and add to the list of welcome back from the walking wounded. The Alex Rodriguez soap opera will continue because Major league Baseball is expected to hand out suspensions of more players with the latest steroid scandal.

A-Rod is expected to get a healthy sentence, though the appeal process could get him back in the lineup and playing ball in the Bronx. And as much as the Yankees would rather have the A-Rod stigma go away, if he is healthy and productive, the complexion of the Yankees lineup changes as could the race in the American League east.

But Jeter and Soriano, hitting home runs in the same game as teammates for the first time since 2003, was the moment Girardi has been waiting for.

They are a rejuvenated team with additions in the lineup. At the same time the Yankees have a lot of work to do, as they dug a hole for themselves with the walking wounded and makeshift lineups Girardi has put on the field.

For now, as the Yankees depart on a long road trip they can feel good about things, seven games out of first place and in the wild card hunt. A major reason why, the Captain Derek Jeter is back in the lineup and healthy with 57 games left to play.

Comment: Rich Mancuso Ring786@aol.com Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso

Hideki Matsui Retires as a Yankee in the Bronx

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 29- The two most prestigious position players to come from Japan to the major leagues are Hideki Matsui and Ichiro Suzuki. Interestingly but not surprisingly, the two superstars came to wear the Yankees pinstripes. Suzuki and pitcher Hiroki Kuroda are integral parts of the 2013 Yankees, but an icon of the recent past, Matsui, was at the center of attention at Yankee Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Matsui began his professional baseball career in his native land by signing with the Yomiuri Giants after earning great prestige as a high school player. He received numerous honors in the NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) in his 10 years with the Giants. Among his awards were: three-time MVP in the Central League, Japan Games MVP, All-Star in each of his last nine seasons and an MVP in three NPB All-Star Games.

Having achieved so much in his decade in the NPB, Matsui signed a contract with the New York Yankees on December 9, 2002 to play on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. Of that day, he reflected in his pre-game press conference on Sunday, “That was probably the greatest moment in my career.”

Matsui lived up to the advance build-up in his first game as a Yankee. He singled in his first MLB at bat and blasted a grand slam homer later in the contest. He and current Yankee Ichiro Suzuki, by their professionalism and exceptional talent, raised the respect for the level of Japanese baseball in the eyes of American fans.

Matsui, as a Yankee, continued to play at the same level as he had in Japan. He was an American League All-Star in his first two years, 2003 and 2004. He left Japan holding a consecutive game streak of 1,250 and played in his first 518 games with the Yankees. Only a fractured left wrist suffered in the outfield ended his streak.
The Japanese superstar concluded his seventh and final season in New York much as he began his first. He drove in six runs in the concluding sixth game of the 2009 World Series and ended his Yankee tenure as the World Series MVP.

Matsui’s final three seasons in the majors were disappointing contrasted with his success as a Yankee. On December 27, 2012, he announced his retirement as a player. A large retirement ceremony was held at the Tokyo Dome on May 5, 2013.
Matsui’s parents and brother were present at the tasteful ceremony held at Yankee Stadium on Sunday. At a pre-game press conference, the former Yankee outfielder signed a minor league contract with the Yankees. On the field, he signed his voluntary retirement papers, so he could officially end his playing career with New York. Yankee captain Derek Jeter, on behalf of the organization, presented a matted, framed 2009 #55 jersey to Matsui. The two were then joined on the field by the members of the 2013 Yankees.

The Yankee icon spoke very strongly of his years as a Yankee. “I’ve always aspired to be a New York Yankee.” His most memorable moments in pinstripes were “winning the World Series in 2009 and the ALCS in 2003.” That response was not surprising to hear from a man who also said, “All I really focused on was trying to win the World Series here. If the fans took something from that it was an honor.” Of his retirement as a Yankee, he proclaimed, “I’m so humbled and honored to retire as a Yankee. There’s nothing more fulfilling than that. I think that moment I will never forget.”

P.S.-The good feeling in Yankee Stadium generated by the presence of Matsui continued during the game between the Yanks and Rays. Matsui’s countryman, Suzuki, brought great joy to the large percentage of Japanese fans in the park by hitting successfully four times in four trips to the plate. Derek Jeter, his teammate for all seven years with the Yankees, homered on the first pitch he saw. Yet, when asked about the homer, the classy captain responded, “This is Matsui’s day. The focus should be on him. I’m happy I was able to be here for his game,” The walk-off single that won the game for the Yankees was hit by Alfonso Soriano, a teammate of Matsui in 2003, in his third game back with the Yankees.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Chris Archer Blanks Yanks, 1-0

By Howard Godlin

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 28- A very large crowd, 43,424, took advantage of a beautiful Saturday afternoon in July to relax outdoors and enjoy a major league baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Those who are pleased by viewing an extremely well-pitched, low scoring mound duel that moves quickly were in the right place on Saturday. Those who prefer high run totals boosted by home runs would have been disappointed by Saturday’s ballgame.

The two young hurlers, Ivan Nova, 26, and Chris Archer, 24, who started, easily handled the vast majority of batters they faced during the ballgame. Baserunners were few and far between.

The Rays scored the only run in the contest in the top of the sixth. Appropriately for such a masterly pitched game by both starters, the run was achieved by “small ball.”
With one out, James Loney raised his major league leading road batting average with his second single of the game. Loney is currently batting .371 in road games. The first sacker was forced at second on a ground ball by Ben Zobrist, who quickly stole second. Matt Joyce walked and Kelly Johnson drove in the lone run of the game with a single to center.

Before the game, Tampa skipper Joe Maddon decided to start Johnson in left rather than Sean Rodriguez, who started the previous night’s contest. After the game, the genial manager of the Rays commented, “The players make you look good.”

The loss was the second straight for Nova, neither of which he deserved to receive as the Yanks did not score a run in either contest. You cannot get a victory if your team is shutout. He only yielded the one run and six hits in seven innings.
Maddon described the game in the following honest words, “It was like a mid-60’s game at Yankee Stadium. It was incredible to watch, but our guy was just a little better.” Veteran catcher Yadier Molina of Tampa said of Nova, “He was really sharp today, curveballs, sliders.”

The Tampa starter has pitched outstandingly since his first start against the Yankees on June 23. The same two starting pitchers began that game with the win going to Archer and the Rays, 3-2. From that date, Archer is 5-0 and the Rays were victorious in all seven of his starts. The youngster gave up only seven earned runs in 48 innings during that period. His skills have improved as time has passed. He has only yielded one earned run during his last four starts (31 innings).

On Saturday, he threw his second complete game shutout in his last three starts. He did not walk a batter and only two Yankees recorded base hits, Lyle Overbay, a single in the fifth and Brett Gardner, a double in the sixth.

Maddon’s praise for his sterling rookie seemed endless, “Overall, it was a great mix with overwhelming stuff. He’s really growing and doing it against some really good teams. He was just [a success] waiting to happen. He’s in control of his emotions.”
Archer spoke about his emotions after the victory, “Stupendously amazing is how it feels. Our team’s just rolling along now [21 wins in the last 24 games]. It’s more fun now playing baseball than at any level.”

He gave credit for the advice given to him by Curt Schilling two days ago, “Schilling advised me to have a purpose for every pitch. I found myself doing that today.”

Although the pitching was superlative, the lack of Yankee hitting is disturbing to the team’s rooters. They have been held to two hits on four occasions in 2013.The Yankees have not homered in the last nine games. That homerless streak is the longest since 1984, when the Yanks hit no homers in 10 straight games.

The defeat placed the Yankees in their most precarious position of the season, eight games out of first place.

On Sunday, Mike Moore (14-3) will attempt to break the tie with Bártolo Colón and Max Scherzer and become the undisputed major league win leader. He will start against Phil Hughes (4-9) in the final game of the series and short homestand at Yankee Stadium. Prior to the game, there will be a special retirement ceremony to honor former Yankee Hideki Matsui.





Saturday, July 27, 2013

Bronx News Sports: Soriano can't Save Slumping Yanks

Bronx News Sports: Soriano can't Save Slumping Yanks: C.C. Sabathia Rocked Again Rays Top Yanks, 10-6 By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 27- There was a feeling of excitement and happin...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Soriano can't Save Slumping Yanks

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Soriano can't Save Slumping Yanks: C.C. Sabathia Rocked Again Rays Top Yanks, 10-6 By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 27- There was a feeling of excitement and happin...

Soriano can't Save Slumping Yanks

C.C. Sabathia Rocked Again
Rays Top Yanks, 10-6

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 27- There was a feeling of excitement and happiness throughout Yankee Stadium on Friday night before the contest between the Yanks and Tampa Rays as the Yanks returned to the Bronx with an old favorite, Alfonso Soriano, in the starting lineup.

The good feeling subsided in the top of the second as the Rays scored six runs before the frame concluded. The Rays’ barrage included three singles, three doubles and a base on balls. The scoring was also aided by a throwing error by catcher Austin Romine. The inning only ended after a run batted in single by impressive rookie Will Myers, who was out at second trying to stretch.

Of Sabathia’s difficulty that inning, Yankees skipper Joe Girardi commented, “He was up tonight. Only one run was in with one out. That was probably the most frustrating part.”

Sabathia reflected after the contest, “I wish I could have made the pitches in the second that I did in the third.”

Yankees starter C.C. Sabathia surrendered a seventh run in his final inning, the fifth. Right fielder Sean Rodriguez led off with a double and crossed the plate on single by James Loney.

Sabathia’s start on Friday was disturbingly similar to his last two efforts. He gave up a minimum of seven runs and did not last more than five innings in each of the three games. The lefty disgustedly remarked, “Getting no help from me is tough.”

The record shows that the Rays love to bat against southpaws. The victory over Sabathia was their 10th in the last 11 games in which they faced a lefthander.
The Rays took a 10-1 advantage in the seventh. Myers led off with a single, giving him a seventh straight multi-hit game. After a walk to Matt Joyce, Loney blasted a three run homer. The first sacker continued his hitting mastery on the road. The major league leader in road batting average hit safely in his 14th straight contest on the road and reached base safely in his 33rd road start.

The Yanks in the final two innings did not die quietly as they put five runs on the board. Rookies Melky Mesa and David Adams, each of who entered the game in the eighth, each got two hits in two trips to the plate.

The month long success of the Rays has propelled them to the top of the standings in the American League East. Since June 29th, the Rays have been victorious in 20 of 23 games. Since that date, they have climbed from fourth place, seven games behind the league leader to first place, 0.5 ahead of the Red Sox.

Ivan Nova (4-3) and Chris Archer (5-3) will be the starting pitchers on Saturday afternoon.






Friday, July 26, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Soriano’s Back in the Bronx

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Soriano’s Back in the Bronx: Returns to the Yankees By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 26- The MLB trade deadline will be reached on July 31. Thus, there are ...

Soriano’s Back in the Bronx


Returns to the Yankees
By Howard Goldin
BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 26- The MLB trade deadline will be reached on July 31. Thus, there are only a few days remaining in which the contending teams can acquire players they hope can help their teams reach championship status and teams in the lower rungs of the standings can rid their teams of high salaried players who are toward the end of the careers.
The Yankee management, although the club is in fourth place in the American League East, obviously believe a change in personnel can help the team rise to contend for a post-season berth. Rumors of a trade with the Chicago Cubs in which left fielder Alfonso Soriano would return to the Bronx proved to be true on Friday when the trade was finalized.
Soriano is returning to the major league team in which he began his career in exchange for a minor league reliever, Corey Black. Soriano’s contract which lasts through the 2014 season will shift to the Yankees, but $17.7 million of the $24.5 million still owed to Soriano will be paid by the Cubs.
Although he is 37 years of age, Soriano is still capable of hitting for power. Thus far in the 2013 season, Soriano has hit 17 home runs and driven in 51 runs. Ten of his homers were hit in the last 21 games he played.
His manager in Chicago, Dale Sveum, after uttering words of high praise for Soriano’s performance and attitude while he played with the Cubs, explained the reasons why Soriano would waive the no-trade clause in his contract, “He’s going to a place that is, obviously, one of the better stadiums, and he’s been there before and has performed in that atmosphere before. Obviously, they’ve [Yankees] had a lot of injuries, and he’s the guy who can fill that void as designated hitter and in left field.”
Soriano began his pro career in baseball in Japan. He had a short but contentious time with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp before becoming an MLB free agent. He signed with the Yankees. As a minor leaguer, he was selected the MVP of the 1999 Futures Game. He played eight last season games with the Yankees in 1999.
He remained with the club through 2003. He excelled in the 2001, 2002 and 2003 seasons, but was traded to the Texas Rangers for Alex Rodriguez in early 2004. In late 2005, he was traded to the Washington Nationals. At the conclusion of the 2006 season, he signed with the Cubs as a free agent.
Although, he was always potent at bat, Soriano was error prone as a second baseman and was eventually moved to the outfield. He was chosen an All-Star in seven major league seasons and was the MVP of the 2004 All-Star Game.
He is close to two statistical milestones that he should achieve with the Yanks; he needs 11 hits to reach 2,000 and 11 home runs to be at 400.
Two needs of the Yankees can be aided by the addition of Soriano, a right handed batter in the everyday lineup and a batter capable of power numbers.
Soriano’s initial statement showed pleasure in returning to the Yankees and good feelings for the Cubs, “I’m happy and I think they’re [Cubs] happy too. They are getting something back and I am happy going back to New York, where I started my career.”
The 15 year baseball veteran also mentioned the drawback of being traded, “The thing that was difficult for me was leaving my teammates, my family…I have been traded before and I know what happens.”
Ironically, the player the Yankees traded to obtain Alex Rodriguez will be in the Yankees lineup before A-Rod.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Weiner Sticks it Out

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Weiner Sticks it Out: Continues to Campaign Here Photo by Robert Press By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 26- Candidate for mayor Anthony We...

Weiner Sticks it Out


Continues to Campaign Here


Photo by Robert Press

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 26- Candidate for mayor Anthony Weiner came back to Riverdale once again to talk with seniors at the Riverdale Senior Services Center located on Netherland Avenue. He brought with him his story of Grandma Weiner when she lived on Waldo Avenue. The WG stood for Grandma Weiner and not Waldo Gardens he said Grandma Weiner told him.  

After the ice breaker candidate Weiner spoke of Obama Care and his role in helping pass it. Weiner went into several other items that were geared for the mainly senior citizen audience he was standing in front of. After finishing speaking Weiner took some questions from the audience. When asked who he might vote for if not running, Weiner said someone who is a supporter of the middle class like himself, has a history of fighting for seniors, and was a nice guy. 

When it came to funding for seniors that seems to be decreasing each year under Mayor Bloomberg (he was told) Weiner said that he would fight for more funding for senior centers, and "keep the money coming from the Department For The Aging" (DFTA). Weiner then mentioned that all the democratic candidates spent a night in public housing, decrying the New York City Housing Authority management, and calling for the unemployed laborers to help fix up the NYCHA housing.

Weiner lambasted the Rent Guidelines Board when asked about rent stabilized housing saying that unless something is done in 2013/2014 that in 2015 people from outside the city will determine the rent increases again. Weiner also said that the Erstead Law need to be revised since times have changed since that law went into effect. Weiner then took individual questions from the seniors gathered, and toured the Riverdale Senior Services Center with Executive Director Julia Schwartz Leeper.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): STONEWALLING

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): STONEWALLING: Management Denying Payroll Records: `They're hiding the truth' By Michael Horowitz BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 25- Riverbay boa...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): STONEWALLING

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): STONEWALLING: Management Denying Payroll Records: `They're hiding the truth' By Michael Horowitz BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 25- Riverbay boa...

STONEWALLING


Management Denying Payroll Records:
`They're hiding the truth'
By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 25- Riverbay board member Daryl Johnson, turning up the heat in his effort to gain access to Co-op City's payroll records, said that there is only one possible explanation for denying him the access he has been seeking for over a year.

“The only explanation I can think of for this charade is that the people at Riverbay are hiding something --- that they're hiding the truth,” Johnson stressed. “Otherwise, giving members of the board access to corporate records would be a total `no-brainer.'”

Johnson added, “I don't know how board members can meet their fiduciary responsibilities as board members without having access to critically important information about the Riverbay Corporation.”

Riverbay president William Gordon said that several members of the board had voiced objections to giving Johnson access to Co-op City's payroll records after Gordon had agreed to give him this access.

Helen Atkins, Gordon's predecessor as the board's president, working in concert with Herbert Freedman, had denied Johnson access to Co-op City's patrol records for over a year.

Gordon, who was on vacation this week, said, last week, that the board was in the process of drafting guidelines that would set parameters for Johnson to review Co-op City's corporate records.

“I find it astounding that I seem to be the only member of the board who wants to review Co-op City's corporate records, including the Riverbay Corporation's payroll records,” Johnson stressed. “Reviewing the records is a basic duty and responsibility that comes with being a member of a board of directors.”

Johnson added, “The Business Corporation of New York State gives me the right to review the Riverbay Corporation's records, including the corporate records. It is really ignorant fore members of the board to suggest that Co-op City needs to enforce stringent guidelines as a precondition for my review of the corporate records.”

The board member stressed, “There is really no place for this kind of ignorance on Co-op City's board of directors.  The law is on my side, and so is common sense. I am determined to use any and all means at my disposal to get access to records that have been illegally denied to me for over a year.”

Johnson noted, “It's really ignorant that we're wasting so much time with this stupidity. It's obvious to me that the members of the board and the people in management wouldn't be denying me access to these records if they didn't have something to hide.”

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Your Petition is Challenged

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Your Petition is Challenged: 100 PERCENT By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 25- Before I get into what petitions was challenged Last Wednesday was the Annual Bro...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Your Petition is Challenged

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Your Petition is Challenged: 100 PERCENT By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 25- Before I get into what petitions was challenged Last Wednesday was the Annual Bro...

Your Petition is Challenged


100 PERCENT
By Robert Press



BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 25- Before I get into what petitions was challenged Last Wednesday was the Annual Bronx Democratic County Committee Dinner. 

As you drove up to Marina Del Ray where the dinner was being held there were a group of people from the Freedom Party protesting political corruption. Public Advocate candidate Lettita James (endorsed by the BDCC) greeted you at the door. 1,000 or more people were expected one time or another, and that figure was correct. As for just who showed up, I would have to say it would be a toss up between New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, State Comptroller Tom Dinapoli, and State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein as to who was the highest ranking elected official. Of course Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. was in the house, along with his good friend and the only mayoral candidate to attend Bill Thompson (also endorsed by the BDCC). Many of the local state and city elected officials came, but I did not see one of the four congressmen that represent parts of the Bronx nor either U.S. Senator.

Last year no non-BDCC endorsed candidate was allowed to attend, but that was not the case this year. Both the BDCC endorsed candidate in the 86th A.D. special election Victor Pichardo and opponent Yudelka Tapia were in attendance. I had a good laugh with with Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj who last year as a challenger to the incumbent backed by the BDCC was told he was not welcome. However one never knows in politics what may happen I told him. You can go to my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to read more on the Bronx Democratic County Dinner, and see photos of the event. I asked both Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson and New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman about all the new people that I saw at the Board of Elections the day before the dinner. I knew they could not comment, but I did get a chuckle out of both when I asked if some were from the DA's, AG's or U.S. Attorney's office.

Speaking off the Board of Elections July 15th was the last day to submit general objections to petitions that were handed in. I went down the following day to see just who was being challenged. In all 40 general objections were filed to petitions for the 8 full Bronx council races, and Borough President's race. In the 15th council district 16 general objections were filed against the petitions of the 7 candidates, and in the special election in the 86th A.D. there were 8 general objections to 6 petitions of the 7 candidates. Candidate Yudelka Tapia's petition was not objected to, while candidate Isreal Martinez has 3 general objections to his petition.

All Bronx council districts had objectors to petitions that were submitted by either people on the payroll, candidates friends, the incumbents chief of staff, or even wife to name a few. The most objections to one petition came in the 14th council district where there were 4 different general objectors to the petition of current Councilman Fernando Cabrera. These general objections must have specifications to the general objections filed by now to be heard by the commissioners of the Board of Elections starting on Tuesday July 30th. That is where Ace Election Lawyer “King Stanley Schlein” is called in either to defend or go after a petition. King Stanley gets even better when the court challenges begin, as he rarely looses in court. I was once told that King Stanley wrote the book on election law, and knows election law better than anyone else.

The Roselyn Johnson Democratic Club of the 87th A.D. is the Bronx headquarters of the Bill DeBlasio for mayor campaign. You can go to my blog to see photos of the opening with 87th A.D. with Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda and DeBlasio's wife who stood in for her husband who was fighting the closing of a hospital in Brooklyn. Assemblyman Sepulveda asked that I mention the club is also the headquarters of Public Advocate candidate Reshma Saujani. Check my blog archive on the left for more on both endorsements complete with photos, and both Deblasio visits to the Parkchester section of the Bronx.

Don't forget to check my blog archive (on the lower left) for the schedule of debates on Bronxtalk with host Gary Axelbank that begins on Monday night July 29th with the 11th council district. Bronxtalk airs at 9 PM Mondays on channel 67 Cablevision and channel 33 on Verizon Fios. Also check the many other items that did not make it into this column such as the new Boating Safety Regulations of State senators Jeff Klein & David Carlucci and Assemblywoman Sandy Galef. The new Bronx Breast Cancer Support Group starting Friday July 25th and one Friday each month at Jacobi Hospital 1400 Pelham Parkway. The many other items that may not make it into this column or that may come in after our deadline plus all the photos.

If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.

Bronx shows its Pride

The new Bronx LGBTQ Center (the “Center”) held the 2013 pride event, which featured nearly 100 different entertainers, speakers, and organizations, at Crotona Park.

“Keeping in line with doing things differently, our pride event was different from other borough's events at its very core as it incorporated a health fair, where over 12 health-oriented organizations provided on-site health screenings that included rapid HIV testing, blood glucose/diabetes screenings & blood pressure testings, and more. More than 40 organizations in total have signed on to provide information and outreach to pride participants,” stated Peter C. Frank, the Center's secretary, who also chairs their pride committee.



Saying “So Long” to A Good Man

COMMUNITY BOARD
NEWS N’ VIEWS

by

Father Richard F. Gorman
Chairman
Community Board #12 (The Bronx)

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 25- Summertime is supposedly reserved for sun, fun, friends, catching up on things one wants or has not been able to do, and taking a break from the usual routine of life. Regrettably, this Summer became a time of real sadness for those of us at Community Board #12 (The Bronx) as we learned of the news that our longtime Colleague and good Friend, Mr. Larry Clark, returned to the Lord on Sunday, the Fourteenth of July. Mr. Clark, a long-serving and dedicated member of Community Board #12 (The Bronx) was also for many years the Chairman of its Standing Committee on Economic Development and Business Services.

Larry Clark was the sort of individual that every group or organization of whatever type longs to have among its members. Larry was a “doer,” and not merely a “talker.” As a matter of fact, he was a man of fairly few words but many powerful deeds. He was not one limited just to speaking about a need or an undertaking. True, he was open to consequential conversation and to intelligent dialogue. However, his bottom line was to get matters up and running without delay, minus hesitation, and with an absolute minimum of wasted time and talk. I noticed this attribute of Larry’s from the very first time that he attended a Stated Monthly Meeting of Community Board #12, which he did prior to applying for membership on the Community Board, and, much to our good fortune, receiving it. It was a quality that was welcomed at our meetings and deliberations in the Carriage House at TOWN HALL. It was moreover one of the primary reasons why I reached out to him and requested that he assume the mantle of Community Board #12’s Chairman of Economic Development and Business Services.

When Larry Clark took over in the aforesaid capacity, there were several pressing issues waiting to grapple with him. Entertainment enterprises were sprouting up near residential areas and along our commercial strips in increasing numbers. In a few instances, such businesses were even opening their doors on residential blocks. Noise and nuisances of all sorts oftentimes accompanied the establishment of these ventures. Some of them lacked legitimacy and licenses. Some did not operate according to the rules. Some became the setting and backdrop of crime. Such circumstances were daunting as was the urgent need to act expeditiously in the interests of our local quality of life. Others would have shrunk in the face of such an overwhelming challenge. Larry Clark embraced it and sought to find a solution by which both proprietors and neighborhood residents could survive and thrive. He immediately undertook to visit one-by-one and in person every bar, social club, and entertainment entity in Bronx Community District #12. He introduced himself to each of the owners and/or operators. He shared the concerns of Community Board #12 (The Bronx) and those of nearby neighborhood residents. He steeped himself in the knowledge of the pertinent rules, regulations, codes, and laws and, in turn, educated those unaware and ignorant of them. He encouraged those who ignored them along with the justifiable complaints of their neighbors. Mr. Clark became a proactive and positive participant in the licensing application process of the New York State Liquor Authority (N.Y.S.L.A.). He spent innumerable hours in attendance at Authority hearings and in meetings with both business owners/operators and concerned citizens. He did not retreat from saying what needed to be said or in doing what needed to be done. Nor was he stingy in giving of his time and talents. Larry was generous to a fault in trying to be of genuine help.

One of Mr. Clark’s most cherished dreams and fervent desires was to see merchant associations flourish along each of our area’s three commercial strips. Larry really rolled up his sleeves on this project. He went out to meet with merchants during the day. He was equally as generous in holding meetings at night. Circumstances were not kind to Mr. Clark’s endeavor in this regard, but Larry never lost the vision or the hope that one day his dream would come true.

One would think that Mr. Clark’s extensive philanthropy and commitment to our neighborhood would leave him with little or no opportunity to do anything else. However, Larry Clark was a devoted Husband and proud Father. He was a tried-and-true partner to his lovely Wife of so many years, Dorothy. There was never a time that one sat down and chewed the fat with Larry that he did not brag at length about the life and the accomplishments of his two children. A devout Christian gentleman, Mr Clark not only faithfully worshipped at his Church but served extensively in various capacities on its governing boards.

Recent years were not so considerate to Larry Clark or benign. The loss of his much-loved and adored Dorothy was a real blow to him. Ensuing health setbacks and issues likewise burdened this wonderful human being. Even with these formidable trials, Larry never raised the white flag or gave into despair. He did what he could and did the best that he was able. I still recall our District Manager, Carmen L. Rosa, sternly upbraiding him one Thursday evening for walking -- YES, WALKING! -- all the way from his home to TOWN HALL in order to be present for a meeting!

Husband, Parent, Christian, Friend, Civic Leader, Good Neighbor -- all of the aforementioned describe who Larry Clark was and the ways in which and for which we knew him. However, I suggest that to sum up simply and perfectly why Mr. Clark was truly loved and deeply appreciated, one need only say that he was a good and decent man. Larry Clark was buried on the morning of Wednesday, 24 July 2013. May his good deeds go before him. While his mortal remains are to be committed to the earth, the good that he did and the love that he engendered will neither be buried nor forgotten. The world needs good guys. Thank God that He sent Larry Clark to us to be one of them!

Until next time, that is it for this time!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Taking a Stand Against Crime

National Night Out

By Bill Ludwig

The 30th annual National Night Out (NNO) against crime will be held on Tuesday,
Aug. 6th.

The 47th Precinct will be holding NNO activities from 4-8 p.m. at Granada Place
between Ely Avenue and Laconia Avenue, across the street from the 47th
Precinct.

This year’s theme is “Respect Your Neighbors - Think Quality of Life!” The opening ceremony will be at 5 p.m. The event is being co-sponsored by the 47th Precinct and the 47th Precinct Community Council. Deputy Inspector Brian Mullen and Community Affairs Officers David Belle and Jason Soto and the 47th Precinct Community Council have planned an enjoyable afternoon and evening for children and adults. Our elected officials have been invited. The 47th Precinct Clergy Coalition will have a prayer march in the vicinity of the 47th precinct starting at 4:45 p.m. before the opening ceremony.

There will be representatives at tables from New York City agencies and other
organizations who will be giving out valuable free information. The League, which is
celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, will have a table and will be distributing
McGruff “Take a Bite Out of Crime” 48 page memo pads. Food and refreshments
will be served. For children’s activities there will be rides and games. There will
also be entertainment for the community to enjoy. Bring the family out, learn about crime prevention, and have fun at the same time.

The slogans this year is: “Get Involved, Help Unite Our Community, Say No to
Drugs, No All Night Parties, Talk to Your Neighbors, Love Your Block, Do Not Block
Your Neighbor’s Driveway, No Loud Music, and A Quiet Neighborhood is a Good
Neighborhood.”

So, what exactly is NNO? It is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored
by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). The NATW is a nationwide organization dedicated to the development, maintenance, and promotion of community-bases, law enforcement-affiliated crime prevention activities. NNO is designed to (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Along with the traditional display of outdoor lights and front door porch vigils, cities, towns and neighborhoods “celebrate” NNO with a variety of events and activities such as: block parties, cookouts, visits from local police, parades, flashlight walks, contests, and youth programs. An event doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. It can be as simple as having a conversation in a neighbor’s backyard.

The important thing is to talk to your neighbors and plan to get together. NNO has
proven to be an effective, inexpensive, and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer
nation. More than 37 million people are expected to participate in various anti-
crime programs and activities this year. The event involves 15,000 communities
from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

Remember, the key to participating in NNO is: turn your outside lights on, come
outside to meet your neighbors, and participate in your neighborhood’s special
events. This way you can be a part of the nation’s largest annual crime/drug
prevention event on Tuesday evening, August 6th.

Dominican Delegation Tours Bx in Advance of Sunday's Parade

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. welcomed a delegation of elected officials and other leaders from the Dominican Republic to The Bronx.

The day's events included a tour of the borough aboard the Bronx Trolley. The group specifically visited the New York Botanical Gardens, the Yankee Stadium Museum, Arbor House, which is a privately-owned 124-unit housing complex on East 166th Street.

Among the visitors, the deputy mayor of the city of Moca, City Council Members, the Director of Department of Education and Cultural Affairs of the City of Moca, local business owners, as well as the representative of the Bronx Dominican Parade in the Province of Espaillat.

The delegation is visiting the Bronx to take part in the festivities leading up to the Bronx Dominican Day Parade, which will take place on Sunday July 28.


Monday, July 22, 2013

Deadly Drivers

Cabbies arrested for killing girlfriend
hit-n-run outside school

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 22- Two Bronx cab drivers are off the streets after two unrelated incidents on different sides of the borough, over this past weekend.

Police sources say that patrolmen from the 44th Precinct were answering a call of "suspicious activity," at 1356 Walton Avenue in the Mount Eden section, when they discovered a man attempting to dispose of the body of his girlfriend.

The NYPD reports the body of Yajaira Reyes, 29, was discovered shortly after the initial call was reported at 5:45 a.m., on July 21, after police officers questioned why livery driver Moises Martinez, 52, had parked his Lincoln Town Car on the sidewalk.

Martinez allegedly killed Reyes and stuffed her body into a garbage can and was attempting to load the can into his cab when police apprehended him.

Officially, the NYPD has offered no motive in the killing, however, one police source maintained that investigators believe jealousy was the reason for the killing.

The medical examiner was expected to conduct an autopsy on Monday that would determine Reyes' cause of death. Those results may not be available for several days.

Neighbors say the couple were raising four-children together, published reports have stated that the children were on vacation with relatives in Florida at the time of the slaying.

Martinez was immediately taken into custody and was charged with murder and manslaughter.

Reyes, an immigrant from Guatemala, had been a part-time NYPD traffic agent for the better part of the past year.

Martinez looked straight into the lenses of several photographers until one asked, "Why'd you do it?." The suspect then looked away as he was placed into an unmarked car and seconds later-- buried his face in his lap as he was transported to central booking for his arraignment.

Citing an unnamed police source, both Eyewitness News and 1010 WINS reported that Martinez had confessed to the gruesome crime at the scene.

An employee at the Diplo First Class Car Service on Jerome Avenue in Bedford Park, where Martinez worked, recalled, "He was a quiet guy, but got along with everybody." The company currently employees 300 workers.

At about the same time police discovered Reyes' body, another livery taxi driver was returning to the scene of a serious hit-and-run crash in Co-op City.
Police say the unidentified 19-year old victim was crossing Baychester Avenue opposite Harry S. Truman High School, at just after 3 a.m. on July 21, when he was struck by a livery taxi traveling southbound.

The victim, a resident of Co-Op City, was rushed to Jacobi Hospital where he underwent a 6-hour operation, where doctors were forced to amputate the man's leg at just below the knee. The victim was later reported to be in serious, but stable condition.

Police say that at just after 6 a.m., the driver returned to the scene-- after first having replaced his windshield.

Published reports say the driver, identified by officials as Derek Maida, 37, told co-workers he thought his white Ford sedan was hit by debris thrown from a pedestrian overpass.

Maida was quickly arrested and charged with second degree vehicular assault, leaving the scene of an accident, tampering with physical evidence, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and failing to yield to a pedestrian.

An official at One Police Plaza could not immediately say where Maida was from, but confirmed Maida was driving with a suspended license. The official also could not say how many times Maida's license had been suspended.

An employee answering the phone at the Co-op City Luxury Car Service in Pelham Bay, where Maida was employed, would only say, "I can't help you with that... no," before hanging up the phone.

# # #


Moises Martinez, 52, was charged with killing NYPD traffic enforcement agent Yajaira Reyes.--Photo by David Greene

Friday, July 19, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cell phone snatchers strike on subway

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cell phone snatchers strike on subway: BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 19- A pair of teenage subway riding cell phone thieves are being sought by cops. Police released surveillance video ...

Cell phone snatchers strike on subway

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 19- A pair of teenage subway riding cell phone thieves are being sought by cops.

Police released surveillance video of the teenagers who were seen sneaking under the turn styles at the East 174th street station. At around 10:45 a.m. on June 21, the victim was playing a game on her cell phone on the Number 2 train. The suspect was standing near the victim. When the door opened, the thief snatched the phone from her hands and fled with his accomplice.

Cops say suspect number 1 is a Hispanic male between the ages of 14 to 16. He is
5 foot 6 and 130 pounds with long brown hair. He was wearing a blue and red shirt, with a red and blue baseball cap, dark blue jeans and black sneakers.

Suspect number 2 is described as a Hispanic male between 16 and 18 years old. He is 5 foot 6 and 130 pounds with long, curly dirty-blond hair, wearing a white tank top, black shorts with white stripes, and black sneakers.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS.The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

Stopping bad builders

Since the beginning of July, Council Member James Vacca was able to have eight Stop Work Orders issued at various properties throughout his district, including 1165 Crosby Avenue. After visiting these various sites, which were all under construction, Vacca questioned permits issued or lack thereof at the locations. Vacca is a major advocate of public safety and maintaining the integrity of the various zoning laws throughout his district.

South Bronx News: Cell phone thief takes victim for a ride

South Bronx News: Cell phone thief takes victim for a ride: Mugs rider on bus By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 19- Police are asking for the public's help in trying to catch the latest gr...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Conviction in cold case killing of biz man

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Conviction in cold case killing of biz man: BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 19- District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced that Miguel Torres was sentenced to a maximum term of 25 years to li...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Gas station gunman wanted

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Gas station gunman wanted: By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 19- Cops are searching for the gunman who stuck up a gas station near the Bruckner Mall in broad day...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cell phone thief takes victim for a ride

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cell phone thief takes victim for a ride: Mugs rider on bus By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 19- Police are asking for the public's help in trying to catch the latest gr...

Conviction in cold case killing of biz man

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 19- District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced that Miguel Torres was sentenced to a maximum term of 25 years to life imprisonment for shooting a Bronx businessman to death.

Torres, 50, was found guilty last month on one count of murder in the second degree. The jury deliberated for one day before finding that Torres had caused the death of 59-year-old Mohammad Zafar by shooting him once in the heart while he sat in his car.

State Supreme Court Justice Troy Webber imposed the maximum sentence allowed by law, 25 years to life imprisonment, after the victim’s wife told the court of the pain and suffering that the loss of her husband continues to cause in her life.

The murder occurred in the vicinity of Bainbridge and Rochambeau Avenues on January 24, 2003. After the victim was shot, he exited the vehicle and collapsed on the ground. Torres escaped from the crime scene in the vehicle and later abandoned it, leaving blood on the driver side seatbelt and steering wheel. The vehicle was located by the police two days later and a DNA profile was developed from the evidence recovered at the crime scene and uploaded to the New York State DNA Databank. In June of 2006, the New York State Executive Law was amended requiring defendants convicted of specific DNA qualifying misdemeanors to submit DNA samples to the Databank. On December 22, 2008, the defendant was convicted of Menacing in the Second Degree resulting in the submission of a DNA sample which was a forensic match to the evidence from the 2003 homicide.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Felicity Lung of the Trial Bureau.

Gas station gunman wanted

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 19- Cops are searching for the gunman who stuck up a gas station near the Bruckner Mall in broad daylight.

Police released surveillance video of the robbery. At around 4:27 p.m. On July 7, the gunman entered the Shell gas station at 1929 Bruckner Boulevard and demanded money. Waving a handgun at the store clerk, he made off with an undetermined amount of cash.

The gunman is described as a 28-year-old Hispanic male who is 5 foot 6 and weighing 150 pounds.

Anyone with information should call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS.

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.


Cell phone thief takes victim for a ride

Mugs rider on bus

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 19- Police are asking for the public's help in trying to catch the latest group of cell phone thieves who struck on the street and on a city bus. Investigators released surveillance video and photos in an attempt to catch the thieves.

The first mugging took place at around 1 a.m. on June 30. A 31-year-old man was walking down Starling Avenue when he was attacked by two men. The muggers threatened the man with a knife and made off with his iPhone and cash.

Cops arrested one of the suspects but there is still one at large. They released video of the mugging in the hopes of caching the second suspect who is 5 foot 10 and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and shorts.

Another brazen thief struck on a city bus in broad daylight. At around 4:30 p.m. on July 5, the victim was riding the northbound MTA BX19 bus along Southern Boulevard. As the suspect was walking toward the back of the bus he snatched the cell phone out of the victim's hand. The thief dashed out of the back exit at the East 156th Street stop.

Police released photos of the suspect while he was riding on the bus and when he was running down the street during his escape.

Anyone with information should call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS.

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Library to pay $105G In questionable taxes

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Library to pay $105G In questionable taxes: By Michael Horowitz BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 18- The New York Public Library will pay $105,000 in disputed charges for real-estate-tax paymen...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Contract voted down

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Contract voted down: Electric company here to continue Installations without board approval By Michael Horowitz BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 18- The Southside ...

Contract voted down

Electric company here to continue
Installations without board approval

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 18- The Southside Electric Company, which has been doing work here without having a contract approved by the Riverbay board, will continue to oversee the installation of smoke detectors and GFI receptacles even though the board, last week, rejected a contact for the company.

Riverbay president William Gordon said, this week, that the installation work, which was started without a board-approved contract for the Southside company, will, nevertheless, continue under the electric company’s supervision.

The matter of a board-approved contract for the Southside company was submitted for the consideration of board members after some of them voiced concern that they had been kept out of the process.

Gordon said, this week, “We will continue to use Southside’s license so that the installation work can continue. We’re going to have some of the work done by Southside’s workers and some done by Riverbay workers to see which option works out better.”

Commenting this week, Riverbay board member Daryl Johnson said that it’s outrageous that members of the board, until last Wednesday night, had never discussed a possible contract with the Southside Electric Company.

“We should have been involved in the process in the first place,” Johnson stressed this week. “It’s outrageous that Southside got a contract to do work here without the board’s approval. Having them work here and then having the board consider a contract is as lame as lame can be. It’s putting the cart before the horse. It’s no way to do business, but it is the way the Riverbay Corporation does business.”

The installation of smoke detectors and GFI receptacles in every apartment here is a requirement of Co-op City’s $621.5-million, HUD-insured mortgage.

Library to pay $105G In questionable taxes

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 18- The New York Public Library will pay $105,000 in disputed charges for real-estate-tax payments as a condition for a new lease for its space adjacent to the Bartow Avenue Shopping Center.

Library official had previously balked at making these payments, saying that bills for them were not submitted in a timely manner and that the bills weren’t properly documented.

The Baychester Library, which reopened this week, had been closed for a week because its air-conditioning unit wasn’t working.

A spokeswoman for the New York Public Library said, this week, that the library system looked forward to a cooperative relationship with the Riverbay Corporation and the Co-op City community in the years to come.

With the public library paying its real-estate-tax debts, the controversy over commercial real estate taxes for Co-op City and its merchants has yet to be resolved even though the matter was on the front burner of community concerns several months ago.

Management officials have taken pains to avoid the issue in recent months, and so have merchants, some of whom have refused to pay the taxes.

Other merchants have agreed to pay modest increases in taxes, seeming to be relieved that threats of tax increases of up to 1,200 percent, which has been threatened several months ago, were on the back burner for now.

The Baychester Branch of the New York Public Library has been a mainstay in Co-op City since the community’s earliest days.

In the 1970s, the local library, which remains one of the city’s most heavily utilized branch libraries, had been threatened with closing during a budget crunch that brought the city to the edge of bankruptcy.

A major community effort, at that time, played a key role in the decision to keep the local library open.

Push-in robbers attack elderly woman

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 18- Police are on the lookout for a pair of women who pushed their way into an elderly Baychester woman's home.

Cops released surveillance video of the suspects wanted in connection with he robbery. At around 3:10 p.m. On June 27, two women broke the lock to the front door to the house on Burke Avenue and Eastchester Road. The women pushed their way inside and waved a handgun at the 78-year-old victim. The thieves rummaged through the senior's belongings. The pair grabbed the victim's purse and fled in a two-door silver sedan.

The elderly victim was not injured during he stickup.

The robbers are described as black women between the ages of 20 and 25, 170 to 180 pounds and are around 5 foot 10.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS.The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

Parkchester robbers strike again

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 18- Two members of a robbery crew that struck Parkchester are being sought for two stickups on the west side of the borough.

Cops say a man and a woman from the crew stuck up two woman in two different neighborhoods during a one-hour period. At around 6:50 a.m. on June 27,the couple robbed a 49-year-old woman at gunpoint near Jerome Park. An hour later the pair robbed a 22-year-old woman at gunpoint in Mount Eden.

Cops released a photo of a grey sedan they believed was used in the robberies.

Investigators said the couple was part of a five member robbery crew that robbed a woman at gunpoint in Parkchester. At around 9:24 a.m. on June 21, cops say the crew robbed a woman at gunpoint on a Parkchester street. The 40-year-old was walking down the street when a man approached her and pointed a gun at her head. As the gunman removed the victim's purse from her shoulder, a man and a woman acted as lookouts. They made off with the victim's purse but not before their images were captured in surveillance video.

Cops got a break when the fifth member of the crew used the victim's credit card. Her image was captured on a store's surveillance video. Police released images from the videos in the hopes of capturing the crew.

The gunman is described as a black male, six feet tall. He has a slim build and was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, dark pants, sunglasses a red hat and was carrying a firearm. The crew member suspected of using the stolen credit card is a black woman in her mid 40s. She was last seen wearing a white short sleeve shirt, white hat,and sunglasses.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS.The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.






Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Beware ring and robber

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 17- Pelham Bay residents are on the look out for a ring and robber.

Police released surveillance video of a woman they say pushed her way in to a home near Middletown Road. At around 1:30 p.m. on June 3, the woman rang the doorbell to a residence on Ericson Avenue. When the resident opened the door the woman forced her way inside. Cops say the suspect acted as if she had a gun and tried to remove property. The victim fought to woman off and she fled empty handed.

Investigators say the woman is a 28-year-old black woman with a thin build.

Anyone with information should call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS.

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.