Thursday, October 31, 2013
One Year After Sandy:City Isle Eatery Reopens
At the press conference, Senator Jeff Klein, joined by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Assemblyman Mike Benedetto and members of the City Island Chamber of Commerce highlighted the progress made following Superstorm Sandy, while noting there is more work to be done.
Directly following the storm, Senator Klein’s office met with the owners of Tony’s Pier Restaurant and helped the owners obtain a building permit, expedited their electrical and gas work, ensured speedy review of building plans by the Department of Environmental Protection and worked with the State Liquor Authority and Community Board to obtain a license to serve alcohol.
Senator Jeff Klein said, “Exactly one year ago, Tony’s Pier caught fire in the heart of Superstorm Sandy. As flames consumed the restaurant, decades of hard work and history were at stake. The day after the storm, I saw the damage Sandy had caused and vowed to do everything I could to get our local businesses and residents back on their feet. In the past year, we worked hard to help rebuild Tony’s Pier – from expediting building permits to getting the lights turned on, and all that comes in between, my office worked with the owners and planners every step of the day. Today isn’t only a time to reflect on the hardships Sandy caused. It is also a day to celebrate the hard work and resilience of our community.”
“One year ago, Superstorm Sandy devastated this beloved Bronx business. But Tony’s Pier is back, stronger than ever, and I am proud to be here today for their reopening,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “We have much to celebrate in our borough, and the return of Tony’s Pier is a moment for the entire Bronx to be thankful for the dedication of this business to our borough and their commitment to reopening, bigger and better than ever.”
Assemblymen Michael Benedetto (D-Bronx) said, “It’s fitting that Tony’s Pier is reopening a year after the tragedy of Superstorm Sandy. It’s a tribute to the determination and the resiliency of the human spirit.”
“I am thrilled to have this family-owned small business back on its feet in record time, restoring 60 jobs to City Island in the process,” said Marlene Cintron, president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.
Tony's Pier Co-owner Anthony Palumbo said: "One year ago today, we saw my family's restaurant, Tony's Pier, destroyed in flames. Thanks in no small part to the hard work of our elected officials, especially Senator Klein and the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., we have been able to commemorate Sandy's anniversary with the re-opening of our restaurant. I look forward to continuing our tradition of serving seafood on City Island for many years to come."
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Hunts Point Halloween Parade
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Hunts Point Halloween Parade: Photos by Gary Quintal The Village is not the only place to take in devilish Halloween fun. Young ghouls and goblins came out for the 28t...
Hunts Point Halloween Parade
Photos by Gary Quintal
The Village is not the only place to take in devilish Halloween fun. Young ghouls and goblins came out for the 28th Annual Hunts Point Halloween Parade.
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Throggs Neck Halloween Parade
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Throggs Neck Halloween Parade: Photos by Gary Quintal There’s nothing scary about the fun youngsters had at the annual Throggs Neck Halloween Parade.
Throggs Neck Halloween Parade
Photos by Gary Quintal
There’s nothing scary about the fun youngsters had at the annual Throggs Neck Halloween Parade.
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Murdered Popular Teen Mourned
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Murdered Popular Teen Mourned: By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 30- A popular student from Walton High School was shot and killed near St. James Park. According ...
Murdered Popular Teen Mourned
By David Greene
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 30- A popular student from Walton High School was shot and killed near St. James Park.
According to police, it was just after 9 p.m. on October 23, when officers responded to a call of a male shot outside of 2622 Jerome Avenue, in the Bedford Park section.
The victim, identified by police as Michael Beltre, 17, of Washington Avenue, had reportedly been shot one time in the face and was pronounced dead at St. Barnabas Hospital.
Friend's say Beltre, a junior at Walton, had arrived in the Bronx just two short years ago from the Dominican Republic.
Police say Beltre was speaking to two individuals just steps away from McDonald's, when one of the two men pulled the gun and shot him.
The following day a large crowd of Beltre's friends were busy setting up a memorial for the young man, when police asked the teens to move it so a store owner could open her nail salon.
The store owner had recently been closed after part of the building's facade collapsed. On this day she would first have to scrub-down the dried blood left on the sidewalk.
At the new vigil, across the street from St. James Park, where Beltre could often be found playing basketball, one young mourner, offered, "He was a sweetheart. He had no enemies, no problems and he loved McDonald's."
Friends can not explain what happened or who did it.
Coincidentally, the morning after Beltre's brutal death, the annual breakfast of the 52nd Precinct Community Council was held just two short blocks from where the teen was shot.
Outgoing Deputy Inspector Joseph Dowling stated, "That's currently under investigation. I was at the scene with the detectives, but I can't give you any details because it's an ongoing investigation."
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Murdered Popular Teen Mourned
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Murdered Popular Teen Mourned: By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 30- A popular student from Walton High School was shot and killed near St. James Park. Accordi...
Murdered Popular Teen Mourned
By David Greene
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 30- A popular student from Walton High School was shot and killed near St. James Park.
According to police, it was just after 9 p.m. on October 23, when officers responded to a call of a male shot outside of 2622 Jerome Avenue, in the Bedford Park section.
The victim, identified by police as Michael Beltre, 17, of Washington Avenue, had reportedly been shot one time in the face and was pronounced dead at St. Barnabas Hospital.
Friend's say Beltre, a junior at Walton, had arrived in the Bronx just two short years ago from the Dominican Republic.
Police say Beltre was speaking to two individuals just steps away from McDonald's, when one of the two men pulled the gun and shot him.
The following day a large crowd of Beltre's friends were busy setting up a memorial for the young man, when police asked the teens to move it so a store owner could open her nail salon.
The store owner had recently been closed after part of the building's facade collapsed. On this day she would first have to scrub-down the dried blood left on the sidewalk.
At the new vigil, across the street from St. James Park, where Beltre could often be found playing basketball, one young mourner, offered, "He was a sweetheart. He had no enemies, no problems and he loved McDonald's."
Friends can not explain what happened or who did it.
Coincidentally, the morning after Beltre's brutal death, the annual breakfast of the 52nd Precinct Community Council was held just two short blocks from where the teen was shot.
Outgoing Deputy Inspector Joseph Dowling stated, "That's currently under investigation. I was at the scene with the detectives, but I can't give you any details because it's an ongoing investigation."
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Tough Questions for 52nd Pct.’s New Commanding Off...
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Tough Questions for 52nd Pct.’s New Commanding Off...: Officer Injured in Norwood Pellet-Gun Shooting By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 30- An early morning pellet-gun shooting has lef...
Tough Questions for 52nd Pct.’s New Commanding Officer
Officer Injured in Norwood Pellet-Gun Shooting
By David Greene
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 30- An early morning pellet-gun shooting has left one police officer with a minor hand injury and a suspect was injured climbing over a fence-- after an early morning incident on Rochambu Avenue in Norwood.
According to Deputy Inspector Joseph Dowling, the officer was shot in the hand by a pellet-gun as the officer struggled with a suspect that took place in the rear courtyard of 3133 Rocambeau Avenue at sometime after 4 a.m. on October 25.
A small army of police as well as tactical units converged on the area and at least one suspect, possibly two are currently in police custody.
The 52nd Precinct, which has seen a noticeable up tick in crime and violent incidents such as this shooting, is currently in a transition as Deputy Inspector Nilda Hoffman was recently named commanding officer of the precinct that covers Norwood, Bedford Park and Fordham.
Dowling was on scene of this shooting and also attended that morning's Annual 52ndPrecinct Community Council Breakfast.
At about the same time, Hoffman was at 1 Police Plaza where she attended a ceremony where she was promoted to Inspector, apparently one of the perks that come with her new command.
Ironically, the breakfast was held at Monroe College on Jerome Avenue, 2 short blocks from where a popular 17-year-old Walton High School student was shot to death the previous Wednesday evening.
At the breakfast, Dowling stated, "This morning's incident, the officers were investigating some individuals, they were alerted to the fact that one of the individuals was in possession of a firearm. They stopped two individuals as he went to stop one of them, he drew a firearm from his person."
Dowling continued,"One of the officers felt the danger with him pulling out what appeared to him to be a gun... he discharged one round and did not strike the perpetrator or any innocent victims."
Police say the suspect was carrying a pellet-gun that looked like a real, "Desert Eagle," handgun. Sources say that officer suffered a minor hand injury and is believed to have been transported to North Central Bronx Hospital. The still-unidentified suspect suffered a leg in jury as he scaled a fence, he was treated at Montefiore Hospital.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Woman, 79, Shot Near Yankee Stadium
By David Greene
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 29- A 79-year old woman is recovering after being shot along E. 153 Street.
Police say the unintended victim was walking along a courtyard with her grandchild when the gunfire began at 3:45 p.m. on Monday, October 28. Police were looking for the gunman, who was wearing a hooded jacket and fled in an SUV, believed to be a silver Volkswagen.
Detectives were using surveillance video to identify the gunman, but police have no suspects at this time.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Dumb Crooks Rip Off Smart Phones
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Dumb Crooks Rip Off Smart Phones: By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 25 - Police are looking for groups of thieves who have attacked women for their smart pho...
Dumb Crooks Rip Off Smart Phones
By Dan Gesslein
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 25- Police are looking for groups of thieves who have attacked women for their smart phones.
The first attack occurred in Belmont on September 30. At around 4 p.m. a 16-year-old girl was walking in front of 826 East Tremont Avnue when the suspects approached from behind and demanded her smart phone. One of the group punched the teen in the back of the head and tried to remove the phone. When they could not make off with the phone, the attackers began beating the teen.
The suspects are described as black females in their late teens and early 20s.
In an unrelated incident, thieves snatched the woman’s smartphone from her hands. The 24-year-old was standing on the corner of Boston Road and E. 180th Street when she was attacked. A man in his 20s ripped the woman’s Samsung Galaxy S4 cell phone from her hands and fled.
The last attack occurred in the West Farms. At around 7:50 p.m. on October 2 a woman was attacked for her iPhone. The woman was walking in the vicinity of Vyse Avenue and East 179th Street when two men pounced. The men ran up behind the 25-year old and snatched the iPhone 5 from the woman’s hands.
The two men were described as black males in their late 20s. One suspect was wearing a grey sweat suit and the other was wearing a dark sweat suit.
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.
All calls are strictly confidential.
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Chinese Takeout Stickup Artist Caught on Tape
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Chinese Takeout Stickup Artist Caught on Tape: By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 25 - Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to catch a gunman who stuck up a Chinese ...
Chinese Takeout Stickup Artist Caught on Tape
By Dan Gesslein
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 25- Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to catch a gunman who stuck up a Chinese takeout restaurant near Yankee Stadium.
A gunman robbed a Highbridge Chinese takeout restaurant and it was all caught on tape. At around 11:46 p.m. on October 17, the crook walked into the restaurant at 1023 Ogden Avenue and displayed a black handgun. Waving the weapon, the gunman demanded cash from the register. The worker handed over the money and the thief fled but not before his image was captured on the business’ surveillance cameras.
On the tape the man is seen calmly walking up to the counter like a customer. He does not wear a hat, mask, hoodie or anything that could conceal his identity. Instead the suspect walks up to the cashier next to a waiting customer and then pulls out his gun. As the clerk collects the money out of the register the gunman shakes down the waiting customer of any valuables.
The suspect is described as a black male who is 5 foot 6. He has short black hair with a dark skinned complexion.
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.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Joe Lhota Comes to the Bronx
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Joe Lhota Comes to the Bronx: 100 PERCENT By Robert Press We Found Joe Lhota BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 24- Maybe it was our front page photo of Republican M...
Joe Lhota Comes to the Bronx
100 PERCENT
By Robert Press
We Found Joe Lhota
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 24- Maybe it was our front page photo of Republican Mayoral candidate Joe Lhota on a milk carton as missing from the Bronx two weeks ago, but since then Lhota has come to the Bronx twice.
First it was in Coop-City, and then this past Sunday to a legislative breakfast in Riverdale. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani won big in Riverdale, but times were different then. Lhota even promised to return to Riverdale two times before the November election. It seems while those at the legislative breakfast welcomed him few if any who attended are going to vote for Joe Lhota for mayor. I was told Lhota's opponent Bill deBlasio was out of town. DeBlasio has been to the event in the past in his capacity as Public Advocate. You can go to my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to read more about the breakfast and see the many photos of the event. One of the photos is that of current MTA board member Charles Moerdler chatting with the former head of the MTA. Moerdler and Lhota had words during one MTA board meeting, but Mr. Moerdler said that he and Mr. Lhota have a cordial relationship. I would take that as a no vote. One of the honorees was Mr. Jeffrey Moerdler (son of Charles Moerdler) who heads the Riverdale Hatzolah Volunteer Ambulance.
Is Bill deBlasio making some mistakes on his way to city hall? While the latest polls have deBlasio well ahead of Joe Lhota with no other minor candidate close to Lhota, what is Bill deBlasio thinking when he says he supports Mayor Bloomberg's efforts to ban sugary sodas over 16 ounces. After clearing up his statement a little deBlasio said that it is the obesity problem that plagues New York City children, and that is where he agrees with the policy efforts of Mayor Bloomberg.
While the Democratic Primary is the race to win in the Bronx there is still a general election on Tuesday November 5th. In the 15th City Council race Democratic Primary winner Ritchie Torres still may have a tough race in November, because while he won a six person primary one of his opponents from that primary faces Torres one on one in the General Election. This past Monday Democratic candidate for the 15th city council seat held a fund raiser. You can go to my blog to see just who showed up to this fund raiser being given by Bronx County Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie.
Norwood received a slow zone thanks to the hard work of Assemblymen Mark Gjonaj and Jeffrey Dinowitz. This Norwood slow zone encompasses the Williamsbridge Oval, two schools, and five different early learning centers. As to just where the dividing line in the slow zone of the two assembly districts is, both assemblymen answered it is a joint slow zone with no seams.
What happens when there is a proposal to build something the community is against. This past Monday Community Board # 4 held a protest to a proposed Tier II Transitional Facility on the Grand Concourse. In a letter to the president and CEO of Housing Bridge Inc. CB 4 outlined that they sympathize with the individual and or families in need of such services, but cannot and will not support efforts to secure approval from DHS to acquire 42 units at 1387 Grand Concourse. CB 4 goes on to site “fair share” as an issue, and the lack of community participation in the process.
Finally there may be more delays at the now way over budget ($2 billion over budget) Croton Water Filtration Plant being built in Van Cortlandt Park. I received word about an investigation that may halt the project for up to two more years as certain things get double checked and triple checked before the plant can be operational. This could be one reason that the DEP cut down on the number of meeting from one a month to one a quarter. Just what is the DEP hiding now?
If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an announcement listed or event 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 News (Bxnews.net): Bronxites Walk to Find Cure for Breast Cancer
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bronxites Walk to Find Cure for Breast Cancer: By Patricia McDow BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 24- Marie Barbarto, along with her Mom Dorothy are breast cancer survivors. On October 20 th ,...
Bronxites Walk to Find Cure for Breast Cancer
By Patricia McDow
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 24- Marie Barbarto, along with her Mom Dorothy are breast cancer survivors. On October 20th, Marie joined thousands of local breast cancer survivors, volunteers, business and community members at Orchard Beach as they united to fight breast cancer and save lives at the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 3K walk. This noncompetitive, inspirational event raises awareness and funds to fight breast cancer and provides hope to all people facing the disease.
More than 229,060 women and men in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year, and more than 39,920 will die from the disease. Funds raised through Making Strides will help the American Cancer Society save lives and create more birthdays by helping people stay well by taking steps to prevent cancer or find it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking research; and by fighting back by encouraging lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
Many of the participants are already looking forward to next year October 19, 2014, hope you can join. If interested visit their website http://makingstrides.acsevents.org to join, donate or create your own team.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Crime Comes Back with a Bloody Vengeance
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Crime Comes Back with a Bloody Vengeance: Murder-Free Week Ends with Bloody Weekend (Photo by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 23- A rare lull in citywide h...
Crime Comes Back with a Bloody Vengeance
Murder-Free Week Ends with Bloody Weekend
(Photo by David Greene)
By David Greene
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 23- A rare lull in citywide homicides ended with a weekend of gunfire that claimed the lives of four individuals across the borough.
The bloodshed began shortly after Pennsylvania resident Tyrek Singleton returned to his childhood home at the John Adams Houses on Tinton Street.
Singleton and a friend were ambushed by two assailants outside of 680 Tinton Avenue, at just after 6 p.m., of October 18.
Singleton was shot in the chest and was dead on arrival at Lincoln Hospital. His still-unidentified 26-year-old friend was shot in the leg and is recovering.
One police source stated that the surviving victim stated he did not know his assailants and no arguments took place before the shooting.
Police were once again called to reports of gunfire at 2:15 a.m., on October 19, when officers from the 42nd Precinct and PSA 7 discovered a man shot in the head outside the Arthur H. Murphy Houses, located at 1575 Vyse Avenue.
Investigators say Pablo Pagan, 40, was pronounced dead at the scene, steps away from his apartment.
Neighbors described Pagan as a dedicated father of three children who volunteered at the Castle Hill Little League.
After a third call of gunfire, police in Soundview were called to 1550 Westchester Avenue and discovered a man shot in the head and chest and lying on the ground at 4:14 a.m.
Authorities say Marco Castillo, 24, was shot after an argument with two men. According to one published report, Castillo was brawling with one of his attackers and winning the battle, when the second individual pulled out the gun and shot him.
Castillo was rushed to Jacobi Hospital, where he died.
Residents reported hearing two gunshots and police are reportedly looking for two individuals, described as male Hispanics. The hooligan who started the fistfight was wearing a blue hooded jacket, the gunman reportedly had a mouth full of gold teeth.
A fourth victim was reported at 6:40 a.m. the following morning when police say Julio Ortiz, 38, of West 246 Street was also shot in the chest as he sat in his vehicle at a gas station.
Ortiz attempted to drive away, when he rear-ended another vehicle at Boston Road and Conner Street.
Ortiz was transported by EMS, but died at Jacobi Hospital.
A week earlier the city had reported a nearly unprecedented week as the NYPD released crime statistics for the week of October 7 through October 13, in which no homicides were reported in the five boroughs.
Marching at the annual Columbus Day Parade, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly told reporters, "We had no homicides in the city, which is, I think, emblematic of how safe the city has become and what a great job the New York City police officers are doing."
Despite the bloodshed, if current trends continue the city could have the lowest murder rate in half a century. Last year the city recorded 419 killings.
Statistics show there have been 256 murders around the city in 2013, compared with 346 reported at the same time last year.
The NYPD also reports that overall gun crime is down with 879 shootings, compared with 1,145 recorded during the first ten-months of 2012.
Despite the statistics detectives have yet to make a single arrest in any of the most recent Bronx killings. Anyone with any information in any of the cases are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Elderly Man Killed Along Schuylerville's 'Devil's ...
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Elderly Man Killed Along Schuylerville's 'Devil's ...: (Photo by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 22- An elderly man visiting a doctor's office was struck a...
Elderly Man Killed Along Schuylerville's 'Devil's Curve'
(Photo by David Greene)
By David Greene
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 22- An elderly man visiting a doctor's office was struck and killed as two or possibly three cars hit the victim as they sped past a busy intersection.
According to storefront surveillance video, Angel Luis Figueroa, 74, was crossing E. Tremont Avenue where Whittmore Avenue meets Puritan Avenue, at 7:32 a.m., on October 21.
Investigators say Figueroa, who had just moved his car for the alternate-side street cleaning rules to the opposite side of the road, where he put quarters in the meter-- when he was plowed into by a 1999 Dodge Durango heading east.
Figueroa was then thrown into oncoming traffic in the west bound lane where police were still investigating if he was hit by a Silver Nissan SUV, driven by a woman who briefly stopped, but kept going. Figueroa was then run over by a 2013 Nissan Altima.
Good Samaritan Louis LaMorte, 22, who called police and attempted to give aid, recalled, "When I got over to him he still had a pulse and I was calling 911, but when I called 911, they were having trouble finding where Puritan Avenue was."
LaMorte estimates the delay took three to four precious minutes, and an EMS ambulance arrived four-minutes later. Figueroa died at the scene.
"As soon as I got to him," LaMorte continued, "his mouth was open and he was bleeding out of the back of his head and his ear. I was checking his pulse on his wrist and right on his neck and he still had a pulse and then it lightened-up and that was it, he was gone."
Livery taxi driver Jose Perez who works for DAT Car Service was driving the black Nissan that eventually ran over Figueroa, told reporters at the scene, "I saw the guy crossing the street and somebody was coming from the opposite direction and hit him."
Perez claimed to have been cut-off by the female driver who eventually left the scene. Perez, who apparently had a passenger in his vehicle, grimly recalled, "I just ran over him, pulled over to the right."
After several hours, police would eventually place handcuffs on the still-unidentified driver of the Durango, for reportedly driving with a suspended license. It's believed the female driver who fled the scene was also being questioned by police, but as of Tuesday, October 22, no charges had yet been filed.
According to Anna Diaz, 33, one of Figueroa's three daughters, he had worked for 40-years at the Manhattan Psychiatric Hospital before his retirement. He continued to stay busy, taking care of his blind wife, transporting his grandchildren to school and volunteering at the Jasa Senior Center in Pelham Bay.
The distraught Diaz recalled, "He was a very good husband, a very good provider. He took care of us very, very well."
When told that one of the driver's may have been operating without a valid drivers license, Diaz asked, "Why would you put somebody's life at risk? You (the driver) took somebody away from me that I need and now is no longer there."
Diaz continued, "If you’re not supposed to drive, don't drive. I don't wish him any harm, or anything, because I'm not that kind of person, but you just took away my life right now, he was all I had."
Besides now having to make funeral arrangements, the family was wondering how to break the news to Figueroa's two grandchildren, ages 5 and 8.
Diaz stated that Figueroa had an appointment at the Throggs Neck Medical Care facility and had moved his car for the street-sweeper and had moved the car to the opposite side of the street, adding, "He was worried about getting tickets."
Area residents call the three-block stretch of E. Tremont Avenue, from Baisley Avenue to Waterbury Avenue, 'The Devil's Curve," because of the winding roadway that has claimed at least two other lives in the last decade.
Meanwhile, a group of cyclists called, 'Right of Way,' have begun spray-painting street corners, drawing outlines resembling the chalk outlines once used by police, in an effort to bring attention to the number of children who are struck and killed on city roadways.
Currently the eight markers around the city also include the first name and age of a child and many also have the words, "No criminality suspected." Apparently referring to Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, they are also writing the words, "Why, Ray, Why?"
Monday, October 21, 2013
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Man Gunned Down on His Birthday
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Man Gunned Down on His Birthday: Came Back to Bx to Celebrate Will Leave in a Coffin (Photo by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 21- A young man retu...
Man Gunned Down on His Birthday
Came Back to Bx to Celebrate Will Leave in a Coffin
(Photo by David Greene)
By David Greene
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 21- A young man returning to his old neighborhood of Morrisania to celebrate his 29th birthday with family and friends, was gunned-down outside of the John Adams Houses.
Police sources say two men in their 20's were outside of 680 Tinton Avenue, when they were approached by two assailants and gunfire erupted at 6:08 p.m. on October 18.
One detective stated, "Two male Blacks walked up (on the two victims) and started shooting and left the location." The two men were shot at the entrance to the building.
A second source stated the two suspects calmly walked north on Tinton towards Westchester Avenue and the Jackson Avenue subway station.
One victim in his 20's was shot in the chest and died on the way to Lincoln Hospital. The second victim, also in his 20's was shot in the leg and was recovering at the same hospital.
Police would later identify the victim as Tyrek Singleton, 28, of the Bronx.
However, family and friends of Singleton stated that the young man had moved to Pottstown, PA.
A longtime friend clarified, stating, "He had gotten out of the neighborhood and was living in Pennsylvania, but he came back to celebrate his birthday. He's going to be 29..."
The distraught friend who declined to give his name, and only referred to Singleton by his street name, "S.P.," thought for a second before correcting himself, adding, "He was going to be 29 tomorrow, I can't believe this."
Friends say Singleton was a construction worker who loved to play basketball.
Officers from the 40th Precinct closed-off the main entrance to the building and the complex's courtyard and adjoining park as investigators combed the area for shell-casings and other evidence.
Police were looking for the two suspects, both described as male Blacks in their 20's. One suspect, a skinny male, wearing a white hooded jacket and blue jeans. The second assailant was wearing a gray hooded jacket and dark jeans.
Investigators say both men are still being sought and are both believed to be between 5 foot 8 and 5 foot 9.
Answering the door to the family home on E. 152 Street, Singleton's niece Lavasia Burnett, 18, stated while choking back tears, "There's no reason why he's here celebrating his birthday and we have to identify his body."
Hours after the killing a patrol car was still stationed outside the building, when a man from the church across the street asked the officer if he could move his car, as a wedding party was about to exit the church.
When the officer replied that he could not, church officials moved a bus in front of the church, blocking the view of the police car.
The police presence would remain for the immediate future as police sources say that officers from the 40th Precinct and Public Service Area 7, which covers New York City Housing Authority property, were said to be on a heightened alert for retaliatory violence.
The New York City Housing Authority has reportedly been sitting on more than $40 million in taxpayer money for the instillation of surveillance cameras at complex's such as the John Adams Houses.
The immediate area surrounding the John Adams Houses has been a longtime magnet for mayhem.
Back on July 5, Jamal Davis, 33, was fatally shot on the basketball courts at 975 Tinton Avenue.
On July 20, a second unidentified man was shot in the chest and back along Tinton Avenue, but survived. Police continue to hunt for the killers of both Davis and now Singleton.
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bronx Author Represents at Comic Con 2013
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bronx Author Represents at Comic Con 2013: By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 14- Comic Con 2013 took place from Thursday October 19 th through Sunday October 13 th...
Bronx Author Represents at Comic Con 2013
By Robert Press
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 14- Comic Con 2013 took place from Thursday October 19th through Sunday October 13th at the Javitts Center. This is the second largest Comic themed show only to Comic Con San Diego, where Hollywood is involved. On my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com are reports of the three days that I visited Comic Con 2013. Each day I tried to do a different theme. Friday I spent all day on the exhibit floor. Saturday I was in Artist Alley to be with the people as some paid big bucks to get an autograph or photo with one of their favorite stars. Sunday I was part of the WWE Halloween panel which got to interview two wrestling stars and others that help make the many different films from WWE Entertainment.
Over 3,000 booths were set up, which had almost everything that anyone would want. Some booths handed out free items, while others were at Comic Con to sell you the items you wanted. The big toy, comic, and other companies had larger booths where they showed off their latest games, books, toys, comic books creators who were signing their work (for free or a fee), cars (Chevy), or other collectible items. It took all day to visit all the booths that were set up, and speak to many of those at the booths. I was looking for a Bronx connection, and found two.
My first Bronx connection was Bronx Author Da'Ghen who had some of his work on display (his photo is on the first day of Comic Con on my blog). Da'Ghen said that he is associated with Magnum Comics of North Riverdale, and you can find him there every Wednesday. My second Bronx connection was Ms. Lisa Amowitz of Riverdale the author of "Breaking Glass" a Spencer Hill Press book who was at the company booth with a few of the other authors. A photo of the ladies is right next to Da'Ghen on my blog. Other photos on my blog from Friday were an overview of part of Comic Con 2013, some authors signing, a couple or former wrestlers signing or taking pictures (for a fee), people being made up, several people who came dressed as their favorite characters, and in the middle on the bottom a Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Saturday was the day I wanted to get photos of the big stars as they were signing in artist alley. My first problem was that there were signs posted by William Shatner, Gillian Anderson, and a few other stars that said “NO PHOTOS”. On my blog listing for Comic Con Saturday you can find a listing of some of the stars who were in Artist Alley, but there were also many who came at the last minute and were not listed. Look at the next photo for the prices that Hulk Hogan was charging for an autograph or photo with him, and the line was a block long. However as you will see in the next two photos the Hulkster came out from his booth to chat with a young lady in a wheel chair, autograph a photo for her, and pose with her for a photo.
At the other end of this floor were other former wrestlers, The Batmobile, the Deloreon from Back to the Future, and the Ghostbusters car complete with a giant “Stay Puff Marshmallow Man” and Mr. Ernie Hudson to have your picture taken with (for a fee). I found a band of real looking Ghostbusters nearby, met the Geico Gecko, some of the babes dressed in their favorite costumes, a real Playboy Bunny, and even a man who was dressed as Wonder Woman (the worst costume I saw that day). He was back on Sunday in a mermaid costume that is in Sunday's blog listing.
Sunday I was part of the WWE STUDIOS' HALLOWEEN HORROR INTERVIEW SESSION where the panel was able to sit down with wrestling stars Kane and Hornswaggle and others from the WWE Studios. WWE Studios is a part of the very successful Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment company, and along with the wrestling stars the president of WWE Studios Mr. Michael Luisi, the Soska Sisters (Co-Directors of SEE NO EVIL 2), and Mr. Zach Lipovsky (Director of LEPRECHAUN: ORIGINS) the latest movie from WWE Studios that features Hornswaggle as the main character.
Five tables were set up for the interviews, and the stars of WWE rotated amongst the tables to talk to us and answer our questions. The Soska Sisters who are identical twins talked about how it was to direct Kane in his movie See No Evil II, and of their dream of challenging the WWE Bella Twins in the ring. WWE Studios President Michael Luisi told us that unlike the PG14 rated television shows the movies are rated R due to all the gore and violence. He said that there will be an upcoming animated movie for Wrestlemania called Scooby Doo and the Gang go to Wrestlemaina with many of the voices being that of WWE wrestlers including that of current WWE Woman's Champion A.J. The producer of the latest WWE film Leprechaun Origins Mr. Zach Lipovsky told us that this movie takes place in the modern day and is pure horror that will have people jumping out of their seats. The star of the movie is WWE wrestler Hoenswaggle who told us that he already wants to do the sequel. Hornswaggle has been wrestling for 7 years now, and has not had a major injury unlike some other wrestlers, and when asked who his favorite female wrestler was he answered all of them. Kane told us when asked how he has survived so long in wrestling (his debut was in 1992) and the WWE. He said one has to be dependable, work hard, and give it your all 100 percent of the time. As for the one match that he received his worst injury he said it was the steel cage match with Triple H where X-PAC slammed the cage door on his head, and that he still has a scar from it. Yes Kane is a big man at 7 foot tall, but he also has a heart as he told us of his feelings after his former manager Paul Bearer passed away. He shook our hands as he left and the interview session was over.
I went back on to the exhibit floor to get a few more final photos of Comic Con 2013, and on the way out I met a man dressed as Santa Claus who said Christmas is right around the corner to me.
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