Fordham Basketball Opens with Wins

Fordham University Men’s and Women’s Hoopsters Win on First Day of 2013-14 Season

Photos by Gary Quintal

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 11- The first games of the 2013-14 college basketball season were played last Friday throughout the nation. In the Bronx, the men’s and women’s teams of Fordham University were both victorious in a Friday night doubleheader at the Rose Hill Gym.

The University of San Francisco Dons travelled 3,000 miles to drop its opening game, 80-66, to Fordham. In the second game, the Fordham men crushed the St. Francis University Red Flash, 87-67.

The visitors from California showed no ill effects from their cross country journey early in the contest as they took an eight point advantage with 11:47 remaining in the half. The Rams then scored nine unanswered points to take a 21-20 lead.

The half ended with Fordham ahead by nine points, 47-38. The first 20 minutes were closer than the lead appeared as there were three ties and six lead changes. Fordham controlled the boards with 26 rebounds to 11 for the Dons, which led the Rams to 15 second chance points to four for the Dons. The visitors led the Rams 11-0 in points off turnovers.

The top scorer of the first half was Hannah Missry. The New Jersey native continued her 3-point excellence from high school as she netted 4 for 8 from the perimeter to score 14 for the half.

The Rams quickly moved to a double digit lead in the second half. A three by Erin Rooney at 8:19 gave Fordham a game high advantage of 18 (67-49). They coasted to the victory.

Fordham senior Abigail Corning led the game in points with 22, 14 in the second half. Rooney achieved a double-double, 19 points and 10 boards. Missry finished with 14 and another Jersey freshman, Danielle Padavano, scored 10.

After two games on the road, the Rams will return to the Bronx to face University of the Pacific on Sunday afternoon, November 17.

Thirty minutes after the women’s contest concluded, the men tipped-off. As in the opening contest, the two teams competed evenly during the early minutes. The score was tied at 19 with 8:57 left in the first half. The Rams scored 17 straight points to gain the ninth lead change of the half and a double figure advantage that was never overturned. The half ended with Fordham leading, 45-27. Mandell Thomas paced the Rams with 13 points and six boards.

Fordham started the second half with a 12-4 scoring run to increase its advantage to 26 (57-31) at 16:24. The Rams were never challenged as their lead only dropped below 20 once in the final 18 minutes. Fordham coach Tom Pecora commented on the late game surge, “We decided to bear down, especially in the second half.

Freshman Jon Severe, New York State’s Mr. Basketball as a senior last year at Christ the King high school, led all scorers with 28 points, a Fordham mark for the first game of a college freshman. Severe was especially accurate from long range, netting 7 of 12 from 3-point range.

Seniors Bryan Smith (18) and Brandon Frazier (10) also scored in double figures. Pecora praised the two, “Great support and leadership from Bryan and Brandon.” Of Smith’s 7 for 14 shooting, Pecora remarked, “Bryan’s an exceptional shooter.”

Pecora although pleased with the result, warned his players and the team’s rooters against being overconfident, “It’s very good for us to come out of the gate like this. Every night is not going to be like this, but we hope many are.”

After a road contest at Syracuse, The Rams return home on Friday, November 15 to play Lehigh.  

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): City Island Eyesore

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): City Island Eyesore: Pols Sue to Stop New Bridge                                                                                                              ...

City Island Eyesore

Pols Sue to Stop New Bridge

                                                                                                                          

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 8- Standing at the foot of the historic, 112-year old City Island bridge, Senator Klein, community leaders, and local business owners announced the filing of a civil lawsuit against the Department of Transportation as part of their effort to halt construction on the bridge's controversial new replacement. The new bridge's proposed design includes a 150-foot tower and an aesthetic that many residents believes threatens the unique and historic character that drives thousands of tourists to City Island each year. Despite serious concerns raised by community members, Island residents and business owners were never formally invited to be part of the process.

When the Department of Transportation announced work on a temporary bridge in late September, the City Island Civic Association met with Senator Klein to explore possible legal options. After meeting with the City Island Civic Association, Senator Klein, working with volunteer staff members from the offices of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Assemblyman Mike Benedetto and Council Member Jimmy Vacca, developed a legal strategy to ensure that voices of City Islanders are heard and that the proposed design is subject to a more comprehensive review prior to construction. 

Senator Jeff Klein said, "Putting a cable-stayed bridge over Eastchester Bay is like telling the Starship Enterprise it can land at LaGuardia – it just doesn’t fit. We should not have to sacrifice the majesty of City Island in exchange for a 21st century bridge. As I have said all along, the community should have been consulted throughout this process. With the Department of Transportation moving ahead with a design that does not address some of the community's biggest concerns, I think it's important we file this lawsuit to make sure that the City Island community's voices are heard.

"After reviewing possible courses of action against the proposed design for the new bridge, I have worked with the Civic Association on developing a legal strategy. Working with the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Assemblyman Mike Benedetto and Council Member Jimmy Vacca, I plan to do everything possible to ensure that the City Island community's voices are heard."   

City Island Civic Association Officer, Barbara Dolensek said, “For over 10 years the Civic Association has tried to get the Department of Transportation to honor our concerns about the new bridge, but they continue to force a bridge on us that City Island residents and business owners don't want. Finally, with the help of Senator Klein and other local elected officials, we have found a way to make sure our voices are heard!”  

In the lawsuit, the City Island Civic Association and Barbara Dolensek, challenge the action of the New York City Department of Transportation in moving forward with the replacement of the City Island Bridge and the construction of such replacement bridge by the contractor, Tutor Perini Corporation, without a completed Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (“ULURP) review. The ULURP review is required under Section 197-c of the New York City Charter. The purpose of the ULURP review is to measure the impact of proposed land uses and to take into account community input.

On September 30, 2013, the New York City Department of Transportation issued a Notice to Proceed with construction to Tutor Perini Corporation, without a completed ULURP review. As a result, NYC DOT is in violation of procedures set forth by ULURP.

The City Island Civic Association and Barbara Dolensek are seeking a Court order compelling a completed ULURP review prior to any funds being allocated or expended for or beginning construction in connection with the replacement of the City Island Bridge and a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to maintain the status quo during the pendency of this action. As the press conference concluded, Senator Klein was notified that the temporary restraining order had been issued.

“The people of City Island have the right to voice their concerns or support for the construction of a new City Island Bridge, and this lawsuit will ensure that this proposed bridge is subject to complete review. I strongly believe that the DOT should begin the ULURP process immediately, so that City Island residents have their chance to speak out on this proposal before a single shovel hits the ground. City Island residents have expressed real concerns with the design and cost of this bridge and it is imperative that the ULURP be completed with transparency and collaboration with the residents and businesses of City Island before the City moves forward with its new design.  I look forward to an amicable resolution to this entire matter,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Assemblyman Mike Benedetto said: "The proposed bridge in no way reflects City Island's unique charm and seaside landscape. That's why I have stood with the residents, business owners, community leaders and local elected officials in supporting legal action against the new bridge. We know that a new bridge is necessary, but I believe that the design should incorporate the input of the community it serves."

“For years, I, along with my fellow elected officials and the City Island community, have expressed our concerns about this new bridge, but the Department of Transportation has done little to address these issues. Once this lawsuit is filed, we can let the courts decide if this project should proceed as planned,” said Council Member Jimmy Vacca.

City Island Chamber of Commerce President Skip Giacco said, "From the Chamber's point of view, City Island is successful as a destination because it offers an alternative to the high-rise, high-density parts of the city. If built, the bridge, in its current design, will mark the beginning of a change on City Island that many residents and business owners don't support. At the very least, I believe that taking legal action will help ensure that our community's input is taken seriously."

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Johnson Avenue Festival Sunday

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Johnson Avenue Festival Sunday: Riverdale Report By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 8- If you liked the recent Riverdale Avenue Festival, those folks at KRV...

Johnson Avenue Festival Sunday

Riverdale Report

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 8- If you liked the recent Riverdale Avenue Festival, those folks at KRVDC are at it again with the upcoming Johnson Avenue Festival that will tale place on Sunday, November 10^th on Johnson Avenue Between West 235^th & West 236^th Streets from 12 – 4 p.m. There will be live music, face painting, original art for sale, delicious food available, games, children's activities, informational advice by professionals in several fields, and lots more on the Johnson Avenue that day.

The Johnson Avenue Festival is held so people will get to know all the stores on and around Johnson Avenue, and an have an opportunity to spend some time on the New Johnson Avenue Shopping area. There are some new stores however with the recent closing of Oregano’s there are still several vacant stores in the Johnson Avenue shopping area. It is hoped that this festival may spark an idea or two that will fill one or two of those once thriving stores that are now empty.

On Thursday, November 7^th Community Board 8 will be having its Land Use Meeting at the Conservative Synagogue on West 254^th Street & the Henry Hudson Parkway service road north. There are three items scheduled on the agenda, and items 1 & 3 may be of interest to different people.

Item #1 is for a proposed six-story mixed use commercial, community, and residential building with a full two level parking cellar located at 5959 Broadway at West 242^nd Street & Manhattan College Parkway.

Item #3 is a presentation by Simone Management of demolition, construction, and development of an 11-story medical facility with parking. 3741 & 3735 Riverdale Avenue and 3644 Oxford Avenue are the current building addresses that are being demolished.

There is wide speculation about Item #3, which has been seen to be in drawings a recessed 11-story building from Riverdale Avenue. It is believed that an 11-story building can be built on Oxford Avenue next to a current 11-story co-op building, but the height can only be six stories on Riverdale Avenue.

This new medical building would be a partnership of Montifore Hospital which currently has a clinic on Johnson Avenue, and Westmed which manages three excellent medical facilities in Westchester County. This would be a full service facility of a hospital, but have no hospital beds. All medical testing and specialty doctors would be in the new medical facility as are in Westmeds current facilities that are in partnership with other hospitals. New jobs would be provided and this facility would be a great benefit to the community. More on what went on at this meeting in next week's column.

Don't forget to check my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com for the latest on both of these items, and other items such as the latest listing of events going on at Wave Hill, items that may come in after our deadline, and the photos of the events such as the upcoming Johnson Avenue Festival.

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 News (Bxnews.net): Red Panda Cubs Make Their Zoo Debut

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Red Panda Cubs Make Their Zoo Debut: BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 8- Four red panda cubs are debuting at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo.  ...

Red Panda Cubs Make Their Zoo Debut

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 8- Four red panda cubs are debuting at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo. 

Two cubs are at the Himalayan Highlands at the Bronx Zoo and two are at Discovery Trail at the Prospect Park Zoo.

Both litters consist of a male and female and were born this summer.

WCS has a successful history breeding red pandas at the Bronx, Central Park and Prospect Park Zoos as part of the Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding program administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums designed to enhance the genetic viability and demographic stability of animal populations in accredited zoos.

Red pandas are native to Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. The subspecies of red panda at the Bronx Zoo (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) is found in the western part of their Himalayan range. The Prospect Park pandas (Ailurus fulgens refulgens) are a subspecies from the eastern portion of the range and are characteristically darker in color and slightly larger.

Panda cubs are born with a very soft, plush coat. They reach adulthood at around 18 months.

Adult red pandas have reddish-brown and black coats that serve as camouflage in the wild. They have an adaptation on their wrists much like a thumb that enables them to grasp food items like bamboo as well as tree branches.

The species is listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss caused by deforestation for timber, fuel and agricultural use. Their population is declining. WCS works in China and Myanmar to save red pandas and other Asian wildlife. 

CAUGHT ON TAPE

http://www.youtube.com/v/uzeBE-wMSDM?version=3&autohide=1&showinfo=1&autoplay=1&feature=share&attribution_tag=v_4xp7Kp7T1SzuCnl9lSJA&autohide=1

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Not Too-Bright

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Not Too-Bright: Day-Glo Dimwit Caught on Tape By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 7- If the burglar wanted to keep a low profile maybe he should ...

Not Too-Bright

Day-Glo Dimwit Caught on Tape

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 7- If the burglar wanted to keep a low profile maybe he should not have worn the day-glo traffic safety vest when he was caught on camera ripping off a medical facility.

Although this criminal mastermind did keep his hoodie up when he robbed a West Farms medical center, he did not wear a mask. In addition the day-glo traffic safety vest helped illuminate his face when his image was caught on surveillance video.

At around 3:45 a.m. on November 2, cops say the suspect broke the glass door of a medical center at 979 Cross Bronx Expressway and robbed the center. The suspect is seen on video carrying a giant screen TV out of the facility. 

Police are also asking for the public’s help in catching suspects in another burglary caught on tape. At around 2:30 p.m. on September 21, the two suspects entered a University Heights apartment through a window. Cops say the pair removed electronic equipment and paperwork.

The first suspect is described as wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a white shirt underneath, grey pants and white sneakers. The second suspect is described wearing a red and black baseball hat, a white hooded sweatshirt, green pants and black boots.

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 texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Can Fordham Be Stopped?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Can Fordham Be Stopped?: By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 6- On Saturday, the 8/9 nationally ranked Fordham Rams (9-0) gifted head coach Joe Moorhead wi...

Can Fordham Be Stopped?

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 6- On Saturday, the 8/9 nationally ranked Fordham Rams (9-0) gifted head coach Joe Moorhead with a come-from-behind 32-30 victory over the Holy Cross Crusaders (3-7) for his 40^th birthday. Fordham extended its undefeated season to nine games and earned the school the Ram-Crusader Cup, which is awarded to the winner of each contest between the two.

The capacity crowd at Jack Coffey Field in the Bronx was given a jolt early in the game as it appeared Fordham could lose its first game of the 2013 season. Fordham’s first scoring attempt, a 22-yard field goal by Michael Marando, was unsuccessful at 8:20 of the first quarter.

On the next drive of the contest, the Crusaders moved the ball 80 yards for the first score as quarterback Peter Pujals ran the ball for five yards and a touchdown. The extra point was missed.

Fordham took its first lead of the game on the next series of downs as Calvin Koonce, the team’s leading rusher, scored on an 11-yard carry. Fordham led, 7-6, at the end of the quarter.

The outcome looked bleak as the Crusaders scored the next 17 points. The first of those points was scored on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Pujals to Kyle Toulouse.

A 52-yard complete pass from Fordham quarterback Michael Nebrich to Tebucky Jones did not result in a touchdown as a fumble was forced and recovered by Holy Cross on its one yard line. 

After the contest, Jones remarked, “I made a mistake; that’s not acceptable. That’s not going to happen again.” 

It didn’t on Saturday as Jones completed the game with 120 yards on six receptions. Jones has 59 receptions and 789 yards this year. The Crusader possession following the fumble ended with a 46 yard field goal kicked by John Macomber.

Later in the second, a Nebrich pass was intercepted at the Holy Cross goal line, preventing another Fordham touchdown. The new possession by the Crusaders concluded with a Holy Cross touchdown instead, which brought the score to 23-7.

The final score of the first half was a 10-yard touchdown run by Nebrich.

Fordham exhibited its resilience in the second. After the contest, Morrhead said of his team, “In the second half, the team showed outstanding character.”

Nebrich scored his second touchdown of the afternoon on a seven-yard run on Fordham’s first drive of the second half for the only score by either squad in the third quarter.

Fordham next scored seven seconds into the final period as Nebrich threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Brian Wetzel. Dan Light scored the two-point conversion to give the Rams a 29-23 advantage.

The next Fordham drive culminated in a 39-field goal by Marando.

The final Crusader touchdown shortened the Fordham lead to 32-30, but was too late to alter the outcome of the contest.

Records were set by the Rams in the victory. The team broke its single game mark for total offense with 700 yards. Nebrich broke two of John Skelton’s single game records, passing yards gained with 524 on 39 completions of 49 attempts and total offense yards with 556.

Significant contributions were also made by others. Calvin Koonce gained 146 yards on the ground and 38 on three receptions. For the second straight year, he exceeded 1,000 yards (1,025) on the ground this season.

Sam Ajala gained 189 yards on 12 receptions, the junior leads the Rams with 64 receptions and 1,140 yards gained.

Linebacker Stephen Hodge had a career-high 15 tackles, 14 unassisted and four for yards lost. Moordhead praised the junior in a post-game press conference, “He’s a playmaker. The kid knows how to play the game of football.”

The night before the game, Moorhead told his players of the Heavyweight Championship bout in 1990 between Mike Tyson and Buster Douglas in which the prohibitive favorite, Tyson, lost. Moorhead explained the purpose of the story, “I didn’t want us to be overconfident or take our opponent too lightly.” 

That possibility, the one-week bye and costly turnovers that Moorhead said, “Didn’t allow us to take advantage [of the yards we gained]” may have led to a slow start, but did not prevent Fordham from being victorious.

Fordham’s next game will be against Bucknell at 1 pm on Saturday, November 9. It will be the final home game of the regular season.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): DeBlasio, DeBlasio

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): DeBlasio, DeBlasio: 100 PERCENT By Robert Press Since my deadline is before Election Day I can not give you the results until next week where I will try to expl...

DeBlasio, DeBlasio

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

Since my deadline is before Election Day I can not give you the results until next week where I will try to explain why it happened. Our headline was sung by newly elected Public Advocate Letitia James who was on hand with local Councilman Andy King, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Congressman Eliot Engel, Assemblyman Carl Heastie, and others on Monday November 4th when Bill deBlasio visited the Bay Eden Senior Center in the Edenwald section of the Bronx. This was a multi-part visit as the local elected officials warmed up the crowd of seniors before deBlasio arrived. Once Bill deBlasio arrived he was whisked to the front where the elected officials were speaking to give a last day reason why the voters at the senior center should vote for him. Deblasio said that people should not take his large lead in the polls as an excuse not to come out and vote, but urged all present to go vote on Tuesday November 5th. DeBlasio once again went through all the reasons why people should vote for him and not one of his opponents.

After deBlasio finished speaking he went around the room shaking hands with as many seniors as he could, and then went outside to hold a press conference. “The road to City Hall runs right through the Bronx” deBlasio said. He thanked Bronx Councilman Andy King for his support from the beginning when he announced that he was running for Mayor, and also said that he had supported Andy King in his special election race after the removal of former Councilman Larry Seabrook. After also thanking Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie, and Congressman Eliot Engel deBlasio took a few questions from the reporters gathered, and then left for another engagement.

After the press conference, I was able to catch BP Diaz and Assemblyman Heastie and ask them what they are expecting from new Mayor Bill deBlasio. Diaz said that he expects a fair shake from Mayor deBlasio on the problems of the Bronx. Diaz went into the subjects of schools, housing, senior services, and rattled off a few more areas that it seems the Bronx did not get enough services or aid. When I asked if he was worried about the Fresh Direct and Kingsbridge armory deals that were done through Mayor Bloomberg. Diaz replied that those projects are already in the pipeline.

As for just how the Mayor's race will go has to be explained in two different ways. First citywide the vote should be 65 – 70 percent for Bill deBlasio, 27 – 35 percent for Joe Lhota with up to 3 percent for all other candidates including 1 - 1.5 percent for Adolfo Carrion citywide. The Bronx vote is harder to gauge since Carrion is the former Bronx Borough President. I would have to guess 67 – 77 percent for Bill deBlasio, 10 – 15 percent for Joe Lhota, and 8 – 16 percent for the other candidates. It is most likely that Adolfo Carrion could finish second in the Bronx.

You can go to my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to read more and see photos of the “Shop and Frisk” demonstration that was held last Friday in front of the Macy's store in Parkchester. The demonstration was organized by Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, with help from Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo. 35 police officers were on hand to pen in the 75 protesters in the intersection opposite Macy's on Metropolitan Avenue. It was said that most Macy stores have jails (cells) to intimidate minority shoppers that Macy security have followed and accuse of shoplifting. Senator Diaz said that this is illegal and has introduced legislation to stop this “Shop and Frisk” of minority shoppers. 86 A.D. Assemblyman Elect Victor Pichardo was on hand to tell of his story as a teenager of this treatment that he went through. The chant of the crowd ended up “Shame on You Macy's”.

The Bronx Young Democrats had a hand here in the Bronx with the Bill deBlasio campaign. Several members of BYD were manning the offices that were used by the deBlasio campaign here in the Bronx. Look for some of these BYD's to be running for office soon, that is District Leader or State Committee party positions as a start next year maybe.

One famous South Park line is “They Killed Kenny”, and is it possible that the political life of Kenny Agosto is now dead. Kenny who was once considered a challenger to former Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera was thrown off the ballot in this year's 15th City council race. He then threw his support behind Albert Alvarez who finished a distant fourth in the council race. Kenny also was redistricted out of the 80th A.D. into the 78th A.D., so he will no longer be the Male District Leader of the 80th A.D. Also look for some other changes in the Liberty Democratic Association after Ritchie Torres has been elected to the City Council.

While I am on the subject of the city council could it be that councilwoman Melissa Mark-Vittero is the choice for speaker by Mayor Bill deBlasio when he gets elected. More next week.

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 News (Bxnews.net): Still Stumped by Sandy

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Still Stumped by Sandy: Residents still waiting for city to remove tree stumps By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 1- The Parks Department has bee...

Still Stumped by Sandy

Residents still waiting for city to remove tree stumps

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 1- The Parks Department has been inundated with requests to remove tree stumps, dead trees and repair sidewalk's since Superstorm Sandy-- but despite a $2 million increase in their annual budget, many stumps have been around for years before Sandy.

New York City lost an estimated 20,000 trees that line city streets when the storm struck our area on October 29, 2012. One such tree fell from outside of 17 E. 198 Street in Bedford Park, and landed on a two-family home across the street.

One resident of the block recalled the massive project to remove the giant tree and restore automobile traffic to E. 198 Street, he stated, "They came and cut it up and took it away, but look what they left."

A year after the storm one must navigate carefully across the narrow, dimly-lit street with minefields of cobblestone, just waiting to trip-up an unsuspecting traveler.

The source stated that it was police officers who removed the tree and not Parks Department workers or the sub-contractors who helped in New York City's recovery, many of whom have still not been paid.

The resident continued, "The condition is bringing rats, it's an

eyesore. It's a public hazard."

Another resident of the area explained, "It's so dangerous for a woman, I come off the 4-train and it's so dark, people can't see this."

The homeowner claims he has called 311 on five or six occasions.

A homeowner at 1700 Paulding Avenue in Morris Park says his tree was taken down by Parks Department workers years before Sandy, and he is still waiting.

The homeowner recently stated, "They were suppose to come back and fix the sidewalk and look at the stability and health of a couple of other trees." 

The tree died, like thousands of other via infestation of the Asian

long-horned beetle which was nearly eradicated, but has since made a strong recovery and is once again threatening the nearly 793,000 new trees planted through Mayor Michael Bloomberg's initiative Million Trees NYC.

One such tree planting event was held at Pelham Bay Park on October 10, when Parks officials were joined by members of the National Football League. The event culminated with a massive tree planting in the Rockaways, when 20,000 trees and 5,000 shrubs were planted.

According to Nathan Arnosti of the Parks Department, Parks has a budget of $5,776.164, "for pruning contracts and stump removal, an increase of $2 million from the previous fiscal year."

Barley acknowledging the problem, Arnosti continued, "The city lost approximately 20,000 street trees due to Hurricane Sandy, leaving an estimated 7,000 stumps."

Arnosti added, "An additional 2,000 to 3,000 trees whose damage from Sandy was not apparent until Spring: 2013 are in the process of being removed, and this coming spring Parks will be monitoring the health of an additional 4,000 trees that suffered damage from Sandy in the inundation zones."

The Parks Department spokesman added, "The costs of this ongoing removal process are still being determined."

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): One Year After Sandy:City Isle Eatery Reopens

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): One Year After Sandy:City Isle Eatery Reopens:                                                                                                                                           ...

One Year After Sandy:City Isle Eatery Reopens

BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 31- Standing at the far end of City Island, elected officials, members of the City Island business community and the owners of Tony’s Pier, came together to celebrate its re-opening a year after a fire consumed the entire restaurant during the height of Superstorm Sandy.

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."

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 52^nd 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 52^ndPrecinct 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.

Woman, 79, Shot Near Yankee Stadium

(Photo by David Greene)

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. 

Chinese Takeout Stickup Artist Caught on Tape

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.