Bronx News (Bxnews.net)

Deal of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:09:22 PST

NEW YORK, Jan. 27 - Take 20% off your first order at Akademiks.

Click on Bronx Deals

BxDeals

Housing for the needy?

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:10:35 PST

Board member owns over HALF A MIL on 2 properties

yet lives in state affordable housing

Avowed Socialist decries profit yet is making a killing

(Is Riverbay board member Bernard Cylich a two face.)

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 27- Riverbay board member Bernard Cylich, a man who has condemned the idea of profits through homeownership here, has no problem with homeownership for himself in other areas.

His homes have an assessed value of more than $600,000. It is widely assumed that the value of his real-estate holdings makes Cylich one of the most affluent shareholders in a Mitchell-Lama complex that is supposed to be for people of limited means.

Cylich, like a number of other national politicians, seems to have no problem telling Co-op City shareholders, “Do as I say, not as I do.” He supports homeownership for himself, but opposes it when it comes to Co-op City's shareholders.

Co-op City attorney Jeffrey Buss, in a recent memo to Riverbay president Helen Atkins, said that he has determined that the weight of the evidence suggests that Cylich and his wife maintain their primary residence in Co-op City --- at 120 DeKruif Place.

Nevertheless, public records show that Cylich and his wife, Elida, past contributors to two Communist Party campaigns for President by Gus Hall, have, within the last 10 years, purchased homes at 287 N. Mountain Road in Copake Falls, NY, and at 5119 Raspberry Road, in Charlotte, NC, a home that was built in 2006.

The board member, whose public statements here have reflected a disdain for the American capitalist system, has homes that tax assessors have valued at $605,800. The value of the home in Columbia County, NY, has been placed at $454,000, while the value of his two-story, North Carolina home has been placed at $151,800.

Cylich, a retired electrician, and his wife also own a timeshare at the Brevard Residence Condominiums in Melbourne, Fla. The value of the timeshare is unknown.

Cylich, when he was criticized several years ago for owning a home in upstate New York, said that Co-op City's low carrying charges have made it possible for his wife and him to save enough money to buy a home elsewhere.

Supporters of privatization have condemned Cylich for the seeming hypocrisy of opposing homeownership here and supporting it when it comes to his homes in other places.

Give your Valentine a cockroach?

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:42:20 PST

(Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher © WCS)

NEW YORK – January 26, 2012 – Valentines Day is upon us and there is no better way to say “forever” than with the gift of a cockroach. The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is offering a light-hearted way to make sure your loved one knows your feelings are forever – with a roach in their name and a 100 percent solid dark chocolate COCOA-ROACH.

Last year thousands of hopeless romantics from around the world named real live Madagascar hissing cockroaches at WCS’s Bronx Zoo after their favorite loved one, “ex,” or mother-in-law. The zoo is again offering the opportunity to name a new crop of cockroaches for Valentine’s Day 2012. Each gift comes with a colorful certificate emailed to your loved one announcing that a cockroach has been named in his or her honor.

To make the offer even sweeter, this year you can also purchase a COCOA-ROACH for that special someone – a genuine artisanal 100 percent solid dark chocolate likeness of a Madagascar hissing cockroach – the world’s largest member of the roach family. COCOA-ROACHES are created with precision and artistry by chocolatier Sabrina Berkowitz of The Chocolate Box NYC. Brilliantly crafted to include every detail, each COCOA-ROACH is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Visit www.bronxzoo.com/roach to see the video and place an order. Each name costs $10; COCOA-ROACHES are an additional $15 for one or $25 for a COCOA-ROACH couple. All proceeds will go to help the Wildlife Conservation Society save wildlife and wild places around the world.

The zoo has plenty of roaches to name with thousands of the super-sized bugs on exhibit in Madagascar!—an award-winning habitat for lemurs, crocodiles, and many other species from the African island nation.

Madagascar hissing cockroaches are the world’s largest roach species reaching nearly four-inches long. The namesake hissing noise is emitted as a defense mechanism. Like nearly every roach species, Madagascar hissing cockroaches are not considered pests and rarely enter homes.

COCOA-ROACHES are 100 percent solid chocolate and are NOT chocolate covered roaches. COCOA-ROACHES must be ordered by Monday, February 6, 2012 to ensure delivery for Valentine’s Day. For more information about The Chocolate Box NYC, visit www.thechocolateboxnyc.com.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Zoo fave picks Giants to win Superbowl

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:50:53 PST

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Zoo fave picks Giants to win Superbowl: Photo by WCS Bronx, NY – January 26, 2012 – Kiani, a 630-pound male California sea lion, joined Bronx Zoo animal keeper Cindy Maur; ...

Zoo fave picks Giants to win Superbowl

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:43:18 PST

Photo by WCS

Bronx, NY – January 26, 2012 – Kiani, a 630-pound male California sea lion, joined Bronx Zoo animal keeper Cindy Maur; Jim Breheny, WCS Executive Vice President and Bronx Zoo Director; and Fox 5 reporter Jill Nicolini for a live segment on Good Day New York. When asked for his prediction of Super Bowl XLVI, Kiani promptly shook his head in favor of a New York Giants victory. When asked about Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Kiani lay on the ground to indicate Brady would be spending much of the game on the turf. Kiani has never been wrong with his Super Bowl picks. (This is his first!)

Community shocked by fatal social club shooting

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:44:15 PST

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 26- Police continue to search for the gunman who opened fire on a crowded Morris Park street, killing one man and wounding another before fleeing and disappearing into the night.

Officers from the 49th Precinct were called to Cafe Serata, at 1808 Hone Avenue at Morris Park Avenue, at 5:15 p.m., on Saturday, January 21. Upon their arrival, the officers discovered two men had been shot.

Both victims were removed to Jacobi Hospital, one man was shot in the torso and was not expected to survive; the second, a 35-year old male was shot in both arms and was expected in stable condition and was expected to recover.

Police would later announce that the most seriously wounded victim had died upon arrival to the hospital. He was later identified as Pellumb Fusha, 39, of Eastchester, N.Y.

Sources say police are looking for a 22-year old Albanian male with a beard, who was wearing a black leather jacket, black pants and a white t-shirt, who reportedly fled on foot down Hone Avenue towards Rhinlander Avenue.

Several residents blamed the shooting and other recent incidents on local gangs in the area, however one local resident stated, "This kind of stuff happens all over, it's the times we live in."

Deal of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:01:02 PST

NEW YORK, Jan. 26- Get a microwave for

under $70 bucks.

BBQ grill

prices slashed.

Click on Bronx Deals

BxDeals

Co-op to shareholders: You owe $19M

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:20:27 PST

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 26- Shareholders, former shareholders, and commercial tenants owe the Riverbay Corporation more than $19 million in arrears.

Nineteen million dollars represents an estimated 19 percent in carrying charges that shareholders have to pay. Co-op City's revenues for the year that ended on March 31 of last year added up to $192.7 million.

Riverbay's financial statement, which was recently published in the Co-op City Times, showed that management has made an allowance of $10.3 million for uncollectible debts.

Even with the $10.3 million subtracted from Co-op City's arrears, shareholders, former shareholders, and commercial tenants owed Riverbay close to $8.5 million in arrears by the end of March in 2011.

Arrears, with uncollectible debts subtracted, were close to $6.3 million by the end of March in 2010.

Of the more than $19 million in arrears, with uncollectible debts included, more than $13.7 million were shareholders' debts as of March of last year, while close to $2.9 million were commercial tenants' arrears. An additional $2.1 million were other arrears.

In the local community, it is a routine for late-paying shareholders to line up to pay their carrying charges the last days of months to avoid the imposition of costly legal fees for those who don't pay their carrying charges by the last day of the month.

Carrying charges are due the first day of the month, but there is a 10-day grace period for payments.

Those making payments after the 10th of the month have to pay late fees, but legal frees aren't charged until the first day of the next month.

In an effort to deal with carrying-charge arrears, management has cracked down on late payers of carrying charges who have vehicles in the community's garages.

Those who don't pay their carrying charges for two months face the revocation of their agreements to keep their vehicles in the community's garages.

Civic activist Frank Belcher said, this week, that the growing problem with arrears in the community is a reflection of poor economic conditions, as well as management's lack of sufficient scrutiny in its apartment-application process.

Cylich supporter tried to quash Cylich probe

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:19:46 PST

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 26- Riverbay board member Bernard Cylich and Andrea Leslie, a supporter on the board, tried, unsuccessfully, to quash attorney Jeffrey Buss' probe of Cylich's land holdings.

Buss conducted the probe in response to an inquiry from Riverbay president Helen Atkins, who expressed concern that Cylich, who is required to maintain his primary residence in Co-op City in order to own an apartment in the Mitchell-Lama development, owned homes in other places.

Buss, in response to Cylich and Leslie, said that the probe of Cylich's personal affairs was warranted because having a primary residence is a legal requirement for serving on the Riverbay board and living in the local community.

Buss, in a letter to Leslie, pointed out that Sy King, a former Riverbay board member, was forced, in 1999, to give up his seat on the Riverbay board and move out of the community because he had declared, in his application for a mortgage, that his primary residence was in North Carolina, rather than in Co-op City.

In contrast to King, Cylich reportedly spends considerable time in the Bronx and regularly attends Riverbay board meetings even though he owns one home in upstate New York and another home in Charlotte, NC.

Cylich's attendance record is considerably better than that of many other board members, some of whom rarely attend board members and rarely vote on resolutions from telephone hookups.

Charter school collects food for needy families

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:15:17 PST

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 26- The Equality Charter School community is proud of its efforts in collecting 620 non-perishable items for the Church of the Savior's food pantry, which operates out of the church at DeKruif Place.

The effort by administrators, teachers, students, and parents of students made it possible for the church, in an effort spearheaded by the pastor's wife, Theresa Smith, to feed 75 needy families in the Co-op City community.

To spur collections of food, the Equality Charter School sponsored a competition among the grades that the school encompasses. Seventh-grade classes won the competition, but Favrol Philemy, the charter school's assistant principal, said that everyone in the school community gained something from the experience of reaching out to help people in need.

Lynn Harrison, a 7th-grade teacher who is among the members of the charter school's Community Involvement Committee, said that the food-collection drive was especially meaningful for her because she grew up in Co-op City and currently lives in the local community.

“My mother raised me in Co-op City, so it is especially meaningful for me to be able to help people in my community,” Harrison said. “My previous experience was at a charter school in the south Bronx, so I jumped at the opportunity to work at a charter school, which is located in the community that has been a center of my entire adult life.”

Harrison added, “Becoming a teacher, four years ago, was my present to myself when my mother died. I had worked, for years, in the corporate world, and I wanted to do something that would make every day in my life meaningful. At the Equality Charter School, one of our main missions is to make every day better than the previous day. “

Reflecting on the food that the Equality Charter School community collected for his church's food pantry, Rev. Robert Smith Jr., the church's pastor, said that the collection drive should stand out as an example of what people of good will can accomplish for people in need.

“There are many needy people in this community who need help, and we are determined to help as many people as we can,” the pastor stressed. “We thank the Equality Charter School community for their help in our

Einstein post office saved

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:13:19 PST

Dreiser station still faces ax

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 26- Rep. Joseph Crowley, who has helped to lead the fight to save Co-op City's postal substations, said, this week, that postal officials have decided that the station in the Einstein Loop Shopping Center will remain open.

However, Crowley noted that the postal substation at Dreiser Loop remains on the potential chopping block.

Crowley, in a statement this week, vowed that he would continue to aid shareholders in the fight to keep the Dreiser Loop postal substation open.

The local Congressman, while acknowledging that the U. S. Postal Service faces a daunting deficit, said that the closing of community facilities should never be a part of modifications aimed at saving money.

The Einstein Loop postal substation is among seven substations in the Bronx that have been saved from closing.

Postal officials have contended that computerization and the increasing use of digital devices have made it unnecessary for the USPS to operate all of its nearly 32,000 retail facilities in the nation.

However, Co-op City shareholders, speaking out through petitions and community rallies and meetings, have let it be known that many in the community, especially a large population of disabled people and senior citizens, need the community two postal substations.

Shareholders have pointed to the fact that many in the community don't own computers and are largely ignorant when it comes to the use of digital devices.

Shareholders have also pointed out that Co-op City's main post office, which is located on the outskirts of the community, is very inconveniently located.

Deal of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:05:42 PST

NEW YORK, Jan. 25- Get a car you can afford.

Pay less than $60 a month for a Nissan Sentra.

$0 money down!

Click on Bronx Deals

BxDeals

Forever a Yankee

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:43:07 PST

Posada says goodbye

(Photos by NY Yankees)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan 25- In front of the largest crowd ever assembled in the Press Conference Room at Yankee Stadium, Jorge Posada emotionally announced the end of his career as a major league baseball player. After 17 years of wearing the Yankees pinstripes, Posada decided to end his playing days never having worn the uniform of another big league club

The importance of the event to the organization was reflected by the number of its people who attended the conference. The top brass of the franchise, Hal and his sister, Jennifer, Steinbrenner, Lonn Trost, Randy Levine, Brian Cashman and Jean Afternan, several teammates including Posada’s best friend, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, CC Sabathia, former Yankees players Willie Randolph and Gene Michael were all present to show their respect and support of the Yankees 17 year stalwart.

At the dais with Posada were his wife, Laura, and his son and daughter, Jorge began his statement with a litany of thanks to those who made his career with the Yankees a reality. When speaking of his parents and sister, Posada chocked up with emotion. He did so again when he thanked his teammates.

The words of gratitude expressed by Posada were given to all he felt were responsible for his strength and his accomplishments. His biggest inspiration was his father, “I wouldn’t be here without him.” Of Derek Jeter, he said, “[He] made me stay focused and positive.” He told the group of season ticket holders who were present in the room to represent the fans, “You kept me going when I needed it the most.”

Posada spoke of his reasons for terminating his playing career at this time, “I’m tired. It’s a long season. I didn’t want to go through it [preparation for the season] anymore.” He explained that being behind the plate or batting solely as designated hitter was not the cause of terminating his career. He told several close to him last year that he planned for 2011 to be his final season. When asked if he thought he would, at some point, change his mind regarding retirement, he explained, “I don’t see myself coming back.”

Posada, by retiring, also ended any opportunity to play for another big league team. Of his everlasting ties to the Yankee organization, Posada stated, “I had the idea to go play somewhere else, but I knew, in my heart and in my head, I wouldn’t. I could never wear another uniform. I will forever be a Yankee.”

The emotional backstop has been in the Yankees organization since being drafted in 1990 while a teenage student at Calhoun Community College in Alabama. He met Core Four members Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte in 1991 and Derek Jeter in 1992 when all were Yankees minor leaguers. Of the bond between the four, Posada explained, “We grew up together. They’re like brothers.”

Since his childhood in his native Puerto Rico, Posada loved baseball and has been committed to participating in the sport as his career. Nothing discouraged him from achieving his goal, “I always thought I would make it [to the major leagues] as a kid and in the minors.”

Posada looked back in time to recount the moments that were most memorable to him. On a positive note, he listed first coming to the team during the 1995 season, catching the Perfect Game pitched by David Wells in 1998 and the moment of victory at the conclusion of the 1999 World Series.

There are negative moments in everyone’s life and career. Posada cited allowing three passed balls in a minor league game, early in his days as a catcher in 1991 and attempting to come back after an ankle injury in 1994.

Posada did not speak of any future job endeavors he was looking toward in the future. His only immediate concern was being able to spend more time with his wife and children, “I have no plans. I’ll rest and enjoy the summer with my children.”

The classy program of farewell for Posada was planned by Yankees Vice President and Director of Marketing Deborah Tymon. Every moment of the event brought forth good memories for all present and all viewing on television.

Heartfelt words of praise from the widow of former Yankees catcher Thurman Munson stirred the emotions, “This is the man who brought me back to baseball…after losing Thurman. I am so lucky to have loved two Yankees catchers.”

A mother with her son beside her spoke of the importance of the work done by Jorge and Laura Posada through their foundation, Jorge Posada Foundation, for families with children with craniosynostosis, the birth defect diagnosed in their son when he was 10 days old.

A moving video that featured Yankees fans paying tribute to Posada was shown. The feature, with its prominent inclusion of the fans displayed the organization’s realization of the importance of its supporters.

Posada will certainly return to Yankee Stadium. He will be a popular figure at future Old timers’ Days. There should be a Jorge Posada Day in the near future. Possibly, there will one day be a local celebration of Posada’s election to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Dewitt doubles up on victory

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:52:37 PST

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Gary Quintal

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 23- Dewitt Clinton boys basketball improved to 10-6 after a week in which they nearly doubled up on two opponents.

Wednesday's contest against Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy (RKA) was a slow grind through the first half. RKA led on the first basket of the game but would never lead again as the two battled through missed shots and missed free throws to a half-time lead of 24-16 for Clinton. The score was tied at 10-10 early in the second quarter, but Clinton used a 10-0 run through the middle of the second quarter to put them up 20-10.

RKA opened the scoring in the second half as well, but its momentum was quickly stopped and the slow grind of the first half turned into a runaway for the Governeors. Trailing by only six with much of the quarter left, Clinton started another run that nailed the game shut. Halfway through the quarter Clinton put on a 19-0 run ending the third quarter essentially putting RKA away with a 47-22 lead.

RKA could find no way to respond until a basket a minute into the fourth quarter. As impressive as Wednesday's win was, Clinton was set to outdo itself with Friday's victory almost tripling up Alfred E Smith campus 70-25. Staying within two games of Bronx A West division leaders Taft, Clinton will have a chance to grab the division with only four games remaining, including a home contest against the division leader on January 30th.

Whose money is it?

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:49:31 PST

Wakefield Area News

By Mary V. Lauro

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 23- Here we are living in the midst of what has been dubbed "The Great Recession." What it amounts to is that money has become scarce. Everywhere there are cost saving measures. And everywhere, it seems, nothing works. For example, it is now income tax time, but neither the Feds nor the State are sending us Tax Return Forms. We are told they are available at libraries and post offices. Notice that what used to be a service for us now requires us to do the work that we had hired other people to do.

Careful reading of that last sentence makes no sense unless the following is understood. The government whether it is Federal, State or local has no money of its own! The money they have to pay their employees, their bureaucracies, their rebates, their charitable works (welfare, food stamps, homeless shelters, etc.) is our money. Yes! Yours, mine, and businesses. The only money governments have is what we give them in the form of taxes. Indeed the point of taxes is to pay for government services. In the city these would include teachers, police, firemen, sanitation, etc.

Likewise, our income taxes pay for all the bureaus and bureaucracies in Washington. All these years our money paid the IRS to do its job, one of which was to send us tax forms. But the IRS doesn't seem to have the funds or the inclination to mail our forms and instructions, so it asks us to go to the library or the post office. But when one does go, one finds the library doesn't have the forms one wants. What next? Sure, one can call the IRS and have the forms mailed, Think of all the extra time, possibly carfare and other inconveniences simply to do what once was so simple. This is an extra tax which is being thrust upon us!

Then ask yourself why is the IRS so short funded? Why is the Post Office so short funded that it must constantly seek increases in postage and now threatens to shorten delivery time? Ask yourself what is the largest outlay of all government agencies whether national or local. The answer is simple. It is salary compensation which includes benefits! Everyone wants more money. The only way to provide it is to cut services or find a way to make the citizen pay for it. These are not so hidden extra taxes.

Since the City can't print money and must live within its means in order to provide the funds to recycle, it asks us to pay for plastic bags and our time to do the job intended for sanitation. Whenever there is cost cutting such as closing fire houses or lowering the number of police ask where the money is going. We note that fire houses are closed, but homeless shelters increase. We note the Mayor is offering a plan to increase the salaries of excellent teachers by $20,000/year. Where will he get this money if his plan is accepted? Easy. By increasing the nickels and dimes he can get by enforcing those laws affecting common folk who do not work for the City (i.e. raise parking meter costs, get more agents to issue parking tickets, raise real estate tax, etc.). Meanwhile, more important laws in a well ordered city are overlooked such as illegal housing and construction, traffic violations, sign postings, etc.

A great deal is said in newspapers and around about the one percent of individuals who have or earn scads of money. The run of the mill thought is that they should pay higher taxes. Perhaps. But, we think the more important question is what is being done with our money and where is it going?

On Thin Ice

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:47:07 PST

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 23- Just when you think a project is on hold the city will go ahead full steam on it. I refer to the ice skating rink proposed by the mayor for Van Cortlandt Park in his State of the City speech 2011 edition.

The Department of Parks sent out a request for proposal (RFP) that was due in May of 2011 for such a project. Only one bidder sent in a reply, and it was reported that that the bidder had helped make up the RFP. Community Board #8 had special meetings set up monthly for just when the Parks Department would release the exact details of the temporary ice skating rink and the winning bidder. The summer passed and the end of the year was approaching, so the Parks Department which had said it was in negotiations with the winning bidder announced that they were going to have a temporary mini ice skating rink put in that would not require any approval at all. Since this mini rink would only be up for 30 days no approval would be needed, as it would be treated like a circus permit.

One thing that the mini rink would need (like the bigger rink) would be an electrical upgrade. Due to the big snowstorm in late October Con Edison could not install the electrical upgrade on time, so the idea of a mini rink was abandoned. Community Board #8 had passed a resolution decrying the attempted end run around the Concession and Franchise Committee vote on the ice skating rink at VCP, and many had thought the issue was dead for a while.

In a memorandum from the Parks Department dated January 20, 2012 the Parks Department has sent out a notice of a joint public hearing with the Franchise and Concession Review Committee for the intent to award a concession for the development, operation, and maintenance of a seasonal ice skating rink at Van Cortlandt Park for 15 years. By the way the first two years are at no cost to the winning bidder Van Cortlandt Park Ice Rink LLC, and would seem to be a trial period in case no money can be made on the rink.

Monday February 6^th is the date of the joint meeting of the Franchise and Concession Review Committee and Parks Department on the issue of the ice skating rink at VCP. The location is 22 Reade Street Manhattan, and will start at 2:30 PM. You can see a draft copy of the license agreement at the Parks Department office located at 830 Fifth Avenue Room 313 in Manhattan from 9 AM – 5 PM Monday thru Friday only.

Community Board #8 has scheduled a special public hearing for Thursday February 2nd at Manhattan College School of Engineering, 3825 Corlear Avenue, Fishbach Room, 4th Floor, (one block west of West 238th Street & Broadway) at 7:30 p.m. To discuss the intent to award as a concession the development, operation, and maintenance of a seasonal ice skating rink at Van Cortlandt Park Park in the Bronx to Van Cortlandt Park LLC. You probably know as much about this proposed ice skating rink as most people know, and that is very little as any exact details have been kept secret up to now if any details do exist. Also the RFP was changed during the bidding process, and details changed to move an unknown electrical upgrade underground in an unknown size of hole that would have to be built in the park.

Getting to other Community Board meetings, Community Board #7 will be holding a public hearing on Public Safety & Quality of on Friday January 27th from 6-9 p.m. at Monroe College King Hall Gym 2501 Jerome Ave. Community Board #7 will also be holding a public hearing on the Conversions of Select side Streets Along East Gun Hill Road to one way Streets on Monday January 30, from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Montefiore Community Center Auditorium 3450 DeKalb Avenue. You can call CB7 at 718-033-5650 for more information.

We reported on the mayors State of the City address last week, and on Thursday February 23rd Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will be giving his State of the Bronx address at the Truman High School Auditorium located at 750 Baychester Avenue starting at 11:30 AM. We are looking for a very uplifting speech from BP Diaz.

Lastly we would be remiss if we didn't inform you of the results of the Republican South Carolina primary. With candidate Rick Santorum credited with a victory in Iowa after a recount, and Candidate Mitt Romney winning New Hampshire it seems fitting that candidate Newt Gingrich won the South Carolina primary. The four candidates in the race now travel to Florida, and you can check my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to see who I picked to win in South Carolina, and just whom I think will face President Barack Obama.

If you have any comments about anything in 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 100perctntbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.

Deal of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:39:21 PST

NEW YORK, Jan. 23- Layaway for the big game. Get a super TV for the big game and pay for it over time. FREE shipping on TVs.

Click on Bronx Deals

BxDeals

Deal of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:34:19 PST

Online Furniture Sale

NEW YORK, Jan. 21- Furnish your house for under $200.

Click on Bronx Deals

BxDeals

Deal of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:42:19 PST

SUPER SAVINGS

NEW YORK, Jan. 20- Get great deals in preparation for the big games this weekend.

Click on Bronx Deals

BxDeals

Nailbiter! Fordham Nips URI, 66-64,

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:59:33 PST

(Photos by Ken Carozza)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 19- Four days after the Fordham women’s basketball team won its first Atlantic-10 conference game of the season over the Rams of the University of Rhode Island, the Fordham men’s team (8-9, 1-3) nipped URI, 66-64, on a 3 pointer from Alberto Estwick with 28 seconds remaining in the contest. The win was the first conference victory for the men.

The visitors took an early lead, 11-2, at 15:41. The largest advantage garnered by URI was 19-8 at 12:41. A 13-2 scoring run by Fordham tied the game at 21 with 8:10 left in the half. A layup by Marvin Dominique with 27 seconds remaining in the first half gave Fordham its first advantage in the game. Fordham led, 40-38, at the half. The 40 points on 54.8 percent shooting from the floor was the highest first half point total by Fordham this season.

Chris Gaston, Fordham’s leading scorer and rebounder was ejected from the contest at 1:02 before the end of the first half for committing a Flagrant 2. The foul will also force him to be excluded from Fordham’s next game, January 21, at St. Bonaventure.

The two points he scored moved him to 19^th place in Fordham career scoring with 1,211 points and his two rebounds raised him to 6^th place in career rebounds with 813.

Neither team could reach more than a five point advantage in the second half. Each team scored 26 points in the half. Fordham was trailing, 64-63, until Estwick netted the game’s final basket.

Fordham Coach Tom Pecora expressed his pleasure with his senior’s outstanding game, “I’m thrilled for Alberto. As a senior, he stuck in there through good times and bad times and tolerated everything. When he took that last shot in the corner, I said ‘God, if anyone deserves to make this, it’s this kid.’”

Estwick was among several Fordham Rams who raised their level of performance to make up for the absence of Gaston. The guard scored 19 on 7 of 9 shooting from the floor. Estwick’s previous high point total this season was seven.

Sophomore Branden Frazier was Fordham’s top scorer with 19. He also dished six assists to his teammates.

Gaston’s usual numbers under the boards was replaced by the efforts of Dominique and Kervin Bristol, each of whom grabbed eight rebounds.

Jonathon Holton of URI grabbed a game-high of 18 rebounds. Billy Baron, son of the coach, Jim Baron, scored a game high of 22 points.

Fordham will return to the Bronx to face George Washington on Saturday afternoon, January 28.

Seabrook to face second trial on corruption charges

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:26:37 PST

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 19- The U. S. Attorney's Office said a second trial of City Councilman Larry Seabrook on federal corruption charges has been scheduled for June 19 in Manhattan's Federal Courthouse.

Seabrook, in December, walked out of court a free man after the jury in the case deadlocked on all 13 counts of criminality that federal prosecutors had brought against him.

In a second trial, key witnesses in the case will be locked into the testimony they gave during the trial, late last year, in Federal Court.

The votes on whether to acquit or convict Seabrook were reportedly different on each of the counts, according to press reports. A unanimous verdict is required to convict a defendant on any criminal charge.

The “hung jury” in the case prompted calls for Seabrook's resignation from City News and others, but the Councilman, saying that his actions were consistent with politics in the city and the nation, has refused to step down from his post.

Prior to the trial, it had seemed as if Seabrook would be convicted on at least one of the counts for which he had been charged in a 65-page indictment.

However, during the course of the Councilman's three-week trial, his attorneys, in their cross examinations of key witnesses, raised serious questions about testimony that seemed to implicate the long-time lawmaker in kickback and money laundering.

One key witness in the case, Gloria Jones-Grant, Seabrook's girlfriend and a major principal in community groups Seabrook allegedly set up for money laundering, reportedly acknowledged in cross examination, that she was suffering from memory lapses triggered by the early onset of Alzheimer's disease.

William Low, a second witness who had been one of Seabrook's closest confidants, said, in response to questions about expenditures he signed off on, reportedly stated that he almost never scrutinized the receipts for payments that the Councilman submitted.

A third witness, Leon Eastmond Jr., denied, in cross examination, that Seabrook “shook him down” for $50,000 in payments, over a four-year period, to the Councilman's community groups in return for help in getting the boiler contract for the new Yankee Stadium.

Eastmond, one of Seabrook's leading campaign contributors for decades, reportedly testified that it was not unusual for him to contribute to Seabrook or the groups he had set up to help serve his constituents.

Deal of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:13:33 PST

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 19-Digital cameras under $100!

Save $100 off LCD HDTV

Click on Bronx Deals

BxDeals

Burly bank robber hits Parkchester

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:57:02 PST

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 19- A burly bank robber made off with cash when he struck a Parkchester bank last week.

At around 1:20 p.m. on January 14, cops say the large man walked up to a teller at Chase Bank on Metropolitan Avenue and demanded money. The suspect fled on foot with an undetermined amount of cash.

Police released surveillance video of the suspect in the hopes that the public can identify the bank robber.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit 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): Co-op City Cold Case

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:16:24 PST

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Co-op City Cold Case: Who strangled man in his own apartment? Reward offered By Michael Horowitz The NYPD is offering a $2,000 award for information leadi...

Co-op City Cold Case

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:57:35 PST

Who strangled man in his own apartment?

Reward offered

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 19- The NYPD is offering a $2,000 award for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the strangulation murder of Steven Williams, 59, in his apartment in Building 28A.

A cousin, Sandra Perry, reportedly found Williams strangled in his apartment two days after he was reportedly killed.

The victim's personal belonging, with the exception of a small television, were found in the apartment after the victim's death.

Perry reportedly checked on her cousin regularly, bringing the man, who had lived alone, food and helping him with household chores.

The only other contacts Williams reportedly had were with another cousin, Arlene Smith, and friends he regularly chatted with while sitting on benches in a park-like area near his building.

Family members are in the process of raising additional money to supplement the $2,000 reward for information that the NYPD is now offering.

Information relating to the mysterious killing can be reported at (1-800) 577-TIPS. If the information supplied leads to an arrest in the case, the NYPD will pay the reward that is being offered.

Links for 2011-12-05 [Digg]

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Bronx News Sports: Ravens fly high with win

Links for 2011-12-02 [Digg]

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

State looking into Co-op crony capitalism

Links for 2011-11-28 [Digg]

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Crony capitalism in Co-op City?
The Riverbay board, last Wednesday night, rejected a resolution calling for a subsidiary of Hagedorn Communications, the parent company of City News and Bronx News, to print the Co-op City Times. Deadline Printing, in May, had been the lowest of three competitive bids that were submitted for the printing of management's house organ.

Links for 2011-11-25 [Digg]

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Bronx News Sports: Mount stuffs Hayes 34-0 in Turkey Bowl
A game highlighted by long runs and sparkling defense from the Mount Saint Michaels secondary resulted in a 34-0 victory for the Mountaineers in their annual turkey-bowl contest with Hayes.

Links for 2011-11-21 [Digg]

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Fordham drop contest to Holy Cross, 41-21; Coach Tom Masella Fired

Links for 2011-11-18 [Digg]

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Mall could help reduce Bronx’s 13% unemployment rate
Bronx, NY- With unemployment in the Bronx estimated at more than 13 percent, Bay Plaza's new mall promises to be a big economic boon for Co-op City and the rest of the Bronx.

Links for 2011-11-14 [Digg]

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Bucknell Blanks Fordham, 21-0