December's Mount Hope Monitor

The latest edition of the Monitor is now online.

Stories include:

Following Election, Cautious Optimism Among Bronx Africans
At 1:30 p.m. on a recent Friday afternoon, the Islamic Cultural Center on the corner of Walton and Tremont avenues teemed with activity as the faithful arrived to pray.

A Quiet Start for the Tenant Protection Act
A new law designed to protect tenants from being unfairly pushed out of their apartments, has fallen beneath the radar since it came into being last March.

Nelson Castro: A New Force in Bronx Politics
The 86th District, a chunk of the west Bronx that includes Mount Hope, Fordham, and University Heights, has a new assemblyman: Nelson Castro, a Dominican-born 36-year-old who cut his political teeth working for elected officials in Washington Heights.

Residents Blame Precinct for Parking Woes
Cars circle the block, linger, and double-park outside stores and homes, vying for parking space within the two-block radius of the 46th precinct at 2120 Ryer Ave. It is an involuntary game of musical chairs residents have played for the last 20 years.

New Businesses Brighten Up an Ogden Avenue Block
A previously rundown block on Ogden Avenue just south of the Cross Bronx Expressway has been transformed with the recent opening of two businesses: Sal y Pimienta (”Salt and Pepper”) Bar and Restaurant and E & C Fresh Market, a supermarket.

Residents Shap Up Obama Merchandise
These days, it seems like every store and every street vendor in the area is selling some sort of Obama merchandise.