Bronx News Roundup Monday, Aug. 15

Weather: Another cloudy day with rain off-and-on throughout the day.

Story of the Day: A mistake on this Bronxite's birth certificate is causing him to suffer "a bureaucratic nightmare." The NY Post reports that the man's first name on his birth certificate was mistakenly entered as "Male." Although, his social security card and Medicaid card have his proper name, David Rivera, he has not been able to get a job or apply to college because of the mix up. And to top it off, he is always under the threat of being arrested by the NYPD for not having proper ID.

Quick Hits:

Bronxite Christina Santiago was one of the five people killed in the collapse of a stage at the Indiana State Fair.

The police are seeking the public's help in finding two armed robbers who posed as city workers to break into an apartment building on East Mosholu Parkway in May. Police say one of the impostors is about 50 years old and 5-foot 8-inches tall with a slight build. The other is said to be in his 40s, bald and 5-foot 7-inches with tall a stocky build. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS.

Bronx News Roundup, Thursday, July 21

Weather: Today's high of 96, which will really feel more like 104 with the humidity, will be roundly trumped by tomorrow's high of 101, which will really feel more like the seventh circle of Hades.  

Story of the Day: Bronx Charter School on Probation for Shady Lottery Practices
The Academic Leadership Charter School, which opened on East 141st Street in 2009, is in hot water and in danger being closed after city investigators discovered that the school may have manipulated its lottery selection process to weed out unwanted students. City officials accused the school's leadership of investigating students' past history and possibly even testing them before the selection played out, a huge charter school no-no. The lottery system, which is mandated by state law, "is at the heart of being a charter school," says James Merriman of the New York City Charter School Center. If the school doesn't revamp its lottery process and implement other changes, the school could be closed.

Quick Hits:
Residents say the city should have shuttered a Morris Heights brownstone that had been chopped up into illegal subdivisions before a fire that engulfed the house resulted in the death of a 65-year-old man.

Bronx Crime Watch: D.A. Busts 22 Alleged Drug Dealers at River Park Towers

Last week, a grand jury indicted 22 alleged drug dealers from River Park Towers, a complex of high-rise apartment buildings at Richmond Plaza, on the Major Deegan Expressway in Morris Heights. The defendants are charged with multiple counts of selling and possessing cocaine, heroin and marijuana, according to press release from the Bronx District Attorney's Office sent out last week.

The arrests were the result of an undercover investigation launched last June in response to an increase in shootings and other violent incidents at the Towers. The 22 people being charged, who range in age from 23-years-old to 51-years-old, sold drugs to undercover detectives more than 120 times. The deals primarily took place in a public courtyard shared by several of the apartment buildings, which investigators described as a "drug bazaar."

[Editor's Note:] Just a reminder to our readers that the Bronx News Network is in the middle of our annual fundraising appeal. If you value quality local journalism, please consider donating so we can continue to bring you news and features, like our daily news roundup or our borough events calendar. More details on how to contribute can be found here.

Free Flu Shot Vouchers for District 14 Residents

For those of you who want to avoid the flu this winter season (and don't we all?), Councilman Fernando Cabrera's office is providing vouchers for free flu shots to 100 residents in his district on a first come, first serve basis. To be eligible, you must be over 18 years of age, uninsured, and live in the 14th City Council District--i.e. Fordham, Kingsbridge, and Morris Heights. Here's a map of the district courtesy of Gotham Gazette.

Here's some information from the press release: "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can result in death. People who are at high risk to develop flu conditions include; young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions such as asthma. The best way to avoid catching the flu is to get vaccinated each year."

For more information, contact Community Liaison Anthony Springer at Cabrera's office: (347) 590-2878

Seven Arrested in Bronx Bias Attacks

Big Bronx crime news. Police say a group of nine young men held two teenagers and a 30-year-old man hostage in an empty Morris Heights apartment and then beat and tortured them over the course of several hours last weekend while hurling anti-gay slurs at them.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly held a press conference this afternoon to announce the arrest of seven of the nine suspects, while two remain at large.

The emerging details are gruesome. One of the teenagers was “thrown into a wall, made to strip naked, hit in the head with a beer can, cut with a box cutter and sodomized with the wooden handle of a plunger,” said Kelly, according to a story on the Times' City Room blog.

The 30-year-old man was forced to drink 10 cans of beer, beaten with a chain and sodomized with a baseball bat, Kelly said. The other teenager was forced to burn the man with a cigarette.

The suspects are all members of a group called The Latin King Goonies, but Kelly said they weren't affiliated with the Latin Kings street gang.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. quickly released a statement condemning the attacks. “The news of these hate crimes sadden us all, and I am grateful that the NYPD has moved so quickly against those responsible for these homophobic attacks. Bronxites will not tolerate any form of bigotry in our borough, and we stand together as 1.4 million residents to condemn these actions and to oppose hatred in all its forms,” Diaz Jr. said.

Here's the Post story and the Daily News story. NY1 has some video of Kelly's press conference.

Bronx News Roundup, July 19

We'll start the week off with the tragic story of the two Bronx teenagers -- Crystal Reyes, 15, of University Heights, and David Lee Luccioni III, 17, who was about to start his senior year at Grace Dodge High School -- who drowned yesterday in the Bronx River. (More from the Daily News, NY Post, NY1.)

According to city officials and news reports, Reyes was struggling after jumping into a fenced-off part of the river near the dam around 180th Street. Luccioni jumped in to save her. They both became entangled in tree branches below the surface. Both were taken to near-by St. Barnabas and pronounced dead on arrival at about 4 p.m. Despite the "No Swimming" signs, the spot is popular with young people looking to cool off. There were about 20 kids swimming in the area when Reyes began flailing and yelling for help and Luccioni went after her.

The Times has a more lighthearted summer river story about the local kids who jump off the cliffs in Spuyten Duyvil, much to the chagrin of the local MTA cops.

Speaking of the MTA, the budget-crunching agency is about to introduce a series of new cost-cutting measures, including jacking up prices on unlimited Metrocards and the creation of a "limited unlimited card" that would charge more for heavier users.

Two Riverdale synagogues that became targets in a failed bombing plot last year will receive federal grants to beef up their security.

Hundreds of city buildings, including 1694 Davidson Ave. in Morris Heights, are again deteriorating after being rescued decades ago. (The Davidson building is owned by Bronx Heights Neighborhood Community Corporation, a non-profit.  Back in 2008, tenants and board members began complaining about the way the organization was run and the affect this was having on the buildings.  Here's the story that appeared in the Mount Hope Monitor.)

A Bronx-born filmmaker is working on a documentary about New York accents.

Bronx News Roundup, May 14

Federal prosecutors are seeking a stiffer sentence for former Bronx state senator Efrain Gonzalez who they say lied to a judge when he said he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea because he believed he was innocent.  Gonzalez, who is scheduled to be sentenced on May 25, could now be facing 11 to 14 years in prison.

A year ago, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to fraud and conspiracy charges for diverting state funds to pay for personal expenses, including an apartment in the Dominican Republic, Yankee tickets and labels for his own brand of cigars. Earlier this year, Gonzalez said he was pressured into pleading guilty by his former lawyer, Murray Richman, and wanted to withdraw his plea and take his chances in a trial. The judge refused to allow Gonzalez to withdraw his plea, calling his coercion claims, "preposterous."

On Wednesday, police busted up what they described as a major drug operation in Morris Heights. After a months-long sting operation, arrested the alleged leader of the lucrative drug business, Jose Delorbe, and 14 others in connection with it. Officials said Delorbe had turned 1571 Undercliff Avenue into a guarded fortress -- New Jack City-style -- where they stashed and sold large quantities of cocaine and heroin. More on NY1.

Speaking of drug dealers, an NYPD cop pleaded guilty yesterday to stealing from dealers in the Bronx, Queens, Manhattand Brooklyn. 

A bunch of the Parks Department's electronic mini-cars caught fire yesterday while they were being charged in Orchard Beach.


Some more on Bronx boxer Maureen Shea, who's fighting tonight at the Paradise Theater.

Enjoy the weekend!

Bronx News Roundup, March 15

[Note: This post has been updated and all broken-links have been repaired]

Hope everyone enjoyed the wet weekend. Now for some Bronx news!

In the aftermath of this storm filled weekend, 3,500 Bronx residents remain without power.

A fire in Morris Heights leaves a 39-year-old man dead in his apartment. A full investigation is underway.

A Bronx medical clinic registers its patients with iris identification technology. This consists of scanning the patient's eyes to locate medical records.

A wall collapsed from a two-story building in the Bronxdale neighborhood this weekend, leaving two people with minor injuries.

The city plans on dropping the contract with New York Organic Fertilizer Company in Hunts Point resulting in saving taxpayers some dollars and giving Hunts Point residents a chance at fresh air. You can also read more here.

The Bronx not only has some of the highest rates in obesity, but also some of the hungriest people. The New York Times is calling this the "Bronx Paradox."

The city is in search of a Bronx senior, age 74, who went missing yesterday. He is said to suffer from Alzheimer's and diabetes.

A major drug bust in the Pelham Parkway Houses last week led to 27 arrests and a whole lot of drugs.

City Island gets to play 'City Island' in the new film featuring Andy Garcia and Julianna Margulies. The comedy debuts in theaters Friday, March 13. Read more on the film here.

Bronx News Roundup, March 11

Congressman Jose E. Serrano is calling for an end to the war in Afghanistan. He spoke on the House Floor yesterday as Congress began debates on war legislation. You can watch the video of his statements here.

The Perez Notes has an interview with Patrick Jenkins, a political consultant and Carl Heastie staffer.  

A city-run apartment for homeless families in Morris Heights is under fire after its ceiling collapsed on a family of five--just days after another apartment in the same building gave a two-year-old lead poisoning.

Sen. Jeff Klein has been named chairman of a Government Efficiency Task Force that's looking to cut wasteful spending in state agencies.

A Bronx woman was arrested for the February hit-and-run accident in Brooklyn that left mayoral aide Erinn Phelan brain dead. 

The Riverdale Press has coverage of last week's state of the borough address from Ruben Diaz, Jr.

Police arrested 27 people on drug charges at the Pelham Parkway Houses yesterday. The investigation of the complex had been going on for nearly a year, according to the Daily News.

More on the demolition of the old Yankee Stadium. The borough president was on the scene as well, and posted some photos of the deconstruction.

Made your St. Patrick's Day plans yet? AmNY features some of the best Bronx spots to celebrate.

A nonprofit arts group named 1520 Sedgwick Ave. the birthplace of hip-hop.

Bronx News Roundup, March 9

Enjoy the beautiful day, but while you're inside or on a laptop in one of the Bronx's many parks, here's some Bronx news for you:

A Bronx cop from the 46th precinct was arrested yesterday for being involved in a million-dollar perfume heist.

A 47 -year-old woman was found stabbed to death in her Morris Heights apartment last night. No arrests have been made.

The Parade Grounds in Van Cortlandt Park have become unexpectedly flooded, delaying it's reopening and forcing athletic leagues to look for new locations to hold their games.

Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. confirms that he is in the process of creating a new plan for the Kingsbridge Armory.

Animal Rights advocates hope that the conviction of the two men involved in a dog fighting ring in the Bronx sends a message. The men are facing up to four years in prison once sentenced on March 17.

The Daily News reports that the vehicle that killed 17-year-old Keon Nedd in a hit-and-run accident this past weekend, was stolen and driven by a group of teenagers. Police are still in search of the teens who fled the scene.

Demolition at the old Yankee Stadium continues.

Boston Road is still known for some of the best deals in the Bronx. Read more here.

Bronx News Roundup, Feb. 8

A lot happened in the Bronx this weekend while the New Orleans Saints were busy scoring the Super Bowl title. Here's a rundown on some of the biggest news stories:

A fire erupted early Sunday morning in the second floor kitchen of a Morris Heights building. Firefighters rescued five people, including three children, from the building at 45 West Tremont Ave.

A 15-year-old girl was shot outside of an apartment building in Mount Hope Monday night, according to Eyewitness News, and is now in serious but stable condition at St. Barnabas hospital. The gunman fled the scene, and the investigation is ongoing.

Ex-state Sen. Efrain Gonzalez Jr. says it was bad legal advice that made him plead guilty to 2006 corruption charges, and now wants to withdraw his plea.

Dozens of wild chickens have made themselves at home on a street in Highbridge.

Bargain hunters can hit up Middletown for some good shopping deals this week, according to The Daily News. They’ve also rounded up the best places in the borough for a romantic Valentine’s Day.

 

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, the News also reports a boom in the number of weddings at the Bronx Supreme Court’s chapel. 

A Bronx family is suing St. Luke’s Hospital in Manhattan after a fairly routine teeth extraction left a 33-year-old woman dead.

A decades long family feud over a father’s Bronx estate may finally be coming to an end.  Two sisters were granted three family properties in a Bronx court last week after 27 years of legal battle.

6 train straphangers who board at the Morrison Avenue-Soundview and Whitlock Avenue stations should brace themselves for an inconvenient commute. Both stations will be closed over the next few months for renovations by the MTA. In the meantime, riders can get free transfers on the BX4 bus.

A nonprofit group filed a lawsuit last week against two Bronx communities and a Bronx realtor on the grounds of racial discrimination, the New York Times reported Friday. The group accused Bronx communities Edgewater Park and Silver Beach Gardens of preventing black residents from buying homes there, according to the article.

Morris Heights Health Center secured funding to finish the construction of its new health center, dubbed Harrison Circle. MHHC hopes to have the project finished in April.

Residents who live in the 49^th Precinct have reported a spike in the number of car break-ins, according to the Post. 

Bronx News Roundup, October 26

The Daily News analyzes rising tensions between African immigrants and African-Americans in the South Bronx.

Looking for a fright on Halloween? According to Bronx historian Paul DeVillo, the Bronx is riddled with ghost stories and is still haunted by ghosts.

Today, residents of an apartment building in Morris Heights will go to court to argue that their landlord illegally raised rents on 80 apartments. The apartments used to be part of an affordable housing program.

Thompson aides were surprised that Thompson trails Bloomberg in the Bronx polls (50% Bloomberg, 38% Thompson). Thompson expects to perform well in the mayoral election in the Bronx.

A Bronx family is suing a Harlem funeral home for damaging their family member's casket when the hearse carrying the body exploded on the Major Deegan.

A Bronx social worker speaks out against domestic violence in her new play, "The Death of a Dream," playing at the Roy Arias theater in Manhattan.

Morris Heights Man Confesses to Killing Mother, Brother

A Morris Heights man has confessed to shooting his mother and brother before chopping up their bodies and tossing the pieces into the Harlem River.

Police say Lamar Platt, 24, admitted to killing his mother Marlene, 45, and brother Nashan, 23, before dismembering their bodies inside the apartment they shared at 1610 University Ave.

One unconfirmed report stated the man used a small cart to wheel the body parts to a secluded section of Roberto Clemente State Park, before tossing what was left of his family over a fence and into the river.

A police source said Lamar's 63-year old grandmother became suspicious after she was unable to reach her daughter. A neighbor claimed she hadn't seen the two victims since Nov. 18.

Police arrived at the apartment sometime on Sunday, where one grim-faced detective recalled, "The walls were covered in blood." Police picked up Platt to took him to the 46th Precinct, where they held him all day Monday.

Early this morning, two pairs of detectives marched Platt (pictured center) out of the precinct station-house and into a waiting squad-car. Wearing a black leather jacket and matching NY Yankees cap, Platt turned his eyes to the ground as he passed the television cameras.

Detectives say Platt has been charged with two counts of second degree murder.

Police divers who searched the chilly waters late Monday were expected back today.

Text and photo by DAVID GREENE.

Not a day too soon

Roberto Clemente State Park's swimming pools - one small, one Olympic size - open for the summer today. Kids shorter than 42 inches go free (according to the park you get measured on arrival). For older kids there's a one dollar charge. For adults it's two dollars. Both pools are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a weeks. Van Cortlandt pool, in Van Cortlandt Park, also opens today, as do fifty-something other outdoor pools across the city. Perhaps those fire hydrants can finally get some peace...

Community Board 5 elects new Chair

Community Board 5 board members voted, this evening, to oust current chairperson, Beverly Smith, and replace her with Bola Omotosho, a Nigerian-born doctor currently working out of Jacobi Medical Center. Omotosho officially takes over in September. He won by 16 votes to 4.

Smith, who works for the civilian arm of the NYPD, has been on the Board for 17 years and the chair, an unpaid position, for the last two. Her future plans include running for City Council. She says she has her eye on Council Member Helen Diane Foster's District 16 seat in the South Bronx. (Due to term limits, Foster's time is up at end of 2009.) Smith says she'll quit the Board for good in January to start campaigning.

Omotosho, a quieter less authoritative figure than Smith, describes himself as a good listener. Prior to the vote, he talked briefly about the "desperate need for new leadership," and how he wants to "work with everybody" and bring back "dignity and trust." Later, he said he had great respect for Smith, who he described as an "encyclopedia of this community." (Smith has lived in the neighborhood for four decades.)

The margin of victory suggests Omotosho has the Board behind him. He may have a harder time winning over the core group of local residents who attend the Board's monthly public meetings. Several, clearly disappointed to see Smith go, talked over his acceptance speech. "He doesn't have the experience," lamented Louella Hatch, the 46th Precinct's passionate (and outspoken) community council president. "He'll do whatever they tell him do to." By "they" Hatch said she meant the Board's district manager, Xavier Rodriguez.

Community Board 5 serves Mount Hope, Morris Heights, and parts of University Heights and Fordham. They'll be more about Omotosho, and his plans for the district, in the next print edition of the Mount Hope Monitor coming out July 25.

Community Board 7, in the northwest Bronx, is also going through a transitional period, following district manager Rita Kessler's recent decision to retire. Tomorrow's Norwood News looks back at her 17 years at the helm. We'll link to the story when it's on-line.

Building Collapse

Here's a look at a Morris Heights building that suddenly became two stories shorter last Saturday. NY1 has the story. (Photo by James Fergusson)

West Bronx Housing

There's an interesting piece in today's New York Times about 1520 Sedgwick Avenue - a building widely seen as the birthplace of hip-hop. According to the Times, the building's landlord has recently opted out of the state's Mitchell-Lama Housing program, which will allow them to charge higher rents.

This part of Morris Heights has increasing home-ownership, and many buildings - including this one - have views of the Harlem River, the High Bridge, and Washington Heights. When you take into account the plans to renovate the Harlem River waterfront, not to mention the unprecedented development going on one mile south of the neighborhood (the new Yankee Stadium, the redevelopment of the Bronx Terminal Market), it's easy to see why landlords are getting excited.

Still, the west Bronx remains one of the cheapest (the cheapest?) places in the rent and to buy. On Sunday there was this article about buying in Highbridge, where house-hunters, priced out of Harlem and Inwood, can still find one-bedroom apartments for less than $100,000.

Out Now! The first print edition of the Mount Hope Monitor has been published

The first print edition of the Mount Hope Monitor - a free bilingual community newspaper serving Mount Hope, Morris Heights, University Heights, and South Fordham - has been published.
Pick it up at local banks, stores, restaurants, community organizations, and libraries. If you're struggling to find it, let us know and we'll point you in direction of the nearest drop-off point. Or e-mail your address to mounthopenews-at-gmail.com, and we'll send you a copy for free, while supplies last. Please let us know what you think!
Until now, the Monitor, a project of the West Bronx News Network, has only been available on-line. It was created last summer to bring news to a part of the Bronx with no local newspaper.
We're hoping to bring out a second print edition in May or June.