Bronx News Roundup July 9

Pedro Espada is scrambling to block Governor Paterson's appointment of a lieutenant governor, which could finally break the stalemate in Albany (as well as curtail Espada's power). In an editorial, the Daily News calls it a "bold and masterful stroke." But is it legal?

An undercover cop shot and injured a suspected drug dealer yesterday, on the corner of corner of East 167th Street and Grant Avenue, when a crack cocaine deal took a surprise turn. It was second time in a week that a Bronx cop has shot someone.

Twelve people - including doctors, chiropractors, and acupuncturists - have been arrested following an investigation by the State Attorney General Office into a lucrative health insurance scam involving two Bronx health clinics.

In an editorial, The Riverdale Press criticizes the owners of the Stella D’Oro biscuit factory in Kingbridge.

Two Applebees are opening in the Bronx this summer - one on East Fordham Road, the other at the Terminal Market. According to a recent press release from the chain, "As many New York restaurants feel the tightening of the economy, casual dining has continued to do well. Apple-Metro... has continued to grow even during these tough times."

Yesterday, on the Grand Concourse, Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. and others announced the completion of a three-year project that's doubled the number of bike-lane miles in the city.

State Senator Jose M. Serrano is calling on Mayor Bloomberg to include two Muslim holy Days in the public school calendar - something Bloomberg is reluctant to do.

New from the Norwood News

The latest edition of the Norwood News is hot of the presses and on the streets and online now. Here's a quick preview of our stories and features:

Here's our guide to Bronx Week 2009, which kicked off yesterday and concludes next weekend with a parade and party on Mosholu Parkway. Enjoy the festivities! This is what our readers love about the Bronx. Let us know what you love about the Bronx in our comments section below.

We recap Pedro Espada's role in the Republicans' Senate takeover. Our editorial says Espada's move can't be good for locals.

A look at what the recent endorsements for pastor and college professor Fernando Cabrera mean for 14th District Council race. Note: in the print edition, we also presented quick profiles of all the candidates. If we have time, we'll put them up on the blog later today.

The city has extended it's Grand Concourse bike lane all the way up to Mosholu Parkway on the northbound side of the street.

The MTA is experimenting with an express line for the 4 Train. The city says it will cut commuting time from Woodlawn to 149th Street by 4 minutes. [Note: already we've had some angry calls from Bronx commuters about this. One woman, a teacher who commutes from Woodlawn to Fordham Road, says she think her commute time has increased 10 minutes. Write in if you have any complaints or praise for the new express line, use the comments section below or email norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org.]

The Landmark Preservation Commission wants to designate a stretch of Perry Ave. in Bedford Park as a Historic District.

Plus, check out our extended Neighborhood Notes guide to local programs and services and our Out & About arts, recreation and entertainment guide.