Bronx News Roundup, July 23

Kenneth Clarke, 40, who worked for Con Edison, was gunned down Wednesday night in his home on Van Nest Ave. The Daily News has the story.

Crystal Reyes, one of the teens who drowned in the Bronx River on Sunday, was laid to rest yesterday morning. (Here's more on the tragedy, and its aftermath in the community).

The Times reports that only 53 people attended the Charter Revision Commission’s public session on Wednesday at Bronx Community College. The group's mission was to create proposals to put before the voters in November.

Ex-Bronx cop Juan Acosta was sentenced yesterday to 11 years in prison for aiding the distribution of cocaine and aiding the robbery a rival drug courier.

The Wall Street Journal reports today that Montefiore Medical Center, along with four other hospitals in Manhattan and Brooklyn, have agreed to a pilot program that seeks to cut medical malpractice costs. [You may need a subscription to access this story in the Wall Street Journal; another version of the article is available here.]

Following the rape of a 79-year-old Bronx woman on Monday, officials have put a $12,000 bounty on the offender's head yesterday. State Senator Pedro Espada,Jr. helped with the bill, adding $5,000 of his own money that was matched with $5,000 from the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation.

Robert Bella told indiewire.com that his well-received film, “Colin Fitz,” was largely shot in the Bronx's Woodlawn Cemetery. The film was shot on 35mm and was “in-the-can” for $150,000, he recalled.

Speaking of film, the UK's dailymail.com reviewed the flick "City Island," which was named after and filmed on Bronx turf, this morning.

In an article headlined "Ruben's No Pedro," the Albany Times-Union reports that Democratic conference leader John Sampson is co-hosting an August fundraiser for Ruben Diaz, Sr. next month in the Bronx, at Maestro's. Senior's son, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., is sharing the hosting duties with Sampson. 

Bronx News Roundup, April 13

Mayor Bloomberg's $63 billion budget plan will cut more than half of pest control jobs in the city. Politicians says this could possibly lead to a bigger rat infestation in the Bronx.

A new law says the city can remove graffiti from buildings whether property owners respond to waivers or not.

The landlord of 1585 E. 172 in Soundview could end up in jail if necessary repairs aren't made. Tenants have been fighting in court for over a year.

Last night's Charter Revision Commission meeting at Hostos Community College took a turn when Councilman Koppell exceeded his time limit by four minutes as made a plea for an end to term limits.

Two Democratic state lawmakers sponsored a bill that gives principals in NYC the power to choose what teachers should lose their job due to budget cuts.

Police are searching for missing Bronx sisters. Both were last seen Friday on E. 174th Street.

Bronx resident Alex Johnson is going to college through new program that allows carpenters to receive college credit for apprentice work.

In the Daily News, Patrice O'Shaughnessy writes about Castle Hill resident Andrea Magnotti, a woman with bipolar disorder. Magnotti will be taking part in a public walk to raise awareness and funds for the National Alliance of Mental Illness' New York office.

An elderly Bronx male of 801 Co-Op Boulevard is missing. Police are seeking the public's help in finding him.

Two Bronxites Named to City Charter Revision Commission

Mayor Bloomberg appointed two Bronxites to the new 15-member Charter Revision Commission, which will take a look at the entire City Charter and propose any possible changes.

Tony Cassino, the former chairman of Community Board 8 and a former City Council candidate in District 11, and Father Joseph McShane, the president of Fordham University, were both named to the commission, which Bloomberg says will be charged with "reaching out to every community, analyzing every idea on the merits, and proposing changes that will improve the lives of New Yorkers."

In a statement, Bloomberg said the commission would hold hearings in every borough as part of this outreach effort.

Dick Dadey, the executive director of the nonprofit Citizens Union, liked appointment of CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein as chair of the commission, calling it an "inspired choice."

For months, rumors have circulated saying Bloomberg may be looking to change the responsibilities of the local community boards as well as those of the borough presidents.

Immediately after Bloomberg's announcement Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. acknowledged some of those rumors in a statement:

"I am happy that, after weeks of rumors and reports, Mayor Bloomberg has finally announced the appointment of a charter revision commission. I look forward to working with the commission and its members to ensure that the issues of all Bronxites are addressed through this body. To that end, this commission must hold hearings in the Bronx, in fact in all five boroughs, to guarantee that the voices of my constituents are heard."