Bronx News Network

On Armory, Bloomberg Says: 'We're Open to Every Good Idea'

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At a press conference today earlier in Kingsbridge, I asked Mayor Bloomberg if his administration was willing to consider new plans for the Kingsbridge Armory, since Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. is expected to release, in the next several weeks, a report drafted by the NYU Wagner School of Public Policy with recommendations for redeveloping the vacant landmark . “We’re open to every good idea,” the mayor said, exhibiting none of the bitterness some have attributed to him for having his preferred plan for the facility – a mall developed by The Related Companies – killed by Diaz and

Bronx News Network

48 Precinct Community Meeting Moved

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Just a quick programming note: the NYPD 48 Precinct’s Community Council meeting, happening tonight at 7 p.m., has changed locations. It will now be held at Phipps West Farm Technology and Career Center, 1071-A East Tremont Avenue, near Boston Road (next to Twin Donuts). Call the precinct’s community affairs office at (718) 299-4522 for more information.

Bronx News Network

WNYC Maps Stop-And-Frisks, Marijuana Arrests

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WNYC published this map today that shows the number of stop-and-frisk incidents and marijuana arrests by NYPD Precinct.Reporter Alisa Chang investigated the controversial practice, which is supposed to be used as a tactic by police to crack down on street guns. Many stop-and-frisks, she says, instead often lead to arrests for low-level marijuana possession, predominantly in neighborhoods of color.Technically, marijuana that’s concealed on a person and found during a stop-and-frisk should warrant only a violation-a ticket and a fine. New York State Law says that possessing a small amount of pot is a misdemeanor only when it is smoked or displayed “open to public view.”Per the map above, nine of the 12 precincts here in the Bronx are among those with the highest number of marijuana arrests in the city, while Precincts 41 and 42 in the South Bronx have some of the highest of stop-and-frisk numbers.Police say cracking down on small offenses like marijuana possession is effective in bringing down rates of more serious and violent crimes.Have you ever been stopped and searched by the police in your neighborhood? Share your stories in the comments section.

Bronx News Network

Bronx News Roundup, Tuesday, April 26

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Weather: Bronxites will be burning (or at least sweating a little) today as temperatures soar into the high 70s! Small chance of showers later on. Similar mix of warmth and rain potential tomorrow. Story of the Day: Cute Kid Battles Cancer, Runs for Cute PenguinsWe’ll lead with this heart-warmer about a penguin-loving six-year-old boy from Long Island who is coming to the Bronx on Saturday to participate in the Bronx Zoo’s annual Run for the Wild fundraiser. Last fall, after doctors diagnosed young Aghelos Kouvaras with a rare form of cancer, he was forced to drop out of school and has spent his life in and out of hospitals ever since.