Bronx Voice - April 17, 2024

FEMALE GUNMAN ROBS

Restaurants show off spring foodie faves Page 14

Hero who rescued elderly woman from knife-wielding muggers honored

By David Greene

Bronx subway mugging hero Alfred Troche, 53, stopped by Bella Pizza at Third Avenue and East 184 Street where he picked up the latest issue of the Bronx Voice-- with Troche on the cover.

Troche, a Belmont resident, was recognized by members of The Bronx Conservative Party for his actions during an attempted purse snatching of an elderly woman by two still-unidentified men at the Pelham Parkway Station on White Plains Road on March 7.

Troche suffered two slash wounds from a boxcutter as he came to the el-

derly woman's aid and fought off the two attackers who jumped into a vehicle and fled the scene without the purse. Elated with his new found celebrity, Troche said he had been in touch with the elderly victim, who he said is doing well since the incident. He once again thanked The Bronx Conservative Party for recognizing him last month.

Subway hero Alfred Troche, 53, holds a copy of the Bronx Voice outside of Bella Pizza at 4555 Third Avenue.

Photo by David Greene

Female gunman among group who stuck up teen for PlayStation

By Dan Gesslein

Cops are looking for a woman and three men who robbed a Bronx teen of a PlayStation at gunpoint.

At around 7 pm on March 29, a 17-yearold male was inside a restaurant at 485 East 180th Street in Bathgate. Cops said three men and a woman walked up to the man inside the restaurant and pulled out guns.

Cops said the gunmen forcibly removed the victim’s PlayStation, headphones, slides, sneakers, jacket, keys and a personal bank card. The robbers then ran off in an unknown direction.

The NYPD released surveillance video of the female suspect.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https:// crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confi dential.

She is described as a female with medium complexion and medium build with dark red hair. She was last seen wearing a gray shirt, blue jeans and black sneakers. She also wore a black puffy jacket and had a small handbag.

The NYPD is searching for this woman in connection with a stickup of a teenager inside a Bronx restaurant.

One suspect nabbed in trio that robbed man for kicks on subway

By Dan Gesslein

Cops arrested a teenager as part of a trio who robbed a subway rider of his sneakers at Fordham Road.

The NYPD announced the arrest of a 16-year-old male and charged him with robbery. Police did not release the name of the suspect because he is a minor.

Cops are still searching for two other suspects.

At around noon on March 31, a 38-year-old man was exiting

a southbound D Train at the Fordham Road station. Cops said three young men followed the man off the train and onto the platform. There the group cornered the man and displayed a knife. The robbers forcibly removed the man’s sneakers and his book bag which contained a coat.

The trio then ran out of the station and were last seen traveling northbound on East 188th Street.

The victim did not suffer injuries.

The NYPD released surveil-

lance video from inside a subway car.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA

(74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers. nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Gunmen use heavy fire power to rob smoke shop

By Dan Gesslein

The NYPD released disturbing video of a pair of thieves who apparently wielded an assault rifle to rob a Bronx smoke shop.

Cops released the dramatic video of the pair who walked into the Pelham Parkway smoke shop and took more merchandise than cash.

At around 7:30 pm on April 2, two men are seen walking into the Cloudy Cloud smoke shop

at 2141 White Plains Road. The man in the black hoodie walks in holding a black garbage bag with another man. Once inside the store, the man drops the bag to reveal an assault rifle. The gunman aims the rifle at the person behind the counter, the video shows.

Cops said the robbers removed $1,000 in cash and $2,500 in merchandise. The two then ran out of the store and into a waiting black SUV. Cops said the vehicle was last seen heading westbound on Lydig Avenue towards Bronx Park East.

No one was injured during the robbery.

The gunman is described as a male with a dark complexion and a medium build and is between the ages of 18 and 20. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with red trim, black pants, black shoes, black and white mask and white gloves.

The second suspect is described as a male with a dark complexion, medium build and is between the ages of 18 and 20. He was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black mask and white sneakers.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https:// crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.

The NYPD is searching for two men, one apparently wielding an assault rifle, in the robbery of a Bronx smoke shop.

Gunman opens fire outside McD’s

By Dan Gesslein

One man is dead and another is fighting for his life during an early morning shooting outside a Bronx McDonald’s, cops said.

At around 4 am, the NYPD responded to reports of gunfire outside a McDonald’s on East 149th Street in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx. When officers arrived they found two men with gunshot wounds throughout their bodies.

EMS transported both men to Lincoln Hospital. One of the victims was pronounced dead a short time later. The other victim is in critical condition, cops said.

Police have not released the name of the murder victim pending family notification.

Cops said the investigation is ongoing and there is no description of the gunman or a motive for the shooting at this time.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577TIPS (8477) or for Span-

ish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https:// crimestoppers.nypdonline. org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential.

One man is dead and another is in critical condition following an early morning shooting outside a Bronx McDonald's.

Photo courtesy of Citizens App

Future of fast package delivery is by pedaling?

By David Greene

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved E-Cargo bikes on city streets after establishing new safety standards and guidelines.

DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced that the agency has approved the use of E-Cargo bikes and establishing key safety standards that will make bike deliveries safer and reduce the number of large delivery trucks.

Upon the announcement Mayor Eric Adams said, "For too long, large trucks have been the only option, bringing congestion and

pollution with them. Low and no-emission cargo bikes are one of the ways that we're changing the paradigm.”

Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi added, "The pandemic fundamentally changed the way we shop; now, 80% of us get at least one package delivered a week.”

Rodriguez said, "Achieving a safer and greener transportation future includes re-

ducing the number of large, high-polluting trucks on our streets." He added, "Autho-

rizing these new delivery options will better protect our environment and all road users.”

The new rules allow pedal-assisted electric-cargo bicycles up to 48 inches wide and have up to four wheels. The DOT will provide bike operators with safety training on operating and maintaining the bikes as well as battery charging.

The new rules will also establish a "Commercial Bicycle Loading Zone" creating a dedicated space for bikers to load and unload packages, groceries and other items at the curb. Jordan River of Norwood said of the E-Cargo Bike expansion, "It is a prob-

lem. I see people riding them downtown in Manhattan all the time.”

The DOT launched its Commercial Cargo Bike pilot program in 2019. In 2022 the DOT says cargo bikes made more than 130,000 trips, delivering over 5 million packages that they estimate resulted in the reduction of 650,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions.

E-Cargo Bike riders will have to adhere to several new regulations including a 15 mile-per-hour speed limit the bikes cannot be left unattended on a sidewalk. The new maximum length of a bike allowed was increased to 16 feet and the maximum height was raised to 84 inches.

A photo of an E-Cargo Bike delivery rider as the pilot program has been approved and will expand across the city

Earthquake, eclipse, what’s next - Bronx residents ask

By David Greene

After an incredible few days where a measurable earthquake centered in New Jersey shook many New Yorkers and a solar eclipse stopped many in their tracks-- many New Yorkers are most certainly asking what's next?

Moments after the 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck on April 5, a security guard at Monroe College on Jerome Avenue, described it saying, "It was a quick jolt." Students of the school were huddled around a large screen television watching the latest information as it was reported. Many had cell phones in their hands.

In Kingsbridge Heights, Maria Acosta recalled, "I was on my bed and it was moving right - left, right - left. for maybe like 50 seconds.”

On April 8, a crowd estimated at 350 gathered at Seton Park in Riverdale as the Spuyten Duyvil Public Library gave out an estimated 350 pairs of special eyeglasses to view the eclipse.

Spuyten Duyvil resident Jerry Kisslinger was

one of those who waited in the long line and grabbed a pair of glasses at the last minute. He told the Bronx Voice, "We're all here, just look at this gathering and what a

great reason for people to gather.”

Grace, the information assistant at the Spuyten Duyvil Public Library said that since March 25 the library had given out a total of 2,450 solar eclipse glasses.

As she watched the eclipse with the crowd, Grace was asked if they had expected such a crowd in the park that sits behind the library, she replied, "No, we did not expect this large a crowd.”

Youngsters in Seton Park make a day of it as they enjoy the solar eclipse.

Photos by David Greene

Scoring a goal for affordable housing Community Op Ed

By Mayor Eric Adams

In November 2022, our administration announced a historic once-in-a-generation transformation of the Willets Points neighborhood in Queens.

This neighborhood, which was once called the “Valley of Ashes” and known for its junkyards, is now being transformed into a vibrant neighborhood with 2,500 new all-affordable homes — the largest all-affordable housing project in the city over the last 40 years — a new school, 150,000 square feet of new open public space, retail space, a hotel, and the city’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium that will be home to, and privately financed by, the New York City Football Club.

With the City Council’s vote to approve phase 2 of the development, we are

one major step closer to victory for all New Yorkers. The Willets Point project represents the future of our city, a future in which

all New Yorkers can afford to live in a safe apartment that is close to a good school, good-paying jobs, outdoor space, and great public transportation.

When we came into office two years ago, we had

a mission: to protect public safety, rebuild our economy, and make this city more livable for hardworking New Yorkers. Building more affordable housing in every neighborhood across

all five boroughs is the cornerstone to livability

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

and prosperity. I know this from personal experience.

Growing up on the edge of homelessness, my siblings and I had to take trash bags full of clothes to school because we didn’t know where we would sleep the next night. No child should have to feel that way. You cannot plan for the future if you are worried about today.

Construction for the first phase of housing at Willets is already underway — a year ahead of schedule. The first 880 affordable homes are expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The next phase will include the remaining 1,400 homes, with 220 affordable homes set aside for low-income seniors. Our new homes will have in-building laundry, bike storage, a landscaped inner courtyard, and more, as well as LEED Gold

Scoring a goal for affordable housing

certification and all-electric Local Law 97 compliance.

We expect Willets Point to generate $6.1 billion in economic impact as it creates 1,550 permanent jobs and 14,200 construction jobs.

Our new soccer stadium will be the first fully electric stadium in Major League Soccer and the first fully electric professional sports stadium in New York City. And it is expected to be ready to open its doors and welcome soccer fans by the 2027 MLS Season. This, along with New York City co-hosting the World Cup in 2026 with New Jersey, puts us on the map as a world-class soccer destination.

It also makes Willets Point the city’s premier sports hub, with the New York Mets’ Citi Field and U.S. Tennis Association’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, which hosts the

U.S. Open, both within walking distance of the Mets-Willets Point subway and Long Island Rail Road station. None of this could have happened without our partners on the City Council, including Councilmember Francisco Moya and Speaker Adrienne Adams, as well as Queens Borough President Donovan Rich-

ards, the New York City Football Club, Queens Development Group, and all the hard-working New Yorkers who made Willets Point possible. This project will also advance our ongoing work to build our way out of our city’s housing and affordability crisis, including our historic “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” proposal to

build a little more housing in every neighborhood. And it will get us closer to our moonshot goal of 500,000 affordable homes over the next decade.

Safe and affordable housing is the key to the American Dream. Willets Point brings us one big step closer to making that dream a reality for New Yorkers.

Service dog helps patients at Monte Children’s Hospital Health Matters

A 23-month-old Black Labrador named Polly has joined the Child Life Team at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM), to support young patients during hospitalizations and medical appointments.

Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) assist children through medical play, helping them understand their illness, cope with procedures, and achieve their health goals. Polly is kicking off her new job at CHAM during Child Life Month, which is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the vital role of CCLS in supporting young patients.

“Child Life is a specialty that has evolved over the past 100 years and uses a variety of tools to educate and support children through some of the most trying times of their young lives,” said Meghan D. Kelly, MSEd, CCLS., director of the Phoebe H. Stein Child Life Program at CHAM. “Polly is the newest tool our Child Life Specialists will employ to help young patients who are anxious, who are facing extended hospital stays and

who need assistance getting through tough procedures. We are delighted to welcome Polly as the newest member of the CHAM Child Life team.”

Polly spent the last six months in professional training with expert instructors at Canine Companions, who have provided facility dogs, animals highly trained to assist healthcare professionals with specific tasks, free of charge, since 1975.

Polly comes to CHAM thanks to funds raised by former New York Ranger and current Boston Bruins defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, through his partnership with the Jam Kancer In The Kan Foundation.

“I've seen first-hand just how important the Child Life Specialists are to a patient's treatment during my visits to CHAM,” said Shattenkirk, who previously funded staff-

ing which enabled a playroom at CHAM to be open and available for extended times during the day. “My wife Deanna and I jumped at the opportunity to add a fourlegged member to the team. We believe Polly will have such a positive impact on every child she interacts with.”

Polly will be available to “treat” patients in need of physical and emotional support, such as children who are recovering from surgery and need encouragement getting out of bed and walking. She’ll also assist children

who need motivation to have open conversations about difficult and stressful topics, such as eating disorders. Polly will see around seven patients per day and will live with her own dedicated Certified Child Life Specialist, Katy Dessick.

“Polly is a unique member of our Child Life team,” said

Katy. “Few children’s hospitals have facility dogs inhouse to assist with patient needs. We are very grateful to Kevin Shattenkirk for making this possible, and to Canine Companions, who dedicate countless hours to training dogs like Polly to be crucial aids for people in need of extra support.”

Culinary Road

By Morris Gut

Area kitchens are blossoming this spring time

I have had some delicious culinary encounters this spring and I’d like to share a few that are worth the drive…

NORTHERN ITALIAN AT TORCELLO RISTORANTE

Imer Rraci and his veteran team have reimagined the former La Riserva, a lovely setting for the Italian classics. Named after an island off the coast of Venice, Chef Avni turns out such winning dishes as: colorful Mozzarella Caprice; Eggplant Rollatini; Rigatoni Bolognese in a meat sauce; Risotto Di Funghi with porcini; Veal Chop Parmigiana; classic Rack of Lamb; and delicious Pollo Torcello, topped with applewood bacon and melted fresh mozzarella in a light bourbon mushroom sauce. Rraci has spent years working for the former Giambelli in Manhattan, and Valbella in Old Greenwich, CT. Open 7 days for dinner starting at 3:30 p.m. Bar/cocktails. Happy hours Wed. thru Fri. 4-6 pm. Free parking. Torcello, 2382 Boston Post Road, Larchmont. 914-833-1118 www. torcellolarchmont.com

IRISH AMERICAN WITH PIZZAZZ AT JACK’S BAR & KITCHEN

Owner Shane Clifford and his staff have been drawing a fine crowd. The space has been totally remodeled and offers an enhanced Irish/ American tavern menu on steroids. The best way to describe it. Generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohoe’s kitchen include decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese; Lamb Lollipops; Burrata Pizza out of their woodfired oven; Guinness braised Short Ribs; Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich, and a variety of Burgers. Check out their decadent Grilled Cheese Menu. The staff could not be more friendly. Open daily. Weekend brunch. TVs. Municipal parking; free evenings. Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650

www.jackseastchester.com

COMFORTING POLENTA WITH SHRIMP AT TRATTORIA VIVOLO!

Chef/owner Dean Vivolo’s new spring menu includes a wonderful Paglia e Fieno con Funghi. The Linguine Vongole is not to be missed.

And, oh, those seafood combos. Chef Vivolo’s robust regional Italian cuisine is served out of a restored vintage diner just across from Harrison's Metro-North station and the new Avalon complex. Sit at the counter, tuck into a booth, or take a table in the rear greenhouse and enjoy the surprising contemporary and traditional flavors emanating from his kitchen: tasty thin-crusted

Eggplant Rollatini at Torcello.

pizza; fresh old-fashioned Meatballs and Sausage; Crostino di Polenta with shrimp or mushrooms; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; Osso Buco, tender braised veal shank; or traditional Baccala. Great staff. Good wine list. Sparkling lights.

Outdoor patio. Closed Mondays. Free parking. Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914-835-6199

www.trattoriavivolo.com

SOUTHERN COMFORT AT FREEBIRD

I have been enjoying my visits to Freebird Kitchen & Bar. We devoured Fried Calamari, Oysters, meaty Pork Ribs, Cobb Salad, spicy Chicken Wings, crispy Brussels Sprouts. Shrimp & Grits, Braised Short Ribs, great burgers too. The cooking here is very satisfying, and all done with a friendly

Area kitchens are blossoming this spring time

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

southern theme. Portions are ample and shareable. The lighting and those artsy birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room give it a magical atmosphere. There is a seasonal rooftop. Friday & Sunday Night Jam sessions. Sprawling bar. Craft beers. Now open for lunch. Happy hours: Tues.-Thurs. 4-6pm; Fri. 2-6 p.m. Weekend

Brunch. Closed Mondays. Freebird, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-6072476 www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com

FRESH ANTIPASTI TABLE AT LA BOCCA

Caught Chef/proprietor

Tony Spiritoso one day just as he was putting the fi nishing touches to a savory and moist boneless stuffed pork roast, Italy’s famed porchetta. Incredibly tempting as a main course or in a salad. A few slices and I was smitten. A meal here usually begins with platters from Tony’s signature antipasti bar loaded daily with tempting cured imported meats, cheeses and appetizing house made salads. Tony has brought his vintage bright red slicing machine along wherever he has been, and it sits here ready to roll at the antipasto counter. Some consider La

Bocca the most authentic Italian kitchen in the area. Seasonal pastas, meats, fi sh and game. The wine selection is among the best in the county. The dining room is strewn with artistic columns and seasonal artifacts. There is a wine room for private events. Open 7 days. Happy Bites Monday thru Friday, 3-6 pm. La Bocca, 8 Church St., White Plains. 914-948-3281 www. laboccaristorante.com

MAMMA FRANCESCA ON THE SOUND

When Nick DiCostanzo was growing up on the Island of Ischia on the Coast of Naples in Italy, his earliest memories where of the simple seaside meals he would enjoy with his family, farm-to-table and of course sea-to-table. As proprietor of Mamma Francesca in New Rochelle for nearly 40 years, located on the banks of Long Island Sound

with 6-story views of the ‘Queen City’s’ seafaring boat clubs, this culinary philosophy still holds true. Robust Italian/American specialties include freshly made Manicotti, Calamari Fritti, Ischia Salad, Chicken Parmigiana, Misto Frutti di Mare. Rabbit Cacciatore, too. Daily Happy Hours. Off-premise catering. Woodburning pizza oven. Free parking. Mamma Francesca, 414 Pelham

Road, New Rochelle. 914636-1229 www.mammafrancesca.com

(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline. net)

Seafood platter at Torcello.