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Digital TV Conversion Draws Closer 

A count by The Bronx Beat shows that 150,000 homes in the Bronx could lose access to basic television programming, which generally covers Channels 1 through 13 and includes the major broadcast networks, ABC, CBS and NBC. Those households represent 418,500 Bronx residents who will lose television access if they do not purchase a converter box for digital network service, sign up for cable service or buy a new television.

Since its mass production began in the late 1940s television has always been based on a free access system as long as the customer purchased the television set. On Feb. 17, 2009, however, a Federal Communications Commission, FCC, mandate requires a change to digital broadcasting from the long-used analog technology. This will open up the air waves for use by emergency responders and create greater access to wireless Internet service. With the changeover, most people who do not currently subscribe to a cable service will be left without television until they purchase a converter box or a new television.

“The people that are affected by this are only getting broadcast channels with older television sets,” said Michael Knobbe, the executive director of Bronx Net, a cable channel in the Bronx. “Anyone with cable service doesn’t have to worry about it. Broadcast is changing, not cablecast.”

To subsidize the cost of the converter, the FCC has created a coupon program. Each coupon is worth $40, and there is a limit of two per household. The cost of a converter can range from $40 to $70. The coupons can be found online at www.dtv2009.gov, a Web site set up by the FCC with all information pertaining to the conversion.

To date, there is no data available for how many households in the Bronx have Internet access so it is unclear how they will learn about this option. To receive a coupon, people may also call 1-888-DTV-2009 and request a form.

Although more than 400,000 Bronx residents are directly affected by the conversion, spokeswoman Lisbeth Perez Almeida at Borough President Adolfo Carrión Jr.’s office said that they do not have plans to do anything because there have been no complaints. Community Board 1, representing Mott Haven, Port Morris and Melrose, said the same thing. Read more..

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Pump Your Brakes! Auto Theft Ring Taken Down

The Westchester County District Attorney’s office announced that after an investigation conducted by the Westchester County District Attorneys Auto Crimes Unit with assistance from New York City Police Department, the New York State Police, Westchester County Police and Yonkers Police, five individuals have been charged in connection with an auto theft ring stealing vehicles in New York City and transporting them to Westchester County for sale.

In total thirteen vehicles were stolen.

Funds for the “purchase” of the vehicles by the undercover officers were supplied by the NICB (the National Insurance Crime Bureau), Nationwide Insurance, and Auto One Insurance.

Charged are:

Milton Delacruz A/K/A Jose Pichardo, 24, of The Bronx, New York with one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, In the Second Degree, and with four counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, In the Third Degree.

Jean Ramirez, 21, of The Bronx, New York with one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Second Degree, and four counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, In the Third Degree.

Steven Gil, 20, of The Bronx, New York with one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, In the Second Degree.

Julian Rosario A/K/A Platanito, 22, of The Bronx, New York with five counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, In the Third Degree.

Raphy Polanco, 19, of The Bronx, New York with one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, In the Third Degree.

They are members of a Bronx car club called “The Black Knights.”

On December 6, 2007 at about 1:50 p.m., Julian Rosario, a/k/a Platanito, Milton Delacruz, a/k/a Jose Pichardo, a/k/a King Snow, and Jean Ramirez sold an undercover officer a stolen 1996 black Acura Integra at the Cross County Shopping Center in Yonkers for $800.

On December 8, 2007 at about 1:47 p.m., Julian Rosario, and Milton Delacruz, sold an undercover officer a stolen 1999 gray Honda Civic at the Cross County Shopping Center in Yonkers for $500.

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Wishful Riverdale Commuters Willing To Trade The Rail Fore The Shore

“As you can see,” Ari Hoffnung says of the commute by ferry along the Hudson River, “there’s no traffic or congestion here.”

ARI HOFFNUNG, a rosy-cheeked 34-year-old bundled in a dark overcoat over his business suit, boarded the 7:50 a.m. ferry from Yonkers as a rising sun bathed the Palisades in golden light. Seagulls squawked overhead, and whitecaps licked the edge of the yellow, high-speed catamaran as it glided smoothly down the Hudson River.

“As you can see,” Mr. Hoffnung said as he surveyed the river from his perch at the bow of the boat, “there’s no traffic or congestion here. No tolls. No delays.”

His point was underscored four miles south of Yonkers as the ferry passed Riverdale, where Mr. Hoffnung lives. Gazing wistfully at the shoreline, he imagined out loud how convenient it would be if the ferry could stop and pick up passengers there.

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