Bronx residents name top concerns in forum with elected officials

Bronx residents were given the opportunity to discuss and suggest solutions for issues they believe most affect their borough in a meeting with elected officials Saturday.Education and housing were some of the top concerns voiced by Bronx residents in the meeting held by the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition. Bronx residents say high crime rates hampers teenagers? ability to focus on their education.Bronx residents also say housing problems could be remedied with stricter code enforcements for landlords. Assemblyman Geoffrey Dinowitz says he is working on legislation to hold landlords accountable to their tenants. He also says he is trying to pass a law that would require repairs to be fixed within thirty days. Organizers say they have been holding the meetings for three decades. Bronx residents who have attended say they have seen their concerns addressed as a result of the meetings. Members of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition say membership has almost tripled in recent years. Their next meeting will be on December 18.