Editorial: The Horizon thanks you for your support

For almost six years, the Highbridge Horizon has been an instrument of change for the residents of Highbridge.

Although geographically set atop a hill, Highbridge was once overlooked; vacant lots, abandoned buildings and drug-ridden streets were common. In partnership with residents, speed humps were installed in front of schools and throughout the neighborhood. potholes were filled; eyesores were repaired; landlords heard the cries of tenants who were fed up with living in deplorable conditions and began to fix the problems and politicians have taken notice – Governor Pataki visited our fire station a few years ago and Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, attends numerous meetings in the community.

With that said, things are clearly better. And like everything else, things must change—our partnership must come to an end.

Due to lack of funding, the Highbridge Horizon will close in April. Our parent agency, Highbridge Community Life Center, has worked diligently to secure funding. However, as you know, money is tight and what was once an abundantly robust economy is now reduced to an outrageous billion-dollar deficit.

Do not despair. Throughout its existence, the Horizon has acted as a mere catalyst for the changes seen in the community. In other words, the Horizon only reported what you—the concerned resident—did.

It is because of your efforts the potholes were filled. It is because of your complaints, postal officials added more carriers to Highbridge routes. It is because of a handful of teenagers; the “shabby shack” was torn down. It is the efforts of concerned parents who have taken on the educational system and are making great strides towards lasting improvements. You have the power. It was always in your hands. The Horizon has proudly supported all of your endeavors.

From the beginning, the Horizon has set out to report the positives of the community. All too often, the mainstream media will come in and report on who was murdered, raped or robbed. Yes it happens and the staff of the Horizon does not live in a vacuum. But consider this: without us, would you have known how Ms. Aida Davis and Ms. Socorro Rodriguez help deliver Kareem Anderson Ernesto on Anderson Avenue last November? Would you have known how a small art project for third and fourth graders in C.E.S. 11 turned into illustrations in a book? Would you have known how your neighbor, Lorenzo Dufau, served on the first integrated ship in the Navy during World War II?

Through the years, the Horizon staff did their best to show how hard-working people can take a stand and make a difference in a community. We hope we gave an accurate description of a beautiful people and their neighborhood.

The Horizon’s demise does not mean the end of Highbridge. The paper proudly proclaims that it is “The Voice of Highbridge” We humbly ask that you continue your efforts towards improvements. Never settle for a “maybe” or “we’ll see” when a “yes” and “will do” awaits you. Do not rest on your past successes. You have to work harder, endure more and be stronger for your voice must be heard. The voice of Highbridge must be Highbridge itself.

We thank you for all of your support and wish you success, happiness and peace.