Last week, NY1 reporter Erin Clark did a series of segments on The Bronx and its growing diversity for NY1’s Bronx Week. Here Clark focuses on the ever growing Bangladeshi community.
“The Bronx is known for its large population of Hispanics, Italians, and even Irish—but Bangladeshi? The borough is fast becoming home to a growing number of people from the South Asian country. NY1’s Erin Clarke filed the second report of our Bronx Week series.
Twenty years ago, the Bronx neighborhood of Parkchester wasn’t exactly ideal living for immigrants coming from Bangladesh.”
Earlier this month, Stephanie Hoina of the Morris Park neighborhood of The Bronx achieved one of her dreams in life: To publish a book.
On August 2nd, Whimsical Publications, LLC released Hoina’s first book, ‘Kissing Atticus Primble’, a coming of age story about a young high school girl named Kathleen who is suddenly confronted with love, romance and all the decisions and consequences that come along with them.
Here’s a brief Q&A we did with Stephanie so take a few minutes to get to know about this awesome Bronx resident and why she embarked on this journey of publishing a book!
How long have you been writing for?
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. But I think I wrote my first real story when I was about 8 or 9. It was a fantasy story that I illustrated with markers and wrote in a very small “pleather”-bound dark green notebook. I can still see it very clearly, but unfortunately no longer have it. As a teenager I wrote mostly poetry (lots of sappy, angst-ridden love poems) but it was also during those years that I started my first romance novel. I still have most of the handwritten pages, an assortment of looseleaf and green scrap paper. I love the story so much that I plan to complete it these 30-plus years later.
Stephanie Hoina / Image Courtesy, Stephanie Hoina
Why did you decide to write a story in this particular genre?
Because I loved being a 16-year old girl! She’s still inside of me and I find it easy to tap into her. Granted, much has changed since I was that age….but so much has stayed the same. And it’s a fun genre to write in.
Is the story influenced by any real life events?
Not really, other than the fact that I was once a 16-year old girl who had my share of puppy love and heartache.
Where in the Bronx did you grow up and which schools did you attend? Where do you live now?
I grew up in the Wakefield section of the Bronx and attended PS 87 for kindergarten, St. Frances of Rome grammar school, Cardinal Spellman High School, Iona College and Fordham University. I currently live in Morris Park, on the street where my husband grew up, and his mother before him. My son is the 4th generation of my husband’s family to live on our block and I am incredibly proud of that. We could have moved elsewhere but chose to raise our son here because we wanted our son to experience a childhood similar to our own happy Bronx upbringings and we’ve never regretted that decision.
If you have one message to the young girls of the Bronx what would it be?
I’m really not a message kind of person, but I think I’d say be proud of who you are and where you are from.
What were some of the challenges in writing Kissing Atticus Primble? What did you enjoy most about it?
I didn’t always know where the story was going to go, so the biggest challenge was letting the story come to me in its own time. I actually started it about 7 years ago and in the beginning the words came easily. But then I’d get stuck and months, sometimes years, would go by before I revisited it. I don’t think that’s typical, in terms of the timeframe, but sometimes you have to let the story develop in its own time, not yours. So just putting ‘pen to paper’ was probably the biggest challenge. And then little things like making sure the dialogue seemed authentic, the details meshed throughout the story, or that I portrayed one of the character’s challenges in a realistic but respectful way. The thing I enjoyed most was going back in time! I love that reading and writing can take you anywhere you want to go, and writing this book took me back to my adolescence, a time I remember fondly. Plus, as a writer, I simply enjoyed the act of writing, which is especially gratifying when you have a story inside of you that is jumping at the chance to come out.
Do you have any more works in the pipeline?
I’ve already started the sequel to Atticus and I have two adult romance novels that are works in progress, one of which I mentioned previously that I started when I was 16. The other is a few years in the making and an offshoot of an earlier novel I lost (always back up your work!) so I am trying to recreate it. And of course, as is the case with most writers, there are a zillion story ideas floating around in my head waiting for their day in the sun.
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There you have it folks, now what are you waiting for! Go support a Bronx writer and purchase her book whether it’s for the young adults in your life or the one in you! I can’t wait to get my copy and dig in! You can purchase the book by visiting the publisher’s website here: http://www.whimsicalpublications.com/stephanie_hoina/Kissing_Atticus_Primble.html
The New York Times writes about our friend and author, Martin Kleinman (who we interviewed earlier this year) on his move back to The Bronx after being absent for so many decades.
Check out this wonderful story about coming back home.
Martin Kleinman and his wife, Ronni Stolzenberg, moved from Park Slope, Brooklyn, to Riverdale in the Bronx four years ago.Credit Ángel Franco/The New York Times
From the NYTimes:
“With the move this summer of New York’s first family from Park Slope to the Upper East Side, City Room is taking a look at the migration of New Yorkers from one neighborhood to another. Martin Kleinman shared his story, tell us yours here.
Martin Kleinman grew up in the Bronx. In 1984, he and wife, Ronni Stolzenberg, were living in Jackson Heights, Queens. They wanted to start a family, but were concerned about crime in their neighborhood.
The couple decided to move to Park Slope in Brooklyn — a decision not lauded by his grandmother.
“She literally looked at us like we were going to a death camp,” said Mr. Kleinman, 63. “She said, ‘Why are you going to Brooklyn? You’re going to go off and get killed.’”
On Friday, September 5th, Bronx Fashion Week will kick off for the first time in Bronx history. This celebration of fashion will be held at the historic mansion, the Andrew Freedman Home on the Grand Concourse and will be a 3-day event lasting until Sunday the 7th.
Welcome2TheBronx is giving away 3 pairs of VIP tickets giving you access to one (1) of the three evenings, from 5:30PM to 9PM, and here’s what you have to do to win the tickets:
Take a selfie (or have someone take a picture for you) showing us your own unique fashion and submit it to us via email at submissions@welcome2thebronx.com with the subject heading: Free Bronx Fashion Week Tickets.
Briefly tell us in your own words what Bronx Fashion or fashion in general means to you.
Make sure to tell your friends, family, loved ones, and network to like us on Instagram and Facebook so that they may vote for you!
All submissions must be received by no later than Friday, August 22nd by 11:59PM. The contest will run from Monday, August 25th at Midnight until Tuesday, August 26th at 11:59PM
Details for Bronx Fashion Week are as follows:
On all 3 days of the event there will be a Business Expo from 10AM to 4PM where various vendors will be showcasing their works alongside community based organizations.
VIP Networking event will be held from 5:30PM to 6:30PM on each day of this event.
Fashion Runway Show from 7:00PM to 9PM on all 3 days as well.
Bronx Fashion Week will be showcasing collections from styles such as Avant Garde, Casual Wear, and Couture and will be hosted and emceed by the following individuals:
Avant Garde: Friday, September 5th, 7PM – 9PM – Jo Lance
Avant Garde collection on Friday, September 5th will be hosted by Jo Lance, a creative art director and photographer as well as one of the panel judges for Mexico’s Next Top Model. On this evening VH1 will be present filming an episode for the reality show, Mob Wives.
The Casual Wear collection on Saturday, September 6th will be hosted by Bronx born and bred Qurrat Ann Kadwani, a multi-talented actress and model who is currently starring in her own one woman show and is the FIRST South Asian Female to have an off-Broadway show.
Couture: Sunday, September 7th, 7PM – 9PM – Baron Ambrosia
Finally, the Couture collection will be emceed on Sunday, September 7th, by none other than Emmy winner Baron Ambrosia, the Bronx’s own culinary ambassador.
A mural in the rotunda of the Bronx County Courthouse depicts Jonas Bronck arriving in Westchester County. Credit Nicole Bengiveno/The New York Times
Excerpt from The New York Times:
“Nobody would mistake the municipality of Savsjo for the borough of the Bronx.
Savsjo, surrounded by dense forests in southern Sweden between Stockholm and Malmo, has about 5,000 inhabitants (about one-tenth as many as the Co-op City section of the borough alone, but about 10 times as many as the number of Bronxites who claim Swedish heritage). Its medieval churches date to the 12th century (the oldest existing house in the Bronx was built in 1748). Savsjo’s best-known sports team plays handball, not baseball.
And yet the two localities share one largely forgotten favorite son, whose Swedish heritage has only recently been confirmed: Jonas Bronck.
Bronck was born in 1600 just outside Savsjo (pronounced SEV-sho) in the hamlet of Komstad. He immigrated to Denmark, where he became a mariner, and then to the Netherlands, where he married a local woman. In 1639, after the local economy was roiled by a boom-and-bust mania for tulip bulbs, the couple sailed on the “Fire of Troy” for New Amsterdam.
The Broncks built a stone house they named Emmaus (after a site where Jesus appeared after his resurrection) at what would become East 132nd Street and Lincoln Avenue, on a bluff overlooking what would become a 680-acre farm flanked by the Harlem River, the Bronx Kill, which separates the borough from Randalls Island, and the Aquahung, which later became known as Bronck’s River.”
For decades, New York City public policy has encouraged large commercial and residential developments without asking the obvious questions: How will the large numbers of people, which these projects attract, get around? Mass transit was rarely discussed. As a result car dependency has grown dramatically with more traffic gridlock, pollution and fatalities the inevitable result.
As public policy became increasingly environmentally conscious, a punitive attitude against drivers has grown: reduction of traffic lanes, the lowering of speed limits, street bumps, cameras, proposals such as congestion pricing and bridge tolls to make driving more expensive, etc. While the intent of these measures is generally good, they do suggest that driving is somehow “evil” and make drivers the scapegoats.
To reduce the need for driving, it’s necessary to offer realistic choices. Spinning the idea that bicycles are mass transit and ramming bike lines down the throats of New Yorkers–who, in most cases hardly use them and in some cases, don’t even want them,–is not a realistic option. The right alternative is real mass transit: commuter rail, subways, buses and ferries. Making them more accessible, faster and more efficient is the right way to go.
Just How Should People Get Around?
Historically, mass transit has been ignored during the approval process for big development projects:
Co-op City brought numerous tall buildings and some 40,000 residents into a remote area. This project should never have been approved without a subway line right at its doorstep. One may argue that in the 1960’s, the problems associated with massive car dependency were not obvious. Since then, not only have there been few efforts to rectify this omission but residents were forced to fight for a restoration of numerous bus service cuts. It’s shocking that after agitating for the extension of the 2nd Avenue subway to the Bronx for years, no Bronx politician has challenged MTA plans to turn the new line west on 125th Street instead of continuing it to Co-op City via Amtrak. As I argued in an earlier article, the Amtrak track-bed has enough space for both the 2nd Avenue subway and a Metro North extension which together would dramatically reduce car dependency.
Far more recent is the Brooklyn Waterfront development with hi-rises rapidly appearing along the southern portion of the East River. As in Co-op City, mass transit needs were ignored. When former Councilwoman, Diane Reyna, argued that a new East River subway tunnel was a necessity, the MTA casually dismissed her concerns. Today, the “L” train, the only Manhattan bound subway which runs through this area, is completely overwhelmed. (Reyna proposed extending an East River tunnel from the never used South 4th Street station to the 2nd Avenue-Houston F train station. A connection to the planned 2nd Avenue subway would be included. On the eastern end, the South 4th Street station would launch the very badly needed Utica Avenue subway. To rely exclusively on the Manhattan Bridge to connect Brooklyn with Midtown Manhattan is not prudent.)
Back in the Bronx, ice hockey rinks have been approved for the Kingsbridge Armory. The original proposal, for Shops-in-the Armory, was rejected partially for negative traffic impacts. Yet, no one has discussed how mass transit should be enhanced for the new hockey center. A new subway service on the Concourse line, in addition to the D train, which would connect directly to Penn Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal would be extremely helpful to this Armory project as well as a great blessing for Bronx riders at all times.
Ed Garcia Conde has brought recent rezoning on the Lower Concourse to my attention. The area bounded by the Harlem River, the Grand Concourse and East 149th Street is slated for major development, both commercial and residential. There are plans for over 4,000 residential units. Everyone knows that the #2, #4, #5 trains are overcrowded to almost dangerous levels. How will even more people be able to move around?
Conde has suggested building a new Metro-North station at East 149th Street, which would certainly help. Although there is no subway line that could be extended there, a new bus service could be created which would take these new riders directly to the underused #3 train at 148th Street. Perhaps, the area should have a stop on a ferry service to Manhattan. A new ferry service, however, will require major advance planning. (One community cannot sustain ferry service. A great deal of planning is necessary to establish a ferry route: it must serve several communities, have park & ride facilities and have local buses providing a direct connection to the ferry landing.)
As it stands, new people coming into the lower Concourse will have little choice but to use cars.
Bringing Mass Transit into the Picture
Since all New York City zoning changes and development projects go through the Uniform Land Use Process, the primary initiative is in the hands of the local community boards. No Community board should approve any major project, which will attract large numbers of new people into their area, unless mass transit options are fully explored. Questions which must be asked include: “Is there sufficient mass transit to support the project?” “What effect will the project have on the current mass transit?” “What transit enhancements are necessary?” Realistic answers must be given to these questions. It goes without saying that local elected officials and the borough presidents must encourage, support and participate in these efforts.
It’s important to note that when an attractive mass transit alternative, the new Metro-North station was provided for the Yankee Stadium, the results have been spectacular. Some of the new parking garages, built for the stadium, are empty and will have to be torn down. And, a major reduction in car use was achieved without any punitive measures! If the new subway service proposed for the Armory (above) were to be added, it would also benefit the Yankee Stadium area reducing car use even more.
Paying for Mass Transit Improvements
The only cloud hanging above the Yankee Stadium Metro-North station is that the New York Yankees didn’t pay a dime for it! Developers who bring large numbers of people into an area must be forced, either by a Community Benefits Agreement, or by a new City-wide law to put up money for mass transit improvements. Developers may not even oppose this since in the long run their projects would benefit from better mass transit access.
This idea is already gaining momentum in discussions about Midtown East development. Whether the idea of building numerous hi-rise office buidlings in this already congested area is wise is a question itself. But the fact that planners realize that the present mass transit setup cannot support the proposed projects is a step in the right direction.
Transit proposals, thus far, have focused on improving access to Grand Central station which is a laughable Band-Aid. Before a project of this scope can be realized, the 2nd Avenue subway must be in place and the problem of the #7 Grand Central station must be resolved. (The MTA is kicking the proverbial can down the road with the #7 train Grand Central Station. During the AM rush hours, so many Manhattan bound riders disembark at this station that the entire platform is covered with people. After development on the Far West Side, the Queens bound #7 will also be packed. If the two trains arrive at the same time, neither will be able to move until the platform clears. Add even more riders from East Side Access and dangerous overcrowding conditions and severe delays are inevitable. This issue must be addressed and solved before it becomes a problem. A possible solution is to connect the #7 to the 2nd Avenue subway to divert some trains downtown. Special convertible subway cars would have to be used since the 2nd Avenue line is being built to B Division standards while the #7 has A Division standards.)
The primary beneficiary of developer money should first and foremost be the area immediately affected by the project. If the mass transit of the area is deemed adequate, then the money should be provided for mass transit improvements in the affected borough.
What is vital is that the disbursement of the funds be under the complete control of the Mayor and the New York City Council. Simply handing this money over to the MTA would be a travesty since the agency would spend it on what it wanted to do rather than on what the people want to do. More often than not, these goals are not the same.
What About the Nimbys?
One of the problems associated with subway construction projects is the frequent opposition of those directly affected by it, popularly called the Nimbys (not in my back yard). Years ago, proposals for new subways generated excitement and very strong public support. Today the MTA’s horrible record and glacial progress in construction (only 3 stations on the new 2nd Avenue subway in 7 years and counting) has given subway construction a bad name. Thus, it’s not even surprising that those directly affected by construction fight to stop it.
Even if construction is speedier and more efficient, there will be noise, dust and normal lives will be disrupted. Thus, it’s necessary to be fair to the so-called Nimbys. The best way to do this is to suspend property taxes to those building owners directly affected by construction for the duration of the construction. Building owners with tenants would be eligible for this exemption only if they do not raise the rents of their tenants for the duration. Store owners could be given other tax breaks as well. These measures would go a long way to diffuse opposition to the construction of subway projects.
In conclusion, New York City cannot grow economically while generating more car dependency. Mass transit enhancements are critical to mobility and must proceed in tandem with major development projects. Planners must place mass transit needs on top of an approval agenda. And developers who make millions in profits from these projects should provide funding for mass transit rather than simply building more garages and parking lots.
About John Rozankowski, PhD
Although born in Brooklyn, John Rozankowski, PhD spent most of his life in the Bronx and received his Ph.D. in history from Fordham University at Rose Hill.
After selling his rental property, John became a community activist fighting against the new Yankee Stadium, the term limit extension, the Kingsbridge Armory Shops-in-the-Armory proposal and for Bronx Borough President Reuben Diaz’s living wage campaign. Last year, he was a volunteer in the Letitia James for Public Advocate campaign and continues to campaign in Queens for the reactivation of the Rockaway line.
John has a very strong interest in mass transit issues especially relating to the subways and buses. The outer boroughs have always been shafted and it’s high time that Bronxites did something about it.
In addition, he is a writer and blogger on New York City issues.”
Dr Rozankowski has lived in the Bronx for 58 years and currently resides in the Bedford Park neighborhood of the Bronx.
Disclaimer:
Comments, views, and opinions are that solely of the author and should never be misconstrued as that of Welcome2TheBronx or any other authors of this site. Welcome2TheBronx only edits articles submitted by readers for grammar and spelling leaving fact checking up to the author.
Welcome2TheBronx encourages reader submissions for consideration for publication on our site. It is our mission to be able to provide a platform where Bronx residents can have their voices broadcasted to a wider audience.
To submit an article, email us at submissions@welcome2thebronx.com
NY1’s Erin Clark reports on the changing demographics of the Bronx and interviewed yours truly from Welcome2TheBronx on the subject.
She says:
“Everyone’s heard the city referred to as a melting pot, but the Bronx is truly representative of that…Just stand at 149th Street and Third Avenue, the hub, and you’ll see…It’s the borough’s and perhaps one of the city’s busiest and most diverse intersections.”
Watch the video and hear what Bronx Borough Historian aka the Professor, Lloyd Ultan, Marlene Cintron, Executive Director of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, and Welcome2TheBronx has to say about these changes.
MICHAEL SCHWARTZ /FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
The 41st Precinct, on Longwood Ave. in the South Bronx will no longer have crimes committed at Rikers Island included in its statistics.
“South Bronx residents can look forward to a day when their homeowners’ and auto insurance premiums will no longer be inflated by the crimes being reported on Rikers Island.
Thanks to a policy change that was quietly ordered by department brass, the jailhouse stats are now being counted as a separate entity by the NYPD — and no longer lumped in with those of the 41st Precinct in Hunts Point.”
Now, after all these decades, Crash is putting down some roots in his home borough of The Bronx and opening up a gallery in Port Morris.
WallWorks NY, located at 39 Bruckner Boulevard on the corner of Alexander Avenue is situated on one of the most highly visible intersections in The Bronx. Thousands of cars drive by daily on their way into Manhattan from The Bronx, Westchester, Connecticut and points North. (Click image to enlarge)
Called WallWorks NY and located at 39 Bruckner Boulevard at the corner of Alexander Avenue, the new gallery will have a soft opening in September followed by several shows until the end of the year. The official opening is scheduled for January 2015.
According to Crash, he was in Paris a little over a month ago and was inspired by a Parisienne gallery called Galerie Wall Works. While in conversation with the curator, they agreed that WallWorks NY would be a great idea. When I asked him about why the name he simply said, “It’s what we do.” Both the Paris gallery and The Bronx WallWorks NY will be collaborating in exchange programs, a sort of artist swap if you will.
Within a few weeks of coming back home to the states, Crash found the location, worked the details out with the landlord and signed a lease at the former hydroponics store in Port Morris.
Fashion Moda Influence
When we asked Crash what he envisions the space to be, he said, “I want it to be an updated Fashion Moda, a space where we can have exhibitions of local artists, small music events, poetry readings, workshops for kids, as well as showcasing work from around the world.”
He added that, “If it weren’t for Fashion Moda, we wouldn’t be sitting here right now talking about this.”
Crash said that he doesn’t want to display his work and doesn’t want to make the space about him. The gallery is a way of being able to give back what he was afforded in his youth and throughout his life.
In the back of the gallery will be a pop up shop much like what Keith Haring did so long ago — someone who he respected, was inspired by and also knew very well.
The pop up shop will feature different types of art available for sale, making it accessible to the general public versus the high end art that will be on display in the gallery for sale.
It’s a family affair. Crash is joined by his two daughters, Anna (left) and Kristen (right). Anna, who has a bachelor’s degree in Art History and a Master’s degree in Art Business, will be running the gallery. / Image by Nina Robinson Photography (Click image to enlarge)
A Family Affair
Crash plans to keep as much hands off from the gallery as possible. Anna Matos, Crash’s 24 year old daughter who has lived all her life in the art world with her father, will be running the gallery.
Anna has a bachelor’s degree in Art History from FIT as well as a master’s in Art Business.
His younger daughter Kristen has also been on hand these past several days and has been instrumental in getting the gallery space ready in time for the soft launch shortly after labor day.
One of the exhibitions before the grand opening in January 2015 will feature the photographic works of such iconic photographers like Martha Cooper, David Gonzalez, Joe Conzo, and Lisa Kahane to new a few.
Another feature of the gallery will be a rotating mural exhibition on the exterior of the space along Alexander Avenue. Tats Cru members Bio and Nicer threw up the first wall which is a tribute to Port Morris and the area’s Puerto Rican heritage, a group which has been in the neighborhood for over 50 years.
Once open in January the gallery is scheduled to be open from Wednesdays through Sunday but most likely will also be by appointment only in the beginning.
WallWorks NY will be yet another welcomed addition to the vast number of cultural institutions throughout the South Bronx which only keeps on growing. The art scene in the borough, which has always been strong throughout its history, is indeed thriving and shows no signs of slowing down.
Crash / Image by Karah Shaffer Photography (Click image to enlarge)A soft launch for WallWorks NY will be held on September 12th. The main opening will be held in January 2015. (Click image to enlarge)WallWorks NY will be ready in just a few short weeks. Kristen Matos, Crash’s daughter has been helping get the space ready along with her sister Anna. (Click image to enlarge)Crash goes over some artwork with an artist for the gallery. (Click image to enlarge)Mural for WallWorks NY on Alexander Avenue and Bruckner Boulevard by Tats Cru legends Bio and Nicer. The wall is scheduled to change several times a year. (Click image to enlarge)
Our dear friend Charlie Vázquez, Director of the Bronx Writers Center writes:
Hello Bronx Writers!
We’ll be clearing out our former space in the basement of the Westchester Square New York Public Library this Saturday, August 16, from 12pm-3pm. We’ll be giving away tables, desks, chairs and lots of books! Come take them away…
And then around the corner at 4pm a special book presentation…read below.
2700 E Tremont Avenue – 4 – 6pm – Free (#6 train to Westchester Square)
Author and native Bronxite Martin Kleinman will join us for a special book presentation for Home Front: The Collection, a short story collection that takes the reader from New York City to Belgium to New England and beyond. Described by author Jennifer Cody Epstein as “diverse, irreverent and grittily lyrical” these tales represent urban street realism with honest lingo and tone, introducing us to a cast of characters both shocking and familiar. We will close this presentation with a Q&A where participants can ask the author questions about writing and the publishing process.
Books will be available for purchase/signing by the author…
The backstreets of City Island are lined with both simple bungalows and Victorian mansions dating back to the 1800s, most in great shape./ Nathan Kensinger Photography
From Curbed: “City Island, the charming and remote nautical community located in the northeast corner of the Bronx, has been a popular tourist destination for years. Crowds throng to its seafood restaurants to feast on crabs, shrimp, fried smelts, and Piña Coladas, while admiring its historic Victorian architecture and small-town vibe. Some locals have lived here for generations, earning the name “clam diggers,” while all of the island’s residents, including recently arrived “mussel suckers,” have embraced the surrounding sea. Nearly every street here dead-ends in a private beach, a marina, or a yacht club, and at high tide, children swim in the ocean while fish swim in driveways. Taken in its entirety, City Island feels like a village of its own, unattached to New York City.
Hidden behind shuttered storefronts and down side streets, though, a different story is unfolding, as the island fights to maintain its unique identity while recovering from recent calamitous events. “The economy has been rough on us,” said Gerard “Skip” Giacco, owner of the Lickety Split Ice Cream shop and president of City Island’s Chamber of Commerce. His vice president, Paul Klein, agrees, estimating that there are 18 to 20 shuttered businesses along the community’s main street out of a total of 220 active businesses on the 1.5-mile-long island. Some storefronts have “been empty for as long as I can remember,” says Paul. During Hurricane Sandy, many of the marinas and yacht clubs suffered serious damage, with piers destroyed and boats jumbled onshore. “I think City Island is a pretty safe piece of land,” Paul says, but “it seems like the weather is getting predictably worse.”
The first indoor mall to be constructed in New York City in 40 years has finally opened and The Mall at Bay Plaza in the Baychester/Co-op City neighborhoods of The Bronx does not disappoint.
With 780,000 square feet, The Mall at Bay Plaza is the largest shopping mall in New York City bringing with it over 1,700 permanent jobs. With newcomers to The Bronx such as the high-end Michael Kors, a Victoria Secret, and the ever popular H&M, Bronxites will no longer have to trek outside of the borough into Manhattan or Westchester — and in turn will keep their money here.
Another first is a new Macy’s, which is one of the anchor tenants, and is the first brand new Macy’s built from the ground up in over 30 years. (Fun fact: Macy’s currently has 850 stores nationwide and the second store opened outside its original Herald Square 34th Street location was in Parkchester in The Bronx. Also, the founder of Macy’s, Rowland Hussey is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery).
During the opening ceremony, Public Advocate, Letitia James declared, “The people of the Bronx no longer have to go to the border into Westchester to shop, goodbye Westchester!”
New York State Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson stressed the importance of being able to keep our money within our districts which goes back to what we said earlier. “It gives our young residents an opportunity for employment,” added Hassel-Thompson.
New York State Lieutenant Governor Robert J Duffy stressed the state’s commitment to improve access and egress to the area off the I-95 corridor and commitment of funds to make sure that traffic doesn’t become the nightmare that the community has been fearing.
Once the mall opened promptly at 10AM, thousands came through the doors and were in awe. A young shopper was besides herself saying, “This is a really big deal for me and The Bronx, we don’t have to go far for the same stores we shop at in Westchester or Manhattan.”
As I walked around and finally reached H&M, there was a line of hundreds of people waiting to get inside the two-level store but unfortunately had to wait a bit as there was a ribbon cutting for the store’s first Bronx location.
The winners today are the people of The Bronx, both those working and the shoppers. Everyone I spoke to who worked at the mall said they were from The Bronx and according to the developer the number is about 90% of employees are from our borough. Two of these individuals were Danny and Valleirya who both work at Sprint and were excited to be there.
The Mall at Bay Plaza offers a wide variety of stores for all Bronxites from the super high end Michael Kors and Swarovski to the casual and affordable GAP and H&M.
The space feels very similar to The Westchester in White Plains but with a slight urban feel. This is something we all definitely can be proud of for it is definitely the most beautiful mall in all of New York City offering an experience unparalleled in the city.
The economic impact of the mall extends outside its walls. As I exited the mall, I was able to get a taxi by the stand. The driver, Donald Anderson, was excited about the Mall At Bay Plaza. I was his first official fare from the new mall. “I can’t believe how huge it is!” exclaimed Anderson as he drove me to the train station.
Mr Anderson has been in the states for 12 years and is originally from Jamaica. “I first briefly lived in Brooklyn but I didn’t like it. I came to The Bronx and I love the Bronx since I moved here 12 years ago. This is where it’s at. We may not have all the developments like the other boroughs but it’s still beautiful.”
I, along with many Bronxites are excited to keep our money in our beloved Bronx.
