After a brief pause during the winter months, ‘Piazza di Belmont’ will return by the end of this month to Arthur Avenue providing diners with ample room along the famed road.
Beginning Friday, April 30th, Arthur Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic between East 188th Street to Crescent Avenue, two blocks longer thank last year which was only up to 186th Street.
Street closure will be from 6pm to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays and on Sundays from 1pm to 9pm which is the same schedule as last year when it was first launched as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and struggling restaurants unable to host indoor dining. The only difference this time around is that it has been shortened by one day by eliminating Thursdays from the schedule.
“While the pandemic has devastated our city, borough, and neighborhood, we are hopeful for the future with the ongoing vaccinations, lifting restrictions, and the re-launch of Piazza di Belmont, which has become popular with our guests and allows more visitors to dine outdoors during the warmer months,” said Peter Madonia, Chairman of the Belmont BID.
Piazza di Belmont returns this month as Arthur Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic on select days.
And yes, that’s the same Madonia who owns Madonia Bakery which has been in operation for over a century on Arthur Avenue and makes its signature olive bread the same way as the day they opened all those years ago.
Madonia added, “Many of the small businesses in Bronx Little Italy are owned and operated by the same families who founded them over a century ago – some of which have already been through the 1918 pandemic. Piazza di Belmont will help to support many of these family-operated restaurants on weekend evenings, while the streets will remain open during normal business hours throughout the week to support our essential and retail businesses.”
Many of our beloved Arthur Avenue institutions will partake in Piazza di Belmont mainstays like Zero Otto Nove, Mario’s, Enzo’s (a personal favorite amongst all these great spots), Estrellita Poblana, Ann & Tony’s, Pasquale Rigoletto and many more according to the Belmont BID.
Estrellita Poblana, a local favorite
The coronavirus pandemic has forced us to rethink what our public spaces could or should look like and has given us an opportunity to experiment with more open, pedestrian, and business friendly spaces.
With restrictions placed on indoor dining to keep everyone safe during these times, restaurants have been allowed to install outdoor dining spaces without the expensive and bureaucratic paperwork that made it all but impossible for small mom and pop restaurants to even attempt to apply for the necessary permits.
Outdoor dining has been a lifeline for many establishments and in some cases has even doubled capacity.
For a place like Arthur Avenue lined with specialty shops like the bakeries, pasta shops, butchers, and fish markets, it’s a great way for folks to relax and enjoy while shopping and dining on what was called one of America’s Great Streets in 2016 by the American Planning Association.
Emilias
During that declaration, the APA wrote, “Arthur Avenue is an exceptionally rich streetscape lined with restaurants, grocery stores, and shops promoting Italian heritage, dating back to large Italian migration starting at the turn of the 20th century. Nearly every shop is an institution, passed down through generations of families that have lived in the neighborhood. There is no better place to sample delicious bread, pasta, sausage, or espresso — the Zagat Survey readers repeatedly give “Best Buy” status to more Arthur Avenue shops than in any other neighborhood in New York City.”
For those that know Arthur Avenue, do we really need another reason to go and support the place we love so much?
Probably not.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some good dining in New York City’s real Little Italy.
BEDFORD PARK—Application deadline is fast approaching for a brand new development in Bedford Park.
Over 100 brand new construction affordable apartments in the Bedford Park neighborhood of The Bronx, with rents as low as $1,045 a month for two-bedroom units, are still available to apply for but you have 8 days left as the housing lottery closes on April 20th, 2021.
Bronxview at 2885 Marion Avenue/Image via NYC Housing Connect
Located at 2885 Marion Avenue, Bronxview Apartments is a 114 unit, 8 story mixed-income residential development with a wide range of one, two, and three bedroom units available across several income brackets.
For those who qualify, rents are as low as $1,045 for two-bedroom apartment and $1,200 for a three bedroom for those making 50% of the area median income and higher depending on income—rents that are well below the area median for similar type units.
But unlike many recent affordable housing developments, Bronxview lacks many of what are considered to be basic amenities like rooftop access, fitness centers, and bike storage—none of which are found at this development.
But within walking distance, there are many Bronx institutions that more than make up for what the development lacks.
Future residents can enjoy outdoor spaces and gems like Van Cortlandt Park, NYC’s third largest park, the New York Botanical Garden, Mosholu Parkway, Bronx River Park and Forest, and more—all a short walk away.
As far as transportation goes, Bronxview is located within walking distance of the Botanical Garden Metro North Station, the B and D subway at Bedford Park Boulevard and the 4 train a few blocks over on the same street not to mention several bus routes that run right by.
Income requirements for qualifying applicants range from 50, 60, 90, to 110% of the area median income which is anywhere from $39,018 to $155,100 a year according to household size.
As with all affordable housing developments, 5% of units are set aside for applicants with mobility issues and 2% for those with visual or hearing impairments.
Image via Housing Connect
50% of the units are reserved for those who live within the development’s community board which in this case is CB7 and 5% for those who work for New York City.
Hurry now as application deadline is April 20, 2021 and you can apply online or request an application by mail, by sending a self-addressed envelope to:
2751 Grand Concourse C/O Fordham Bedford Bronx, NY 10468
As per Housing Connect guidelines, do NOT apply online and also send in an application. Only apply ONCE per lottery or you may be disqualified for duplicate entries.
Best of luck!
Please note: Welcome2TheBronx is NOT affiliated with this listing or any other real estate developments nor do we receive any commissions from these posts. We are simply bringing the news to you. Please do NOT contact us as we cannot help you with these listings.
Due to the fact that the location hasn’t been disclosed by Apple as of yet, it remains yet to be a secret but it was indicated to be an 8,500 square foot space at a “significant” property.
When it comes to retail in The Bronx, there are really not that many “significant” properties that come to mind or locations we think we’d see one but the most obvious one that does pop up is The Mall at Bay Plaza.
When it comes to retail, it really is the borough’s most significant retail properties that can currently accommodate the reported square footage.
With stores like Macy’s and Swarovski calling the Mall at Bay Plaza home and now with Shake Shack having opened its first Bronx location there in the past few weeks, it’s really the most logical choice we think we’d see Apple opening up a store.
The only other “significant” property of note would be the Bronx General Post Office on the Grand Concourse at 149th Street which developers have been trying to turn into a retail destination but so far, it has been a dud with only one Zona de Cuba restaurant operating out of the roof top.
As far as commercial corridors, Fordham Road is another logical location given Fordham University being there and its rather central location (at least geographically) to the rest of The Bronx.
Meanwhile, over at The Hub at 3rd Avenue and 149th Street, there are no visible signs of construction at any of the local commercial properties.
For decades, major national retailers have kept out of The Bronx but in the past dozen or so years, they have been rapidly coming to the borough as retail rents remain relatively more affordable than other locations like Manhattan and the outer boroughs.
Swarovski is one of the many retailers that call The Mall at Bay Plaza Home and may be the home of Apple’s first Bronx store.
Of course, with a store like Apple coming to The Bronx, the conversation will inevitably turn to the topic of gentrification. When the world’s most valuable brand and company opens in Manhattan, one doesn’t really think of gentrification but when it opens in areas like The Bronx, one can’t help but wonder what it will do to already struggling retailers in our borough as a result of the shift from shoppers forgoing brick and mortar stores for shopping online like with tech giants like Amazon.
The pandemic pushed more people to shop online and many small businesses couldn’t survive without customers and having to still pay rents.
Wherever Apple opens up in The Bronx, that neighborhood will sure have some bragging rights but will their mom and pop shops be able to survive what will inevitably be rising retail rents?
For now, the true winners will be the landlords of wherever the Apple store opens up and the surrounding property owners, and of course, the Apple fans.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced yesterday that city beaches and pools will open on time this year for swimming despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year, at the height of the pandemic after New York City became the epicenter of the battle against this deadly disease and tens of thousands of New Yorkers had lost their lives as a result, city beaches and pools opened up months late well into the summer.
Beachgoers rejoice: New York City Beaches, like Orchard Beach in The Bronx pictured above, will open on time this summer season.
Back then, without a vaccine and still many unknowns with the virus, the city made the painful decision to keep things closed and err on the side of caution.
Now, with 23% of the city’s population fully vaccinated and 37% having received at least one dose as of today, the city will open beaches Memorial Day Weekend beginning Saturday, May 29 and city pools the day after the last day of school on Saturday and June 26.
Orchard Beach: Playfully known as The Bronx Riviera by locals
By then, it is expected that a significantly greater portion of the population will be fully vaccinated or at least partially so as access to the vaccine is now available to anyone over 18 years of age.
And as the weeks go by and more supply arrives, vaccination efforts can ramp up to ensure we have a safe summer with our loved ones.
Meanwhile here in The Bronx, currently 21% of residents are fully vaccinated and 32% have received at least one dose.
Our residents need to get back to some sort of normalcy at least outdoors it would be nice to see Orchard, aka The Bronx Riviera, back to life with the beat of the people of The Bronx and some salsa in the background.
Although it’s definitely not a slice of Florida in the Northeast like that parody video from a few years ago.
The 1.1 mile shore of Orchard Beach
For our youth who love to go to the pool on a hot, summer day to escape the heat, it’s equally important for them.
Nestled in Pelham Bay Park, the largest park in New York City and more than three times the size of Central Park, Orchard Beach is a man-made beach that was created by filling in the old Pelham and Leroy’s bays and occupies 115 acres of the 2,772 acre park.
The famous pavilion and bathhouse was landmarked in 2006 and is scheduled for a major $60 million restoration and preservation.
For hundreds of years, the South Bronx waterfront along the Harlem River has been home to industries including J.L. Mott Ironworks who’s founder gave way to the eponymous Mott Haven.
In more recent decades, particularly the last 50 years, it’s been dotted by self-storage warehouses, abandoned lots, a gravel company, all preventing meaningful access by local residents to the waterfront.
Rendering of 2401 Third Avenue at Bankside which is already under construction with all buildings topped out/Rendering by ArX Solutions
But during the last 12 years, that has been slowly changing especially along a stretch that’s less than a mile between the 145th Street and Third Avenue Bridges.
2009 saw the opening of Mill Pond Park directly north of 149th Street and the 145th Street Bridge, the first waterfront park in the area providing direct access to the Harlem River since industry and rail had taken over in the 1800s. Well, direct access isn’t entirely accurate since commercial rail still exists preventing actual direct access to the river but nevertheless it still was the first attempt at giving residents what they’ve been clamoring for decades.
That same year the area directly south of 149th Street and the bridge was rezoned collectively as the Lower Concourse Rezoning along with the Special Harlem River Waterfront District paving the way for turning mostly dormant warehouses and industrial sites into potential, future residential developments.
Looking across Bruckner Boulevard with Bankside to the left and the Arches to the right.
For years nothing changed. Similar rezoning in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens would be almost immediately followed by construction of luxury housing but in the South Bronx, things marched to the beat of a different drum as developer interest in the country’s poorest congressional district was met with hesitancy despite the hype up by would be gentrifiers and real estate industry leaders like Barbara Corcoran who had declared the area the next hottest market in 2006.
Then in late 2014, 101 Lincoln Avenue, at the foot of the Third Avenue Bridge, sold for $32 million and unbeknownst to the general public, it would set off a chain of sales of several other properties within a block from each other totaling over $100 million in record sales at speculative prices.
That’s when things began to change and developers truly set their eyes on the area and the potentials of luxury developments and a year later, the new owners of 101 Lincoln and 2401 Third Avenue announced plans for a massive 1,600 unit development and the rebranding of the area as the Piano District which was met with fierce community opposition and the developers, Somerset Partners and the Chetrit Group eventually backed away from the rebranding particularly after an extremely distasteful and tone deaf party with vestiges of a burning Bronx.
The six years since then has seen other record-breaking sales along the waterfront as well as filings and plans for thousands of units of residential development that will forever change the South Bronx’s waterfront and skyline.
Bronx Point
Located on stolen parkland that was once fully promised as an extension of Mill Pond Park, construction has begun on the first phase of the 1,045 unit development that will include 542 permanently affordable residential units across 530,000 square foot development including 50,000 square feet for the first and only brick and mortar home for the Universal Hip Hop Museum.
Construction is well underway at Pier 5 where Bronx Point will soon rise along with the Universal Hip Hop Museum
As part of the development, 2.8 acres of land will be developed as part of Mill Pond Park’s expansion including the expansion of the waterfront esplanade to the foot of the 145th Street Bridge.
Rendering of Bronx Point
355 Exterior Street
Back in 2018, 355 and 399 Exterior Street, two adjacent lots on the Harlem River waterfront, were marketed as New York City’s largest development site and a few months later they were sold for $59 million to the Lightstone Group.
475, 399, and 355 Exterior Street
Shortly after, the developer announced plans to create a 2,000 unit residential development with 1,400 units rented at market-rate and the remaining 600 units as “affordable” and even more recently, plans have been filed for a 43 story, 400 foot tall building which would make it the tallest building in the South Bronx.
According to filing plans, the building would contain 710 units and will be a mixed development with just under 11,000 square feet of the 565,497 square foot building set aside for commercial use. No other information has been made public as of yet and no additional filings for the adjacent 399 Exterior Street have been made but it appears this may be the first phase of the 2,000 unit development announced in 2019.
Part of the lot was taken over by the city via eminent domain to create another waterfront park as part of a master plan for the area.
475 Exterior Street, which is directly south of the 145th Street Bridge at 149th Street was leased to the same developer for 50 years for $30.5 million with plans also for more residential development. Given its proximity to 355 and 399 Exterior and separated by what will be a future park, it most likely will be part of the same unnamed 2,000 unit development.
The Arches
While not directly on the waterfront itself, the two 25-story luxury towers rise just feet from the river separated only by Cube Smart’s self-storage property, the development has already changed the face of the area as having been the first luxury high-rises to be constructed in the area.
The Arches on 135th Street just west of Third Avenue
Located at 224-228 E 135th Street directly in front of the Major Deegan Expressway, tenants are already moving into one of the completed towers at The Arches. Once finished, the development will have 450 units of luxury housing across both buildings as well as a hotel.
Last year, a portion of the units were set aside and promoted as “affordable” but at 130% of the Area Median Income, they were anything but affordable especially to local residents in Community Board 1 which encompasses Port Morris, Mott Haven, and Melrose. Rents for a studio under the “affordable” program were listed as high as $2,150. Need we say more?
Meanwhile, rents in the non-regulated units were listed as high as $3,758.
Bankside
This is the development that started the frenzy. Once billed as the Piano District in the former owners’ failed attempt to rebrand the area, the development morphed into Bankside once the new owner, Brookfield, purchased the development for $165 million in 2018 in what was and still is the most expensive residential real estate transaction in Bronx history.
Bankside, the three towers to the right, and The Arches, the tower to the left, as seen from Manhattan’s East Harlem neighborhood.
Construction is well underway at the site and is being done in two phases. Phase 1, located at 2401 Third Avenue, will contain 450 luxury residential units as well as some set aside as “affordable” across 3 buildings and has already topped out.
Construction on phase 2 has recently begun and the remaining 4 towers will rise at 101 Lincoln Avenue on the other side of the Third Avenue Bridge and will contain the remaining units and both sites will have towers reaching as high as 25 stories.
Rendering of a completed Bankside
This is also the most expensive development to date at $950 million.
All developers along the river in the Special Harlem River Waterfront District must also provide public access to the waterfront as well as develop it for use by all in the neighborhood and not just future tenants of luxury housing.
Future of the South Bronx
While there are many other developments going on in the immediate area, just these four alone will bring almost 5,000 units of residential housing in an area that was once dominated by industry.
2401 Third Avenue, the end (or the beginning) of the avenue in The Bronx.
It is also changing the character of the area as more and more higher income residents flood the area leading to the displacement of longtime residents and small businesses.
While many often assume that gentrification is a literal and direct displacement of people caused by the demolition of one building to make way for taller, higher density and higher income families, the reality is that that is just only one way that it works.
As more and more of these units are constructed, landlords in the area will not hesitate in raising rents as fast as possible within legal limits and will stop at nothing to pressure longtime residents to move out.
We’ve seen this play out across New York City, whether in Harlem, Chelsea, the East Village, or Williamsburg and others.
Proponents of gentrification argue that it is needed to help improve outcomes in the South Bronx where residents suffer from the highest rates of diabetes, obesity, asthma, unemployment, and in the city but we already know that gentrification won’t actually improve the lives of residents and families who have lived here for decades and generation.
It will only improve these statistics for the area through displacement of those who suffer said ills.
We thought we were safe in America’s poorest congressional district but we were wrong.
People may have laughed at Barbara Corcoran 15 years ago but in less than 5 years, the South Bronx waterfront and skyline will be completely unrecognizable to the native born and raised children of this once forgotten borough.
With Major League Baseball moving the coveted All-Star game out of Atlanta due to the Republican assault on voter rights and enacting voter suppressive tactics, it’s only fitting that The Bronx hosts one of the pastime’s most sought after events after the World Series.
A year ago when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we wrote that The Bronx was particularly vulnerable given how the coronavirus hits harder those with multiple comorbidities and with Bronx residents having some of the worst health outcomes not just in the city and state but in the nation, it was only a matter of time before we got hit.
By mid-April of last year, The Bronx was not only hit hard but it also became the epicenter of the pandemic in New York City and the country. With the highest rates of asthma, diabetes, obesity, and other diseases, residents of The Bronx suffering from these diseases stood a a greater chance of not just contracting the deadly disease but dying from it.
Despite all the regulations, families came to enjoy Opening Day at Yankee Stadium
During that time, the borough had the highest infection, death, and hospitalization rates due to COVID-19 and even a year later, The Bronx’s death rate is the highest in the state and among the highest in the nation.
With the ensuing lockdown, the pandemic wreaked havoc on the economy across the country but few places were hit as hard as The Bronx where the unemployment rate soared to over 25%—rates unseen since The Great Depression.
And with baseball all but canceled, businesses around Yankee Stadium were hit doubly hard as pedestrian traffic was at a standstill without the tens of thousands of fans attending home games not to mention the already reduced traffic as a result of the pandemic.
Given that Yankee Stadium is located in the poorest congressional district in America and one of the hardest hit places during the pandemic, it would not only be a symbolic gesture but it would help pump hundreds of millions into the local economy.
This could potentially save many local mom and pop shops in the shadow of the stadium and save hundreds of jobs not to mention fill up our tax coffers.
We already witnessed last week how just under 11,000 fans descending upon Yankee Stadium on opening day helped the local businesses in the area.
No other city is better equipped and ready to host such a game during the pandemic so what is the MLB waiting for? Let’s play ball in The Bronx.
October 18, 2019 was the last time The Bronx’s Yankee Stadium was filled with tens of thousands of adoring fans of America’s favorite past time, or any fans for that matter.
Fans were barred from attending games at stadiums last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and with The Bronx being the epicenter of the crisis, Yankee Stadium was no exception.
Everywhere you turn, signs are posted alerting fans of COVID-19 restrictions, regulations, and guidelines that will govern their time at the stadium.
Businesses in the shadow of the stadium have been suffering perhaps more than the average mom and pop given the fact that they can generally rely on over 40,000 fans that attend a game at Yankee Stadium on a typical day.
With the coronavirus pandemic all that pedestrian traffic came to a grinding halt but today, some relief was in sight.
Fans enjoy food and beer at Stan’s on River(a) Avenue.
Today’s opening game against the Blue Jays will have fans in attendance for the first time in 18 months as almost 11,000 fans are allowed back in but under heavy COVID-19 safety protocols.
The stadium will only allow 20% of its 54,251 capacity, or 10,850 fans and attendees will need to show proof of a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours of the game or proof of vaccination.
Temperature checks are required for entry to Yankee Stadium along with proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours or proof of vaccination.
Spectators will be spread apart in pods of 2 or 4 with sufficient distance between each group and everyone must wear masks at all times. Temperatures will also be checked before allowed entrance into the ball park as well.
Markedly absent also will be the lack of vendors in the stands but you’ll still be able to get food and beverages at concession stands but be prepared to pay in plastic as the stadium has gone cashless in the era of the coronavirus as a way to limit contact and spread.
Cocktails to go but not without food as per New York State regulations during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Meanwhile outside the stadium, fans appeared happy to be back and drinking with friends at mainstays like Billy’s and the air was rather jubilant with crowds of laughing fans and live DJs playing music on sidewalks.
But it’s going to take more than just under 11,000 fans coming to the area to help uplift the local businesses and not even having games at full capacity will close the immense financial gap left after 18 months of lack of fans at Yankee Stadium.
A visibly less crowded opening day which on any other year would see a throng of over 50,000 fans is limited to just under 11,000 spectators due to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and regulations.
While businesses have adapted to not having fans for 6 months of the year, this was something no one could have planned for.
Yankee Stadium will continue to operate as a vaccination site operated by SOMOS Community Care and the National Guard as it has been doing since February through at least the end of April. Since the stadium became a mass vaccination site, over 75,000 Bronxites have been vaccinated.
Despite all the regulations, families and die hard fans came to enjoy Opening Day at Yankee Stadium
As more and more residents get vaccinated, we can only hope that one day things will return to normal and we’ll have a stadium full at capacity with revelers hopping around local establishments and spending their hard earned money to keep them alive.
For now, let’s enjoy what we can as responsibly and safely as possible.
President Biden’s ambitions—and much needed $2 trillion infrastructure plan can be a boon for The Bronx if our representatives in Congress, like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamaal Bowman, Ritchie Torres, and Adriano Espaillat push hard enough.
The plan, which calls for billions to repair and rebuild bridges and roads and billions more for new schools, expand high-speed broadband access, and shift to cleaner energy are all things that are desperately needed in our borough.
All of these things can help our borough move forward and help the quality of lives for all.
The CrossX Light Rail
The time is now for our representatives to push for a Cross Bronx light rail that would provide an easy way to travel and commute between the East and West Bronx as well as Upper Manhattan.
Our subway system, being Manhattan-centric, is archaic given that Manhattan is no longer the center of economic life for the outer boroughs.
The CrossX would begin in Manhattan connecting the A and 1 train before crossing into The Bronx. This would give Bronxites direct access to Riverdale and Kingsbridge by subway
Economic growth in The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island has outpaced Manhattan and we need our public transportation network to reflect that. Besides, it’s just good practice to evolve into a sustainable and green city.
Such a system could potentially run over or along the Cross Bronx Expressway much like the AirTrain in Queens linking to JFK and would dramatically ease the burden of intra-borough travel in The Bronx. I mean we all know that it’s a task that’s virtually impossible to do without major inconvenience and wasting of time as it is right now.
Sure, buses like the BX12 can get us across but their speed are dependent on road traffic and without exclusive Bus-only busways like 14th Street, we’re never gonna get from one end to the other of the Bronx in a timely fashion.
The CrossX (in yellow), as we envision it.
A light rail across the borough can also reduce the need for people to have to take the cars, and lets face it, public transportation, or rather RELIABLE public transportation, is good for the environment so this is a win-win in a borough that has some of the worst air pollution in the region along with some of the highest rates of asthma in the nation.
It would be an investment in the green new deal if a CrossX light rail became a reality.
TriboroRx Subway
Speaking of a Manhattan-centric subway system, currently, if you want to travel from The Bronx to Queens or Brooklyn by subway, you have to go through Manhattan first as there is no direct access other than by bus.
Given that economic growth, including the job sectors, has been stronger in the outer boroughs, it makes sense to have a transportation network that makes a direct connection between them without having to go through Manhattan.
The Triboro Rx would travel 24 miles from Co-op City in The Bronx to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn along existing rail lines, connecting 17 subway lines and 4 commuter rail lines.
One such way is to create the TriboroRx that would stretch for 24 miles from Co-op City in The Bronx to Bayridge, Brooklyn.
According to the Regional Plan Association which has provided several proposals on the issue, the 24 mile route could have 22 stations linking multiple subway lines together—17 in total—as well as four commuter rail lines from LIRR to Metro North.
The plan also calls for a spur that would connect to 3rd Avenue and 149th Street at The Hub in Melrose providing another crucial link into the existing transportation network.
The TriboroRx Subway line would be constructed along existing rail right of way between the three boroughs so actual construction would be minimal and relegated to mostly construction of the stations given that the rail actually already exists.
The Triboro Rx would travel over the Hell’s Gate Bridge over Randall’s Island and into Astoria, Queens.
And the cost? RPA estimates the cost to be anywhere from $1 to $2 billion—significantly less than the 2nd Avenue Subway which cost $4.45 billion for two miles, three new stations, and an expansion of a fourth along a route that benefited a much smaller portion of the population.
While these figures were from a few years ago and inflation more than likely has increased the price tag, it’s still a drop in the bucket to invest in solid infrastructure that will benefit millions as well as making The Bronx a greener borough in the process.
Best of all, you can connect to the CrossX.
Capping the Cross Bronx Expressway
Like an ugly scar, the Cross Bronx Expressway bisects The Bronx and is a monument to master planner and Robert Moses and his destruction of Bronx neighborhoods that were ripped apart to create what would eventually become one of the worst highways in America.
While it may serve as a main interstate and the shipment of goods as well as carrying hundreds of thousands of commuters a day, it is also one of the biggest sources of pollution in our borough as a result of said traffic.
The Cross Bronx Expressway
One way we can begin to re-stitch and heal these communities would be to “cap” portions of the highway and creating more open spaces as well as new land for much needed affordable housing.
The expressway can keep on running, it would just be covered up here and there with decks to create the open spaces. A report by Peter Meunnig, MD, MPH at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health published several years ago estimated the price tag to do so over 2.4 miles of the infamous roadway would be about $757 million.
Reimagining the Cross Bronx Expressway decked over to create green spaces.This is strictly for illustrative purposes.
Life long Bronx resident and activist, Nilka Martell, and founder of Loving The Bronx, has been advocating for capping a small portion in Parkchester that is next to Virginia Park, a green space Martell has activated with program over the years.
Martell feels that starting small would perhaps then spur greater interest and political will to cap larger portions of the Cross Bronx.
According to the report published by Dr Meunnig, MD, MPH, “Deck parks can produce multiple health benefits. Most notably, they remove contact between pedestrians and automobiles. In doing so, they not only reduce accidents but they also encourage active, pollution-free transportation such as biking or jogging.”
Meunnig also added, “Deck parks also place vehicles in a tunnel, thereby reducing noise and air pollution in surrounding neighborhoods. Finally, deck parks provide green space in which people can exercise and relax. In doing so, deck parks have the potential to reduce diabetes, heart disease, mental illness, cancer, low birth weight, and death associated with accidents.”
Given that The Bronx suffers from some of the highest rates of diabetes, asthma, obesity, and has the poorest health outcomes in New York State, this is common sense solutions that would address multiple issues.
A Breath of Fresh Air
While these projects sound ambitious, no great projects with lasting impacts that span generations start out as small ideas.
Implementing one or all three of these ideas will go a long way to righting the many wrongs inflicted upon our borough through design.
A Triboro Rx coupled with a CrossX Light Rail would provide easier access to employment opportunities for our residents by cutting commute times drastically and making it easier to get around.
Capping The Cross Bronx would truly be a concrete step towards improving health outcomes in our borough through the creation of open spaces as well as providing space for truly affordable housing to combat the homelessness crisis we have been facing in The Bronx for years.
These ambitious projects would also create thousands of construction jobs that can and should be accessible to our residents who are longing for decent paying jobs that aren’t simply minimum wage, dead-end employment.
The Bronx deserves better and we can only achieve it if we tell our elected officials what we need and want.
After the New York State Assembly and Senate passed the legalization of recreational marijuana yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the legislation into law today transforming New York into the 15th state to do so.
While we’re still some time away before shops for recreational usage pop up, New York State residents can now toke up in public where smoking is allowed, although not while driving as that would be driving under the influence.
Residents can also have up to 3 ounces of of pot in their possession for recreational purposes without consequences.
This is where New York State can and will lead to help heal our communities that were unfairly targeted and victimized by criminalization of pot.
An estimated $350 million a year in taxes is expected to be generated in what could be a $4.2 billion industry in the state making it one of the largest such in the country. Tax dollars collected from the industry will also divert millions to communities of color that have been impacted by criminalization of the pot that resulted in the arrests of thousands in Bronx neighborhoods alone.
But it doesn’t end there. Licensing for marijuana related businesses will have a substantial set aside for minorities in said communities to ensure that areas like The Bronx that were ravaged by the war on drugs will benefit economically and thwart outsiders from coming into NYS and taking over the industry.
Coming soon to The Bronx? Marijuana grow houses will more than likely flourish across the borough/Photo by Richard T on Unsplash
For decades, Black and Latino residents of The Bronx have been disproportionately targeted by the NYPD and arrested on charges of possession of marijuana at a higher rate than white users of the substance.
In 2020, people of color made up 94% of arrests made with whites accounting for almost 4% of total arrests yet meanwhile in 2019, city health officials found that whites were far more likely to smoke pot that Blacks and Latinos with 24.1% of whites surveyed saying they use the substance versus 14% and 12.3% for Blacks and Latinos respectively.
The consequences of the targeting of communities of color for marijuana use and possession has had a tremendous toll on The Bronx with thousands jailed, families broken apart, jobs lost, and even homelessness through evictions as a result, something which white residents didn’t have to face or at least not at the levels the BIPOC community has in the past.
With the potential of turning into a $4.2 billion industry, it’s only right that The Bronx gets a significantly large portion of this revenue as a form of long overdue reparations and righting a huge wrong.
MELROSE—The world’s most famous pancake and breakfast chain is opening another location in the South Bronx.
IHOP is putting finishing touches on what will be its 6th Bronx location at 247 E 149th Street at Michaelangelo Apartments directly across from Lincoln Hospital.
The opening of a new restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic is despite possible closures of other locations.
Back in the Fall, IHOP identified 100 IHOP restaurants across the country that were no longer financially viable in and were facing possible closures due to the pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis given lockdown restrictions put into place limiting indoor seating or outright prohibiting it.
Workers putting finishing touches at the soon to open IHOP on 149th Street in Melrose
But given the location on 149th Street and directly across the street from Lincoln Hospital, finding willing customers shouldn’t be a problem given the high pedestrian traffic in the area.
Hostos Community College is also located less than two blocks away too not to mention the office buildings in the area.
Back in 2017, the 500 unit mixed residential and commercial Michaelangelo Apartments, built in 1974, sold for $78 million—a record for a residential property in The Bronx.
The new owner, MDG Construction and Design, is a company that specializes in preserving affordable housing in rapidly gentrifying areas.
Shortly after the purchase, MDG pumped $160 million to upgrade the complex from mechanicals to new kitchens and bathrooms for apartments, landscaping, new lobbies, and upgraded security features.
While we always support local businesses and mom and pop shops, for those that like to indulge at IHOP, at least they don’t have to leave their own neighborhood.
But we’ll still get our fix at Perry’s on 161st or Jimbo’s.
MORRISANIA—The latest of several senior housing developments across The Bronx is nearing completion and is now accepting applications.
The development is located at 1074 Washington Avenue at 166th Street where the old Trinity United Methodist Church once stood.
Trinity United Methodist Church shortly before demolition (Image via Google Maps)
The church has since been demolished, suffering the same fate of St Joseph’s and Our Lady of Pity in recent years, to give way to the new 12 story, 154 unit senior housing development in the heart of Morrisania.
Qualifying applicants must be or have at least one household member that’s 62 years of age or older and must qualify for Section 8. As a result, eligible residents will pay 30% of their income towards rent.
Rendering of 1074 Washington Avenue which is still under construction.
There is no minimum income requirement as it starts at $0 but it maxes out at $39,800 a year for a one person household to $51,200 for a household of 3.
Tenants will also be responsible for electricity including an electric stove but all other utilities are included.
There will be on-site security as well as basic amenities like shared laundry room, recreation room, outdoor terrace, outdoor areas, security cameras, air conditioning, and a gymnasium.
Rendering of standard open kitchens at 1074 Washington Avenue
You can apply online here or request an application by mail by sending a self-addressed envelope to: 1074 Washington Avenue Apartments C/o Real estate office, 1605 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Bronx, NY 10453, however, make sure you only apply once and not by both mail and online as this will potentially disqualifiy you.
Application deadline is May 25, 2021 so make sure you apply on time.
THROGGS NECK—The Bronx is scheduled to get a second ferry stop this year which will extend the Soundview NYC Ferry route into Throggs Neck at Ferry Point Park.
NYCEDC provided Welcome2TheBronx with a map marking the route of the new ferry stop at Ferry Point Park in Throggs Neck which is scheduled for launch by year’s end.
With the successful launch of the Soundview Ferry at Clason Point, the New York City Economic Development Corporation announced in 2019 that the service would expand the route in 2021.
According to information told to Welcome2TheBronx by the Office of Public affairs at the NYCEDC, the addition is still on target for the end of the year, however at this time they cannot provide when beyond that.
The agency also stated that despite the fact that construction hasn’t begun on the new dock yet, they are still working to get it done by year’s end.
A ferry docks at the Soundview Ferry dock at Clason Point
Up until the pandemic, ridership along the Soundview ferry route, which stops along the East side of Manhattan along the East River at 90th Street, 34th Street, Stuyvesant Cove (at 20th Street, and Wall Street at Pier 11, was exceeding expectations.
According to the EDC, the route was expected to carry 410,000 riders during the first year but in less than 12 months, it carried over 670,000 riders—63% more than expected.
Before the ferry service began, Soundview residents faced 90 minute commutes to midtown and downtown destinations for work but once service began, many began experiencing reductions of up to 1 hour for their commutes.
Bronx commuters on the Soundview Ferry in August 2018, shortly after launch of the service.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, ridership dropped to 70% of pre-pandemic lockdowns across the entire NYC Ferry system as employees began to work from home, however, in The Bronx, home to the largest population of essential workers, ridership remained at a strong 90% according to data provided to Welcome2TheBronx by the NYCEDC.
In the transit-starved East Bronx area that is still waiting for four new Metro North Stations, this is a much needed alternative form of transportation for area residents heading into Manhattan but another stop in the South Bronx, perhaps along Lincoln Avenue would help alleviate the 4,5, and 6 trains running along the Lexington Avenue line but for this system to truly be successful, we must demand direct access to Queens and Brooklyn from The Bronx and bypassing Manhattan entirely.
Marjorie Velazquez, who is running to represent the 13th District in the New York City Council told Welcome2TheBronx in a statement, “My community has suffered as a transportation desert in need of better options and accessibility.”
The majority of economic growth has occurred in the outer boroughs in recent years and many Bronxites travel to Queens and Brooklyn but cannot take a direct route without getting on a bus and making several switches along the way.
A direct route into Queens will go a long way.
“This expansion is a great first step but far more needs to be done to really fix the issue including more subway access, select and express bus service.” added Velazquez.
