Happy festival goers cheering on Egyptt LaBeija during her performance
This past Saturday, The Bronx celebrated its annual LGBTQIA+ pride festival at The Hub hosted by Destination Tomorrow, the borough’s official pride center.
The day started with a march that began on the Grand Concourse at 161st Street in front of Joyce Kilmer Park where Bronx artist Lovie Pignata painted a pride crosswalk thanks to the support of Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.
Marchers lined up at the Bronx Pride Crosswalk on the Grand Concourse at 161st Street which was designed and painted by Bronx artist Lovie Pignata
Well before the crack of dawn, Lovie began to paint the pride crosswalk at 4AM to ensure it was ready for the march which kicked off from the site at noon.
While we were there documenting the painting of the crosswalk, the reaction of local residents was truly heart-warming and they had nothing but positive comments to say and were nothing but supportive.
A festival goer during Bronx Pride
Those positive sentiments from local residents continued as the march, which was led by several grand marshalls, including life-long Bronxite and host of BronxTalk, Gary Axelbank, South Bronx activist Clarisa Alayeto, and Bronx BP, Vanessa Gibson, down the Grand Concourse before turning on 149th Street and heading towards the Bronx Pride Festival at The Hub.
Once the marchers arrived at the festival, the day continued with dozens of performances from singers to spoken word, and, of course, drag queens doing their thing including icons like Egyptt LaBeija.
The Bronx Pride Festival is but just one of many pride celebrations that happen across The Bronx during pride season. Last weekend was the first ever Bronx Pride Pop-Up hosted the Southern Boulevard Business Improvement District, the Fordham BID, and the 161st Street BID at three different locations.
City Island, and Riverdale also had pride celebrations and of course there is the yearly Bronx Pride Festival and Health Fair at Crotona Park hosted by the “Queen of The Bronx”, Appolonia Cruz which will be held Saturday, July 20th from 11AM to 7PM.
Thanks to Destination Tomorrow and all who made Saturday a beautiful day to celebrate nothing but love in The Bronx.
Bystanders watching as the FDNY continued to ensure that the blaze was fully under control
MELROSE—A four alarm fire that started this morning around 5AM at a Dunkin’ Donuts quickly spread and destroyed five other businesses before the FDNY could get it under control.
The blaze and the resulting FDNY and NYPD response in the area closed off several blocks on Third Avenue between 153rd and 156th streets as crews worked to contain the fire.
The emergency response to the morning’s blaze closed off Third Avenue between 153rd and 156th streets for hours, diverting traffic, including buses.
Luckily, no casualties were reported nor were any injuries but unfortunately an entire strip of businesses have been wiped out including the beloved high-end African fabric store Holland Textiles.
When Holland Textiles opened up ten years ago, it was one of three in the world joined by its sister locations in London and Paris and customers from all across the African diaspora flocked to The Bronx to get some of the best African print fabrics money could by.
Stepping into the store was always a joy, as it felt like wandering through a living exhibit of Africa’s rich colors and fabrics. These beautiful textiles would eventually transform into dresses and garments, bringing life and vibrancy to the diverse communities of The Bronx and beyond.
It’s truly a shame to lose such a special and unique store that was the only one of its kind not just in New York City but all of North America.
Some of the other business that were destroyed was a take out Chinese restaurant, a furniture store, a smoke shop, and an electronics store.
The four-alarm blaze flooded the scene with dozens of firefighters
The damage to the building was so severe that you can see that the roof collapsed in some of the stores.
Hopefully some of these businesses can find spaces nearby and maybe the landlord can quickly rebuild and welcome them back but no word on what will become of the property has been mentioned.
Over the past years, Welcome2TheBronx has been nurturing a dream—one that not only celebrates the vibrant culture and rich history of The Bronx but also gives back to the community that has given so much to us. Today, that dream becomes a reality with the launch of our highly anticipated merchandise brand.
Welcome2TheBronx is more than just a blog; it’s a platform that has consistently highlighted the beauty, resilience, and diversity of The Bronx. Now, with the introduction of our merchandise line, we’re taking our commitment to the community to the next level. The brand’s new collection includes a variety of items that reflect the unique spirit of The Bronx, from stylish apparel to eye-catching accessories.
The Bronx Latte Mug is a Bronx take on a New York City classic. The Bronx’s motto, ‘Ne Cede Malis (Yield not to evil) can be found on the back of the mug.
What sets Welcome2TheBronx’s merchandise apart is our mission-driven approach. Each month, 15% of the proceeds from merchandise sales will be donated to a local non-profit organization. This initiative ensures that every purchase directly supports the community, addressing crucial needs and fostering positive change. By prioritizing local non-profits, Welcome2TheBronx aims to provide ongoing support to initiatives that uplift and empower Bronx residents.
The Bronx Strong Tote is a sturdy bag with a list of Bronx neighborhoods on the back
Moreover, the brand is dedicated to collaboration and creativity, emphasizing partnerships with local artists. By working closely with Bronx-based creatives, Welcome2TheBronx will continuously introduce new and unique merchandise that captures the essence of the borough. These collaborations not only showcase the talent within the community but also ensure that the merchandise line remains fresh and authentically connected to The Bronx’s cultural landscape.
Launching this merchandise brand has been a labor of love. We’ve always wanted to create something that represents The Bronx and gives back to our community. Partnering with local artists and donating a portion of our proceeds to local non-profits allows us to do just that. We’re excited to see where this journey takes us and how it will positively impact The Bronx.
The debut collection is already generating buzz, with many eagerly anticipating the unique designs and community-focused mission. As Welcome2TheBronx embarks on this new chapter, our dedication to highlighting The Bronx’s strengths and addressing its challenges remains steadfast.
In a world where merchandise often serves as a mere transaction, Welcome2TheBronx is redefining the concept. Our brand isn’t just about selling products; it’s about celebrating a community, supporting local talent, and making a tangible difference. For those who have followed Welcome2TheBronx’s journey over the past 15 years, this launch is a testament to our unwavering passion for the borough and its people.
As the first wave of merchandise hits the market, the excitement is palpable. The Bronx is not just a location; it’s a way of life, and Welcome2TheBronx’s new merchandise brand embodies that sentiment in every piece.
Support The Bronx and its community by purchasing Welcome2TheBronx’s merchandise today. Here’s to celebrating The Bronx, one purchase at a time.
Rendering of 1600 Grand Avenue/Via Housing Connect
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a truly affordable housing opportunity on New York City’s Housing Connect portal but that has finally changed.
A new housing lottery has been launched for 135 brand new residential units at 1600 Grand Avenue in the Morris Heights section of The Bronx with rents as low as $616 a month for one bedroom units.
Amenities at the new development include a gym, a media room, outdoor areas, a recreation room, children’s room, an outdoor terrace all of which is pretty much standard in many new affordable housing developments in the borough.
Due to the fact that the development is accepting incomes as low as 30% of the Area Median Income, starting rents are pretty low with monthly rents starting for one bedroom apartments at $616 and two-bedroom units at $728.
Rendering of a typical kitchen at 1600 Grand Avenue/Via Housing Connect
Breakdown of available units and income requirements are as follows (see website for full details and household size requirements):
30%AMI
$616 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $24,446-$41,940
$728 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $29,349-$50,310
40%AMI
$881 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $33,532-$55,920
$1,046 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $40,252-$67,080
50%AMI
$1,146 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $42,618-$69,900
$1,364 a month for 2 bedroom units for housholds making $51,155-$83,850
60% AMI
$1,682 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $62,058-$100,620
70%
$1,578 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $64,115-$111,840
$1,881 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $68,880-$117,390
80%
$1,773 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $64,115-$111,840
$2,066 a month for 2 bedroom units for housholds making $75,223-$134,160
Please note, for each unit, there are other requirements such as number of people per household and further income requirements based on household size so refer to the Housing Connect website for further details.
How to Apply
For those interested in applying, you have until February 13, 2024 and you can do so online or you can request an application by mail by sending a self-addressed envelope to: Starhill Phase 1 c/0 Bronx Pro Group 1605 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Bronx, NY 10453
Remember, you can only apply ONCE and you may not apply both online and by mail. Applying more than once can and will disqualify you according to the lottery rules.
Also, please note: We are NOT connected with this or any other real estate developments and cannot assist you in obtaining an apartment so please do not contact us regarding these units.
A Joro Spider/Dave Coyle, PhD – Clemson University
By now, if you happen to inhabit any social media space, you may have seen a sensationalist headline declaring that “GIANT VENOMOUS FLYING SPIDERS ARE HEADING TO NY,” and perhaps (especially if you’re arachnophobic), you may have been sent into a panic.
But all of this buzz is simply poor journalism and sensationalism.
Earlier this year, several news sites began reporting that an invasive species of giant, colorful spiders from Asia called Joro, may finally arrive in the New York City metro area after having arrived in Georgia in 2013.
While the news reports have accurately described the spiders as venomous, according to experts, they are not considered to be harmful or a threat to humans or animals—unless you’re a bug that happens to land on their webs.
David Coyle, PhD at Clemson University, is a widely recognized expert on invasive species, including the Joro spider, and has publicly called out the fear-mongering by the media over this on X saying, “The amount of fear-mongering with this thing is outrageous.”
Thanks for calling this out @MattGertz. The amount of fear-mongering with this thing is outrageous. No, their legs aren't 4" long. No, they don't "fly" like birds. All it would've taken is a quick call to someone (heck, maybe even that Coyle guy) to get the facts straight. https://t.co/VmftydlDIz
According to an article published on WebMD that was medically reviewed by a physician, “…Joro spiders present little threat to humans and pets…The spider also has small fangs that don’t easily pierce human skin. In the unlikely event that a Joro spider bites you, the bite will feel like a bee sting and may cause temporary redness.”
The article goes on to further state that while the spider is venomous, it’s not harmful to humans and will only affect insects.
It’s also worth mentioning that the spiders don’t actually “fly” like birds do but instead use their silk to be carried by the wind in order to travel by air.
Now that you know the actual facts, you don’t have to worry about these spiders that actually eat another invasive species that have taken over NYC: The spotted lanternfly.
Maybe with their arrival we’ll finally get the spotted lanternfly situation under some control.
In the meantime, the mainstream media needs to do better than post click-bait headlines and have some sort of journalistic integrity and not bury the lede.
Bally’s gambling complex proposal at the former Trump Links in Throggs Neck relies on getting state approval to alienate parkland, but lacks local leaders’ support as the legislative session winds down.
The former Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point sits in the shadow of the Whitestone Bridge. Credit: Spencer T Tucker/Mayoral Photography Office
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The odds for a proposed Bronx casino could be getting dicey as local lawmakers resist permitting use of local park space — paralleling pushback that is complicating a gaming pitch for Queens.
The resort operator Bally’s is seeking to build a 3.1 million-square-foot complex within Ferry Point Park in Throggs Neck, where it already operates the city-owned golf course formerly controlled by a company associated with former President Donald Trump.
As described by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce, which is seeking environmental review for the proposed project, “Bally’s Bronx” would feature a half-million-square foot gaming hall as well as food and beverage service, a hotel with a spa and meeting space, retail shops, a 2,000-seat event center and a parking garage for up to 4,660 vehicles.
The city’s proposal will be the subject of a public hearing next month as the first step of environmental review related to widening a road within the park.
But the proposed project would also require the state legislature to approve “alienating” some park land for commercial purposes, with support of local Bronx representatives — and no such legislation has been drafted as this year’s legislative session enters its final days.
One of them, Michael Benedetto (D-The Bronx), told THE CITY he has not taken action this session.
“I am certainly listening to the thoughts and concerns of my constituents before making a decision here to support or oppose this proposal,” Benedetto said in a written statement. “I have not introduced any legislation to alienate parkland,” he wrote, and “I am not advocating for any alienation bill.”
Benedetto is facing a reelection challenge in the June 25 primary from Jonathan Soto, who is running against the incumbent for the third time on a democratic socialist platform.
Meanwhile, the office of State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez declined to comment, citing more pressing legislative priorities in the final days of the session, which runs from January through early June.
Bally’s did not respond to a request for comment from THE CITY.
Bally’s already faced an uphill battle to establish a gaming facility. It is just one
in a competitive field of 11 bidders vying for three downstate licenses to operate a casino, two of which are expected to go to existing operators of racetrack betting facilities in Queens and Yonkers.
Benedetto’s statement to THE CITY comes on the heels of the announcement this week by State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) that she will not support legislation to alienate parkland in Willets Point currently used as a Citi Field parking lot, action that had been requested by Mets owner Steve Cohen for his own casino proposal. The state legislature customarily allows the local member to decide whether or not to introduce such a measure, effectively giving them a veto.
“This is an absolute barrier,” Rebecca Bratspies, a CUNY School of Law professor specializing in environmental law, told THE CITY. “You cannot alienate parkland without an act of the legislature,” precisely because it “is so precious and so vulnerable” a public resource.
The last day on the calendar for the State Legislature to introduce bills without a special session is June 6. The New York State Gaming Commission is reportedly expected to award licenses in late 2025. `
Last summer, the city sought to temporarily alienate a portion of Van Cortlandt Park to erect a huge temporary stadium to host matches in the ICC 2024 Cricket World Cup, drawing fierce criticism from local groups. Organizers then reached a deal with Nassau County for a new stadium there.
Bally’s now faces a similar hurdle in the absence of an alienation bill.
“Either they have to reconfigure their project to not use parkland, which is entirely possible and they may well have that in their back pocket as Plan B,” said Bratspies. “Or they will not be able to move forward.”
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While Welcome2TheBronx is a news site dedicated to reporting on what’s going on in The Bronx, occasionally something comes up across New York City that’s worth mentioning.
It’s not every day that a townhouse in New York City of this size and grandeur comes on the market and when the price is of historic proportions, we are compelled to write about it.
48-50 West 69th Street on the Upper West Side in Manhattan just steps from Central Park and a few blocks from Lincoln Center, was recently listed for sale for a whopping $85 million making it the most expensive townhouse currently on the market in New York City as per listings available on StreetEasy.
The penthouse wet bar area at 48 West 69th Street/Image via Compass Realty
Originally two separate town houses constructed in 1910, the buildings were completely gutted and demolished save the landmarked exterior façade and combined to become one of the largest single family homes in Manhattan.
Now, the 21 room, 8 level home features five bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, and three powder rooms spread across 19,600 square feet including a lap pool.
The 50 foot lap pool at 48 West 69th Street/Image via Compass Realty
Oh and don’t worry about having to climb up and down all those flights, there’s an elevator for that.
The primary bedroom, at over 2,000 square feet, is over twice the size of the average New York City apartment and roughly the size of the average American home, and features two full bathrooms, two generously sized dressing rooms, a terrace, and even a study.
The homes were originally purchased by Pierre Bastid, a businessman based in Paris and his wife Malou Beauvoir for combined price of $24.5 million over a decade ago between 2011 and 2012 and when they began demolition of the old property and construction of the new home, they reportedly created a nightmare for surrounding neighbors — an issue that was extensively reported on by The New York Times in 2019.
According to The New York Times, back then, one neighbor described the situation as:
“‘Noise’ isn’t strong enough,” he said of the din, by which he must now read exegeses and grade exams. “‘Mindless hell and chaos’ would be better.” I asked him whether any of the great philosophers had something useful to say on what he’s enduring. “Schopenhauer argued that the higher your tolerance for noise, the lower your intelligence,” he replied. So was he getting stupider? “I wouldn’t be surprised,” he said. “I hope to outlive this. I may not.”
Last week we reported that the landmarked Bronx General Post Office was for sale for a cool $75 million and now, another beloved Bronx landmark is up for sale in the South Bronx.
The Old Bronx Courthouse in Melrose at 161st and 3rd Avenue which has been sitting vacant for nearly half a century is on the market for $35 million after a decade of failed developments at the site.
For $35 million, the Old Bronx Courthouse can be yours
Construction for the mammoth 120,000 plus building started in 1905 and was completed by 1914—the same year that The Bronx became an official county of New York State—but with the population explosion that was occurring in the borough during that time, it soon was insufficient space for a borough of 1.25 million residents.
By 1934, today’s Bronx County Courthouse was completed and the majority of services and departments left the Old Bronx Courthouse for the new building on the Grand Concourse just a few blocks away.
The building remained active as a police court until 1977 and since then, for almost 50 years, the building has sat empty.
In 1998, Liberty Square Realty purchased the Old Bronx Courthouse in an auction from the city and has held the property since then with hopes of reviving it for some sort of community use but several deals have fallen through since then with the last being in 2017 when charter school giant, Success Academy, leased the space to convert it into a high school.
This is yet another example of the landmarks of The Bronx as symbols of broken promises sitting vacant when they could be put to good use for the community.
Elected officials have had more than ample opportunities to come up with creative ideas that reflect the community wishes for these spaces to benefit the residents but have neglected to do so.
How many more empty spaces must continue to sit and languish vacantly while the surrounding communities suffers the consequences?
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul came under fire yesterday for saying that, “right now we have young Black kids growing up in the Bronx who don’t even know what the word ‘computer’ is”, at the Milken Institute Global Conference in California where the governor was speaking about her new $400 million Empire AI initiative .
But it wasn’t until later yesterday evening after having been slammed by Bronx elected officials that Hochul apologized for the statement.
Assemblymember Amanda Septimo said on X, “Governor Hochul’s remarks regarding young black children in The Bronx were harmful, deeply misinformed, and genuinely appalling.”
NYS Governor Kathy Hochul at Milken Institute Global Conference where she said, “Black kids growing up in the Bronx who don’t even know what the word ‘computer’ is”/Image via the Governor’s X account.
Other elected officials echoed those sentiments like Assemblymember Karines Reyes, RN who also said on X, “Deeply disturbed by Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent remarks and the underlying perception that she has of Black & brown children from the BX. Our children are bright, brilliant, extremely capable, and more than deserving of any opportunities that are extended to other kids. Do better.”
In her apology, Hochul stated that, “While discussing my commitment to expanding economic opportunity for communities of color, I misspoke and I regret it,” she said in a statement. “Of course Black children in the Bronx know what computers are — the problem is that they too often lack access to the technology needed to get on track to high-paying jobs in emerging industries like [artificial intelligence].”
There really was no need for Hochul to single out a racial group or The Bronx to emphasize why she is trying to make sure that underserved and digitally divided communities that are primarily of color don’t get left behind by lack of access to technology.
“Our children, far from being underestimated, are the epitome of brilliance, resilience, and untapped potential.” said John Zaccaro, Jr, another state assemblymember from The Bronx in an official statement following Hochul’s comments.
He added, “They are not only capable but deserving of every opportunity that their counterparts are offered. It’s disheartening to witness such a portrayal that undermines their abilities and aspirations.”
If Hochul truly cares about the digital divide and the education of our children then we’d see more funding coming into those communities that desperately need it to address such concerns. While the city and state has seen increased funding in education over the past years, it’s still a far cry from what is truly needed in order to give our children a level playing field.
Congressmember Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez once said, ‘I was born in a place where your ZIP code determines your destiny,” and unfortunately for our children due to decades of intentional and structural racism, this continues to remain true if the government doesn’t do everything in its power to unlock the potential that is within each of our kids.
The Bronx General Post Office is back on the market with hopes to sell the property for well over $70 million.
Back in 2013, Welcome2TheBronx broke the story that the landmark Bronx General Post Office on the Grand Concourse at 149th Street was being sold off by the United States Postal Service.
By the following year, developer Young Woo & Associates purchased the massive property for $19 million and promised the community to turn the landmark into a destination filled with retail shops, offices, and restaurants, much like the borough’s own Chelsea Market—an idea first proposed by Welcome2TheBronx long before Young Woo’s purchase of the property.
But besides the restaurant on the rooftop, Zona de Cuba, the new space for the post office, and the restoration of the Ben Sha murals in the original lobby nothing ever came to fruition and the 172,000 square foot building has sat mostly vacant since and yet another symbol of broken promises in The Bronx—broken promises that have plagued the borough for our beloved landmarks like the Old Bronx Courthouse, and the Kingsbridge Armory.
Then in 2018, Welcome2TheBronx once again broke the story that Young Woo & Associates had decided to unload the property and by the following year it was in contract to be purchased by MHP and Banyan Street Capital for $70 million but the deal eventually fell through.
Five years later, the area is far different from what it was with thousands of units of luxury housing having been completed along the South Bronx Harlem River waterfront, 425 Grand Concourse at the site of the former PS 31 aka ‘Castle on the Concourse’, Bronx Pointjust three blocks away which will be the future home of the first Hip-Hop museum, and the Bronx Children’s Museum.
Perhaps the current owners hope to capitalize on all this recent activity in the area since its purchase for $19 million ten years ago and get the $70 million+ they’re hoping for.
Whatever the outcome, the space needs to be activated and put to good use for the local community.
With congestion pricing set to start in two months on June 30th this summer, it’s time that the MTA seriously considers reducing fares for Bronx residents who will seek alternatives such as Metro-North commuter rail to enter the congestion zone in Manhattan.
When congestion pricing begins, drivers operating passenger vehicles will be charged $15 if they enter anywhere in the congestion zone below 60th Street in Manhattan, also known as Central Business District or the CBD, during the peak hours of 5AM – 9PM on weekdays, and 9AM to 9PM on weekends.
Meanwhile, trucks and buses will be charged anywhere from $24 to $36 for entering the CBD during those hours.
All off-peak tolls will be discounted by 70%.
Congestion pricing is being enacted to help reduce congestion within Manhattan’s main business core—which is essentially the entire island south of 60th Street—that will spur better travel times within the zone, improve air quality, and hopefully make streets safer in the process.
The Melrose Metro-North station is one of 12 active stations in the borough.
The MTA believes that the tolls will raise $1 billion a year that agency will be used to upgrade our public transportation infrastructure (whether it’s new subway cars, signals, buses, etc) which will in turn, make the system more reliable and desirable to those who rarely use it, thus, reduce cars on our streets even more.
But if the goal is to encourage residents to use public transit instead of their cars when traveling to Midtown, Downtown, or anywhere else within the Central Business District of Manhattan, then the MTA needs to also encourage use of Metro-North by making the fare the same as a $2.90 subway ride for trips originating within any Bronx Metro-North station going to Midtown.
While the MTA just approved a 10% commuter rail discount for The Bronx and Queens, where riders using Metro-North in The Bronx will see the monthly pass drop from $199.75 to $180, it is still significantly higher than a $132 monthly unlimited Metro Card to ride the buses and subways.
Given that the borough has the lowest median and household income of the five boroughs, it’s only right that access to Metro-North is made more equitable so that all can benefit from the service and not just a select few.
The Bronx currently has twelve Metro-North stations scattered throughout the West Bronx and hopefully by 2027, that number will increase to sixteen with four brand new stations in the East Bronx as part of the Penn Station Access which will, for the first time, bring Metro-North service into Penn Station via a new branch of the New Haven line that will operate along Amtrak’s Hell’s Gate Line.
Current Bronx Metro-North Stations of which there are twelve that serve the borough/Via MTA
Located at Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester/Van Nest, and Hunts Point, the future stations will provide increased public transportation options in the East Bronx that traditionally has been labeled a transit desert as well as, for the first time, offer one-seat service straight into the West Side of Manhattan into the heart of Midtown.
Bringing Metro-North fares in The Bronx to parity with the bus and subway system will maximize the use of these commuter rail lines and incentivize residents to actually use them to get into Midtown and points south of 60th Street instead of using their cars and paying the congestion pricing tolls.
Four new Metro-North stations will be constructed by 2027 as part of Penn Station Access which will bring the commuter railroad into Penn Station for the first time.
With the projected $1 billion yearly windfall from congestion pricing that the MTA predicts it will rake in, they can clearly use some of that money to reduce the fares even further for current and future Bronx Metro-North users thus fulfilling one of the primary goals of congestion pricing which is reducing traffic.
And in a borough that has the highest rates of asthma and pollution, it’s really a no-brainer.
The Bronx beat Brooklyn in terms of new housing units completed in 2023, according to a new report issued by the New York City Department of City Planning, and it’s the first time to do so since 2011.
New residential units completed in 2023 by borough/Via Department of City Planning
Since 2018, the borough has been adding over 4,000 units of new housing but 2023 saw almost double the average for the prior five years.
27,980 residential units—both market rate and affordable—in new construction buildings were completed across New York City in 2023 with The Bronx accounting for 9,842—35% of the city’s total.
Bankside luxury development in Port Morris while it was still mostly under construction in September 2021. The two-25 story The Arches development with almost 500 luxury units is to the left.
Mott Haven and Port Morris topped the list of neighborhoods with the most completed units in 2023 with 2,326 units followed by the Concourse and Concourse Village area of the borough with 2,118 units of market rate and affordable housing units.
Bankside at 101 Lincoln in Port Morris accounted for 901 units alone—all market rate luxury despite the small percentage set aside for “affordable” housing that were set aside for residents making 130% of the area median income.
While the news of more units to address the housing crisis and affordability shortage is good news, unfortunately we know that many of these units were anything but truly affordable.
The report also indicates that there are a total of 16,721 new construction units in the pipeline that have been permitted yet not completed.
Unfortunately, there’s no indication that many of these will be truly affordable for local residents especially given the fact that 421-a tax benefit expired in 2022 leaving little incentive in place for developers to build affordable housing since it was used to offset the high cost of real estate in New York City.
So while The Bronx may have beat out every other borough in New York City with new construction residential units completed in 2023, who is the real winner?
