Lidl, the wildly popular discount European supermarket, is finally opening up a store in The Bronx.
While shopping at the Bronx Terminal Market yesterday, we saw the announcement at the former Michael’s arts and crafts location in the mall which closed for good during the pandemic.
Ever since Lidl opened its first store in the United States in 2017 in Virginia, many New Yorkers familiar with the supermarket and big savings they offer back in Europe have been hoping for one to open nearby. And while the first New York City location opened on Staten Island in 2018, it was not accessible to most New Yorkers.
Lidl is coming to the Bronx Terminal Market
Eventually, location opened in Astoria and Harlem but still none in The Bronx.
Now, our borough will finally get another and much needed quality, discount supermarket especially given the inflation of the past several years.
Lidl is much like Aldi which also offers deep discounts on groceries and both operate on similar principles of carrying mostly store brands versus national brands (although Lidl tends to offer more national brands as well) which keeps prices down when compared to regular supermarkets.
Lidl operates with a no-frills approach. The store layout is typically simple, with products often displayed in their shipping cartons to reduce labor costs. With a focus on efficiency, the brand ensures speedy checkout processes and relies on a small but high-turnover range of products.
They also offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and a range of produce at affordable prices making them an attractive destination for such items.
One of the things that sets Lidl apart from Aldi, is that most stores have a bakery, usually located at the entrance, filled with freshly baked goods and honestly, the aroma is a bit too enticing easily bringing in customers just by good smells alone.
Both stores also were founded in Germany and quickly spread across Europe but where Lidl began operating in the US in 2017, Aldi has been in the US since 1976.
Such stores like Lidl are a welcomed relief for consumers thanks to the deep savings they offer. I’ve been a loyal shopper at Aldi in the Melrose neighborhood of the South Bronx and oftentimes my groceries cost almost 50% less when compared to other supermarkets. I’ve also shopped at Lidl in Harlem and simply love their wide variety of items as well.
Now, having Lidl AND Aldi in the South Bronx is the perfect compliment for discounted grocery shopping.
Currently there is no exact set date for their grand opening but we’ll make sure to let you know once we find out!
Hip hop, a vibrant cultural and artistic movement that began in the streets of New York City in The Bronx in the 1970s, has become one of the most influential and globally recognized genres of music today. Its roots are multifaceted, drawing from African, Caribbean, and Latino influences, and it has since grown to encompass various sub-genres, styles, and cultural phenomena.
It’s almost hard to believe that what started in The Bronx 50 years ago today, August 11, 1973, would eventually span into a global movement that has generated hundreds of billions of dollars (if not more) during the half a century it has existed.
Bronx Beginnings
In the early 1970s, a remarkable cultural movement was taking shape in the South Bronx, a neighborhood known for its diversity and the rich heritage of its residents, many of whom hailed from Caribbean and African roots. It was a time of great economic decline and urban decay, a period when the city itself seemed to be crumbling under the weight of neglect and social struggle. Yet, amidst this challenging environment, something incredible was happening: the birth of hip hop.
Hip hop, as we know it today, is a global phenomenon that has influenced countless artists, musicians, and creatives around the world. But its humble beginnings can be traced back to the streets of the South Bronx. It was here that the pioneers of the genre, such as Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash, first experimented with a new form of music and expression that would go on to reshape popular culture.
Kool Herc, widely regarded as the “Father of Hip Hop,” began hosting block parties in the Bronx, where he would showcase his unique DJing style. He would isolate and extend the breakbeats of funk records, creating a rhythmic foundation that captivated audiences. This new approach to DJing, now known as “breakbeat DJing,” became a defining element of hip hop.
But hip hop was not just about the music. It was a multidisciplinary movement that encompassed various art forms and self-expression.
The Four Pillars
Hip hop culture is traditionally recognized as having four main elements:
Rap (MCing) – vocalists, or MCs (Master of Ceremonies), began by introducing DJs and hyping up the crowd. Over time, this evolved into the rhythmic spoken delivery we associate with rap today.
DJing – manipulating and mixing records to produce new sounds and beats, creating the musical backdrop for rappers.
Breakdancing – a style of dance that emerged in tandem with hip hop music, characterized by acrobatic and rhythmic movements.
Graffiti – visual art, often in the form of spray-painted murals or tags on urban surfaces, that served as a medium for self-expression and commentary.
While many are familiar with Rap and DJing, Breakdancing and Graffiti had meanings beyond what most would think.
Breakdancing emerged from the creative energy of the South Bronx. It became a physical form of storytelling, combining acrobatics, athleticism, and rhythm. Breakdancers would gather in parks and on street corners, showcasing their skills and engaging in friendly battles that pushed the boundaries of what was possible.
Growing up in the South Bronx in the 70s and 80s, you couldn’t go a block without seeing someone with a boombox and someone or a crew Breaking on the streets.
Graffiti art, which was much derided and considered vandalism, was much more than that. It’s only been considered art in more recent decades. This pillar also played a crucial role in the early days of hip hop. Amidst the crumbling infrastructure of their neighborhoods, young artists saw an opportunity to transform their environment through vibrant artwork. Graffiti became a medium of expression and a way to claim a sense of ownership over the neglected spaces. These bold and colorful murals, often adorned with intricate lettering and symbolic imagery, became a visual representation of the determination and resilience that defined the South Bronx and its hip hop culture.
The Puerto Rican and Latino Influence
Oftentimes and almost always overlooked in the discussion of the birth of Hip Hop is the impact that the Latino community, particularly the Puerto Rican community had on the development of the genre.
The fact of that by the 1970s, the South Bronx was the largest Puerto Rican community outside of Puerto Rico. The mixing of cultures in the South Bronx and genres of music is what gave life to hip hop, and it is well chronicled in the documentary, From Mambo to Hip Hop which was produced by Elena Martinez (who is currently the Co-Artistic Director of the Bronx Music Heritage Center), and Steve Zeitlen.
Carlos Mendes who is Puerto Rican, is best known as DJ Charlie Chase was the DJ for the Cold Crush Crew, pioneers of hip hop and the first rap group to be signed by CBS Records.
You have major graffiti artists and crews like Crash that has been active since the nascent days of hip hop and Tats Cru, who’s founding, original members like Nicer, Bio, and BG183 who were active during that time (and continue to this day).
Then of course in later years you have icons like Fat Joe and Big Pun who have helped further shape the genre.
And of course, where would we be as viewers of the past if it weren’t for Joe Conzo Jr, a Puerto Rican photographer from the South Bronx who was there to document hip hop when it was still in its infancy? Joe Conzo Jr, the one called, “The man who took Hip-Hop’s baby pictures” in a New York Times article?
Over 10,000 of his images and prints now reside at The Cornell Hip Hop Collection as part of the university’s archive preserving over a quarter of a million items that document the genre.
Mainstream Success and Evolution
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the success of tracks like “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang signaled hip hop’s crossover into mainstream music. The 1980s also saw the emergence of socially conscious rap with artists like Public Enemy and N.W.A addressing societal issues and injustices in their lyrics.
By the 1990s, hip hop had further diversified with the emergence of gangsta rap, East Coast vs. West Coast rivalries, and a global expansion. Artists like Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and Dr. Dre became household names.
In the 2000s, hip hop continued to evolve with the rise of Southern hip hop, the blend of R&B and hip hop, and the commercial success of artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Eminem.
Global Expansion
From its birthplace in the Bronx, hip hop has become a global phenomenon. Countries from Japan to South Africa, from France to Australia, have embraced and localized the genre. Today, non-English hip hop, such as K-hip hop in South Korea or Spanish rap in Latin America, has made significant inroads into the global music industry.
The Legacy and Future
Hip hop has not just been a genre of music; it’s a reflection of societal issues, aspirations, struggles, and victories. Its influence can be seen in fashion, language, and even academia, with courses on hip hop history and culture offered at many universities.
Today, as technology democratizes music production and distribution, the barriers to entry are lower than ever with Hip Hop music creators and performers needing only access to apps like Instagram and TikTok to get their name out there. The genre continues to evolve with the rise of drill, trap, and countless other sub-genres, ensuring that hip hop remains at the forefront of cultural conversations for years to come.
Hip hop’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and transformation. From the streets of the Bronx to global arenas, its journey is a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring human spirit. It is, without a doubt, the story of The Bronx.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has made a groundbreaking announcement today, that Edward Caban has been appointed as the 46th commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD). This historic appointment marks a significant milestone as Caban becomes the first Latino to hold such a prominent position within the nation’s largest police force, which has been in existence for 177 years.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban in an undated photo via NYPD Comm Affairs Instagram Account
Caban, who previously served as deputy commissioner under Keechant Sewell, the first woman to hold the position and who recently retired after only 18 months on the job, began his career at the NYPD in 1991 at 40th precinct in The Bronx and was the location of today’s announcement by the mayor.
The symbolism of not only selecting an officer from the 40th precinct who worked there when the precinct had one of the highest murder rates in New York City during the tumultuous crimewaves of the 90s as well as a precinct that has been embroiled in controversies due to also being the epicenter of stop and frisk which targeted Black and Latino men does not escape us.
This is not including the recent settlement by the city to pay millions of dollars to protestors that were wrongfully detained and arrested in 2020 during the George Floyd protests that spread across the country. During that incident in the midst of the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic and a city under curfew, officers from the 40th precinct “kettled” in over 300 protestors blocking them from being able to leave the area in time to meet the curfew.
NYPD officers began wrongfully detaining protestors during the George Floyd protests in the South Bronx back in June 2020
Chaos ensued which resulted in multiple injuries to protestors as a result of their abuse of power.
Caban’s father, a retired NYPD Transit police detective, was by his side during today’s announcement who Caban described as his mentor.
Not only is Caban the first Latino NYPD Commissioner but he’s also the first Puerto Rican from The Bronx to claim this title.
While the NYPD has a contentious history particularly with Blacks and Latinos in The Bronx, this is still a significant moment in the department’s history.
According The New York Times, the Legal Aid Society, which is the largest provider of legal aid for those in need, plans to work with the new commissioner to help him earn the public’s trust in the NYPD.
750 E 134th Street at Willow Avenue in Port Morris is just steps away from Randall’s Island.
A new housing lottery has opened for a brand new and truly affordable housing development in the Port Morris area of the South Bronx.
Called The Willow, which is being developed by JCAL Development Group, the 112 unit building is located at 750 E 134th Street and Willow Avenue just steps away from the Randall’s Island Connector to the 512 acre park.
A typical bedroom at The Willow
The development is being constructed under the Extremely Low and Low-Income Affordability (ELLA) program of the New York City Development Corporation and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Through this program, the project aims to provide much-needed and truly affordable housing to the Port Morris neighborhood.
Some units feature open kitchen layouts…
In recent years, the area has witnessed an influx of luxury housing units that are far beyond the financial means of most residents in the community. By addressing this disparity, the project seeks to support the local residents and enhance the overall affordability of the neighborhood.
While others have separate kitchens but either way, you get a lot of counter space and tons of cabinets.
Monthly rents at The Willow begin as low as $410 for studios, $521 for one-bedrooms, $615 for two-bedrooms, and $701 for three bedrooms for qualifying households that make 30% of the Area Median Income which ranges from $17,006 to $52,530 depending on household size.
The rooftop terrace is still under construction but will provide beautiful views of The Bronx and Manhattan skyline.
Residents will have access to several amenities like package lockers, bike storage lockers, storage rooms on each floor, a shared laundry room, and a rooftop view with stunning views of The Bronx and Manhattan skylines. One of the best features of the apartments is that they all have their own heating and cooling units.
Oh and three bedroom units have 2 bathrooms with the main bedroom having an ensuite bathroom.
The rents, unit breakdown, and income requirements for The Willow are as follows:
30%AMI
$410 a month for studios for households making $17,006-$33,900
$521 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $21,223-$38,130
$615 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $25,509-$45,750
$768 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $29,555 – $52,530
Check out those skyline views from the rooftop
50%AMI
$768 a month for studios for households making $29,280-$56,500
$969 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $36,583-$63,550
$1,152 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $43,920-$76,250
$1,322 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $50,846-$87,550
70%AMI
$1,126 a month for studios for households making $41,555-$79,100
$1,416 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $51,909-$88,970
$1,689 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $62,332-$106,750
$1,942 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $72,103-$122,570
A typical bathroom at The Willow
80%AMI
$1,305 a month for studios for households making $47,692-$90,400
$1,640 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $59,589-$101,680
$1,958 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $71,555-$122,000
$2,252 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $82,732-$140,080
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 September 12, 2023 and you can do so online or you can request an application by mail by sending a self-addressed envelope to: The Willow c/o Wavecrest Consulting LLC 87-14 116th Street Richmond Hill, NY 11418
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.
5% of units are set aside for individuals with mobility issues and 2% for those with vision and/or hearing impairments. 50% preference for residents of Community Board 1 (to see which community board you live in, click here), and 5% for New York City employees.
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.
Good luck to all who apply!
Construction is expected to wrap up within the next couple of months with occupancy to begin some time this Fall.
Masked court officers cross the Grand Concourse at 161st Street
With major highways like the Cross Bronx Expressway and polluting industries like fossil fuel plants and medical waste incinerators, Bronx residents are no strangers to air pollution and the lasting physical and their sometimes often, deadly health outcomes where residents suffer from some of the highest rates of asthma in the nation as a result.
These environmental conditions have led The Bronx to have some of the highest rates of asthma with 9x the national rate and 15x the hospitalization rate in New York City.
At The Hub, by 2PM, conditions had deteriorated with AQI reaching over 400 making NYC the city with the worst air quality in the world.
The culprit in air pollution is PM 2.5, a microscopic particulate matter that, due to its tiny size, can easily get deeply within lungs and, according to the New York State Department of Health, “…can cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath,” all of which can be deadly to individuals already suffering from limited lung capacity due to asthma.
But what has transpired across the city and region since this past Tuesday, due to the out of control Canadian wildfires raging hundreds of miles away, made simple daily tasks a hell on Earth for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents that suffer from respiratory ailments especially within our borough.
The Yankees game yesterday was postponed due to ‘Hazardous’ air quality
On a typical day in The Bronx, the Air Quality Index for PM 2.5, according to the Environmental Protection Agency can range from anywhere in the 30s to 60s with anything up to 50 considered “good” and anything between 51 to 100 considered moderate.
That all changed yesterday by 2PM when the skies darkened dramatically to an unsettling orange hue with very low visibility and the AQI jumping to over 400 into what is considered hazardous, even for those without such complications like asthma or heart disease, making New York City is having the worst air of any major city in the world.
A woman crosses the Grand Concourse coughing due to hazardous air quality despite wearing a mask
I can’t breathe
Across social media, many Bronx residents complained of breathing issues and having to use asthma inhalers more than they’re already used to as well as reporting having headaches, something which such a high PM 2.5 is known to cause according to city and state health departments.
In Norwood, Alexis E. (last name withheld at their request), said that as of today, they haven’t been outside in two days and despite having all of their windows in their apartment closed, their asthma was, “acting up”, and they were feeling weak.
“I have an ongoing headache no matter how much Excedrin I take, it just keeps coming back”, Alexis said.
A street vendor at The Hub struggled to cover his mouth and nose after the city’s AQI hit over 400 and entered ‘hazardous’ territory
She added, “I finally ordered an air purifier that should be here tomorrow but I might have to got to the ER before if this keeps up. I can’t wait for my air purifier to get here. It’s getting hard for me to breathe…I feel crazy lightheaded.”
Meanwhile, another person on our Instagram post commented that they, “…just went up the block and got a headache.”
On a more personal account, on Tuesday I went about my normal routine which includes commuting by bike across The Bronx and into Midtown Manhattan. By the time I arrived in Midtown on Tuesday around 4PM, my eyes were burning.
Yesterday, while documenting the event in The Bronx, I had to err on the side of caution and limit my time outdoors despite wearing my N95 mask after feeling a little fatigued.
Climate change reality
Climate change, often spoken as some dystopian future, became a reality for hundreds of millions of Americans across the region as they grappled with the impacts of the Canadian wildfires.
No strangers to masking, New Yorkers quickly donned their masks as smoke from the Canadian wildfires hundreds of miles away enveloped the city and region.
Drier weather and rising temperatures since the turn of the 21st century has created the conditions for these wildfires to spread and while the western half of the United States have been experiencing such events, this is the first time New York and the Northeast have gotten a look at what the future may hold.
If this is indeed what we have to look forward to, then we have an obligation to protect our most vulnerable populations as best as we can.
We have already seen what having the worst asthma rates did to The Bronx at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic which led to the borough becoming the epicenter with the highest rates of mortality from the disease not just in the city or state but the entire country.
A delivery man rides down the Concourse.
The time to act is now to make sure our most vulnerable are protected before such wildfire events become more commonplace.
Current forecasts is calling for improving air quality by tomorrow and overall clearing by Sunday or Monday.
For many Bronx residents, staying home and indoors despite the hazardous air quality conditions was not a luxury they could afford which was no different than during the height of the pandemic.
In the meantime, pay attention to sites like airnow.gov to monitor air quality in your area and follow the necessary recommended guidance to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe by limiting outdoor activities and keeping your windows closed for the time being.
UPDATE: Hours of operation have been updated to 6 days a week from Wednesday through Monday from 4pm to 11pm and will eventually open 7 days a week down the road.
MELROSE—The South Bronx restaurant scene just got a little more diverse with a new Japanese restaurant opening today.
Minato is located at 407 E 161st Street in Melrose
Called Minato (which means harbor in Japanese), the eatery is the brainchild of Luigi Ghidetti and Mark Lu, the duo behind Porto Salvo, the popular South Bronx Italian restaurant and bar, and features a menu with many of the standard sushi and sashimi along with a well-stocked sake bar, the latter of which is perhaps the first of its kind in The Bronx.
The menu at Minato is what you’d expect at similar eateries but the first thing you notice once your food arrives is that the portions and size of the rolls are a bit larger than most places which is a refreshing change.
The yummy tuna tartare
And while some of the fare is pretty standard for a Japanese and sushi restaurant, the flavors and presentation are definitely above what you’ll encounter at most places around the city, especially in The Bronx.
According to owner Mark Lu, this was intentional and one of the things Minato’s chef insisted when creating the menu.
Mark Lu, one of Minato’s owners
“You can get sushi and Japanese food anywhere in the city and it’s all going to be pretty much the same so we have to ask ourselves what can we do to make it different and why would someone want to come here and more importantly, back again?” said Lu.
As an avid fan and lover of sushi and all foods related, Minato certainly was an entirely different experience when we went last week for the menu tasting.
Fried avocado spring roll
One of the most creative items was an avocado spring roll which managed to retain its vibrant green and yellow coloring despite being fried in its thin wrapper and is a must try for those who love avocados.
Other favorites of the evening was the spicy tuna roll, a vegetable roll which somehow managed to not taste like a basic veggie roll, and Minato Mussels.
The house special Minato Roll
But the showstopper of the evening was the house specialty, the Minato Roll which is a crab salad roll topped with Chilean sea bass and is served warm with a combination of sauces that explodes with flavor with each bite.
Besides sake, you can order several different teas of which one is the blooming flower green tea infused with other teas like Jasmine and serves as a perfect palate cleanser unless you choose to opt for the mochi which is delicious and serves the same function.
The beautiful, and delicious, blooming flower tea
The space itself is nice and cozy with bar seating and a few indoor tables as well as outdoor seating in the front. The backyard is currently under construction for additional outdoor seating and will be styled to give patrons a taste of a Japanese Buddhist garden as part of the experience.
As someone who loves sushi and Japanese food and would often eat it several times a week, it’s nice to have one in my own backyard that I can easily walk to and support locally.
We’re pretty sure it’s going to be another local favorite along with all the other popular eateries in Melrose.
Minato’s grand opening is today, May 15th and will open 6 days a week from Wednesday through Monday from 4PM – 11PM and is located at 407 E 161st Street at Melrose Avenue. They plan on opening 7 days a week in the near future.
One of the most highly-anticipated affordable housing developments in New York City is now accepting applications for 432 brand-new apartments.
Bronx Point sits right at the 145th Street Bridge
Located at 575 Exterior Street right along the Harlem River Waterfront, this is the first phase of Bronx Point that is nearing completion and includes 540 permanently affordable apartments of which 432 are available in the current housing lottery.
Monthly rents at Bronx Point start as low as $465 for studios, $591 for one-bedroom units, $700 for two-bedroom units, and $800 for three-bedroom apartments for incomes ranging from $18,815 to $49,650 depending on household size.
The Universal Hip Hop Museum, America’s first museum for the music genre, will also be located at Bronx Point
Besides being located above the future home of America’s first hip hop museum, the Universal Hip Hop Museum (UHHM) and located right along the Harlem River Waterfront at Mill Pond Park, Bronx Point offers many amenities like a 24-hour attended lobby, an outdoor terrace, a gym, bike room, outdoor spaces, a community center, shared laundry room, and even a children’s playroom and educational facilities. Oh and the entire building is a designated smoke-free environment.
Speaking of Mill Pond Park, it would be remiss of us not to mention that this development is being constructed on stolen parkland that was once dedicated for Mill Pond Park’s expansion. At the very least, however, the developer, L+M Development, is constructing the publicly accessible waterfront extension of the park at the development site.
The waterfront promenade will eventually be part of the proposed 7-mile Bronx Harlem River Greenway which will connect from Van Cortlandt Park in Riverdale down to Randall’s Island in Port Morris once it’s completed.
Rendering of a bedroom at Bronx Point/Via Housing Connect
Josue Sanchez, Senior Director, L+M Development Partners said, “The opening of the affordable housing lottery for Bronx Point brings us one step closer to welcoming families to this long-awaited, transformative development.”
Sanchez added, “Bronx Point is a first-class community-based housing development that brings some incredible amenities to the neighborhood – a new park and esplanade along the Harlem River waterfront, the future home of the world’s premier hip hop museum, dynamic retail spaces, and an educational early childhood center. We encourage everyone to apply and are looking forward to welcoming residents to Bronx Point later this year.”
Rendering of the extension of the waterfront Mill Pond Park/Via Housing Connect
Bronx Point is also located across from the Bronx Terminal Market and walking distance to the 2, 4, and 5 subways at 149th Street and Grand Concourse and directly adjacent to the 145th Street bridge into Harlem.
The rents, unit breakdown, and income requirements for Bronx Point are as follows:
30%AMI
$465 a month for studios for households making $18,515-$32,040
$591 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $23,178-$36,030
$700 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $27,772-$43,230
$800 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $32,092 – $49,650
Areal view of Bronx Point/Via Housing Connect
50%AMI
$866 a month for studios for households making $32,263-$53,400
$1,092 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $40,355-$60,050
$1,301 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $48,378-$72,050
$1494 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $55,886-$82,750
80%AMI
$1,466 a month for studios for households making $52,835-$85,440
$1,842 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $66,069-$96,080
$2,201 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $79,235-$115,280
$2,534 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $91,543-$132,400
Bronx Point, as seen from the 145th Street Bridge, overlooking the Harlem River
120%AMI
$2,166 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $77,178-$144,120
$2,892 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $102,926-$172,920
$3,332 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $118,903-$198,600
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 June 30, 2023 and you can do so onlineor you can request an application by mail by sending a self-addressed envelope to: Bronx Point Phase I C/O Metropolitan; PO BOX 609001 Brooklyn, NY 11206
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.
5% of units are set aside for individuals with mobility issues and 2% for those with vision and/or hearing impairments. 50% preference for residents of Community Board 4 (to see which community board you live in, click here), and 5% for New York City employees.
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 new affordable housing development in The Bronx neighborhood of Morrisania is now accepting applications via New York City’s Housing Connect lottery program.
Rendering of Victory Commons/via Housing Connect
Located at 1007 Union Avenue, Victory Commons is a 79 unit development constructed on the site of the old Victory Baptist Church which will once again occupy space at the site once the building is completed.
The six-story building features basic amenities like a recreating room, shared-laundry room, storage, and bike storage lockers. These amenities were once common to luxury developments but over the past few years they have become increasingly common in even the most affordable of new developments.
Victory Commons is being constructed under the Extremely Low and Low-Income Affordability (ELLA) program and as a result, rents and income requirements for most of the units are truly affordable and more reflective of the immediate surrounding area.
Monthly rents start as low as $410 for studios, $521 for one bedrooms, $615 for two bedrooms, and $701 for three bedroom units for households making 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) which ranges from $17,452 to $49,650 depending on unit size and number of people in the household.
Typical living room at Victory Commons/Via Housing Connect
The rents, unit breakdown, and income requirements for Victory Commons are as follows:
30%AMI
$410 a month for studios for households making $17,452-$32,040
$521 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $21,703-$36,030
$615 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $25,920-$43,230
$701 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $29,898 – $49,650
50%AMI
$729 a month for studios for households making $28,389-$53,400
$919 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $35,349-$60,050
$1,094 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $42,343-$72,050
$1,253 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $48,823-$82,750
Typical kitchen at Victory Commons/Via Housing Connect
70% AMI
$1,126 a month for studios for households making $42,000-$74,760
$1,416 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $52,389-$84,070
$1,689 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $62,743-$100,870
$1,942 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $72,446-$115,850
80%AMI
$1,305 a month for studios for households making $48,138-$85,440
$1,640 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $60,069-$96,080
$1,958 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $71,966-$115,280
$2,252 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $83,075-$132,400
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 June 12, 2023 and you can do so online or you can request an application by mail by sending a self-addressed envelope to: Victory Commons c/o Wavecrest Consulting LLC 87-14 116th Street Richmond Hill, NY 11418
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.
5% of units are set aside for individuals with mobility issues and 2% for those with vision and/or hearing impairments. 50% preference for residents of Community Board 3 (to see which community board you live in, click here), and 5% for New York City employees.
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.
An Open Letter to Speaker Heastie: Pass Sammy’s Law in the Budget
We have lost children, siblings, spouses, parents or other loved ones to traffic violence. We had expected to see them reach life’s milestones and graduate from school, discover love, get married, have children of their own, or be at our sides as we grew old. We have suffered life-altering injuries. All of us will never be the same. We are all Bronx residents and/or people whose crash happened here. We are tied to this borough, and we are looking to your leadership to give New York City control over our speed limits by supporting the inclusion of Sammy’s Law in this state budget.
In 2022, 16 children were killed by traffic crashes in New York City. It was a nightmare year, and the worst we have seen since Vision Zero was launched in 2014. Traffic crashes remain the number one injury-related killer of children in New York state. Between 2019 and 2020, nearly twice as many children under 18 were killed by motor vehicle traffic as were killed by firearms.
Sammy’s Law will save lives all over the city, but we particularly need this in the Bronx.
The Bronx is the only borough where traffic violence has gotten progressively worse since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In 2022, 57 people lost their lives from crashes, up from 28 in 2019. Cyclist injuries are up 28% in 2023 so far. And in the last five years in Assembly District 83, eight pedestrians and five motorists have been killed, and 3,995 people have been injured.
We know that speeding is a major factor in four out of five crashes that kill people in cars, and even slight reductions in a driver’s speed drastically reduce fatal pedestrian crashes – for every one mph reduction in driving speed, fatal pedestrian crashes fall by 17%. Recently, Seattle lowered their speed limit to 20 mph on residential streets and all crashes fell by as much as 20%.
Not only is this policy a moral imperative, it is also very popular. An Emerson College poll found that 68% of New York City voters support lowering the speed limit to 20 mph on residential streets near their homes, and 72% want the City to have authority to set its own speed limits.
You can save lives and prevent more families from experiencing the pain that we have suffered. Please use the power you have to pass Sammy’s Law in the state budget. With support from the governor, state senate, majority of the city council, and from Mayor Adams, all eyes are now on the Assembly to get this over the finish line.
Sincerely,
Nickya Whittington Mother of Shavone Bethea Shavone was killed on Webster Avenue & E. 184 St.
Belkys Rivera Mother of Josbel Rivera Josbel was killed on Mosholu Parkway
Clarita Baion Serious Crash Survivor Lives in the Bronx
David Shephard Fiancée to Sonia Powell Sonia was killed on Baychester Ave
Tom Proctor and Sandra Voss Brother and Sister-in-Law of Charlie Proctor Lives in the Bronx
Sofia Russo Mother of Ariel Russo Ariel was killed on Amsterdam Avenue Lives in the Bronx
Craig Sachs Serious Crash Survivor Crash occurred on Johnson Avenue
Irma Rosenblatt Daughter of Ida Rosenblatt Ida was killed on Netherland Ave. & W. 232 St.
Evelyn Cancel Mother of Dante Curry Dante was killed on Wales Ave. at 147th St.
John Santiago Serious Crash Survivor Lives in the Bronx
Marla Fisher, MD Serious Crash Survivor Crash occurred on Castle Hill Ave. & Westchester Ave
Christian Pellerano Serious Crash Survivor Crash at Grand Concourse and Burnside, Lives in the Bronx
Since 1980, The Bronx has seen consistent growth; however, it is now facing a steep population decrease. Recent census data reveals that among counties with over 20,000 inhabitants, The Bronx has the 5th largest numeric population decline and the 7th highest percentage drop since last year as per new census estimates.
The United States Census Bureau reports that The Bronx’s population reached a record 1,472,656 on April 1, 2020, but decreased to 1,421,089 by July 1, 2021, and further to 1,379,946 by July 1, 2022 according to the latest estimates.
With the 2020 census, The Bronx, if it were a city of its own, would have been the 7th largest city by population, in the nation.
If the estimates are indeed accurate, the reduction of nearly 100,000 residents since 2020 represents the most significant decline since the 1980s when The Bronx’s population dropped by 20.6% between 1970 and 1980, losing over 300,000 residents during the peak of the great decline in the borough as residents fled to the suburbs fleeing planned shrinkage and urban decay set forth by racist government policies.
Following the 1990 census, The Bronx experienced remarkable growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing counties in both New York State and the nation. Residents returned to the area, filling the numerous new housing units constructed throughout the borough.
By April 2020, The Bronx’s population not only recovered to its 1970 level of 1,471,701 residents but also surpassed it, reaching a high of 1,472,656.
But it seemed that the growth was short-lived, at least, for the time being.
“Population loss in the city is driven by three factors: federal immigration policies and COVID-19 restrictions that reduced foreign immigration, historically the source of population growth in the city; the shortage of affordable housing; and high taxes that drive high earners to relocate to states where they can keep at least 50% of their earnings, which is not the case in New York City since the federal government capped the deduction of state and local taxes from federal income tax liabilities,” said Kathryn Wylde, CEO of the NYC Partnership.
All of these factors are applicable to The Bronx as it is one of the most rent-burdened boroughs in the city and has a high immigrant population.
If we don’t shift towards constructing more truly affordable housing, don’t expect the population to return back to its 2020 peak anytime soon.
With thousands of luxury units being constructed or already completed in the South Bronx and many of them vacant, it’s clear that that’s not the kind of housing that is in demand in the borough.
If you want people to return to the borough, first address the housing crisis that is needed by the majority and not luxury that is clearly not needed at this scale in our borough.
The US Census Bureau conducts these yearly estimates utilizing a combination of birth, deaths, and migration data to calculate these estimates.
The Bronx has faced many negative environmental hurdles in its history, from asthma-inducing highways to waste transfer stations, and even medical waste incinerators, and while most of these almost always disproportionately plagued the South Bronx, there is one that has impacted residents in the West Bronx, whether up in Riverdale or down in Port Morris in the South Bronx: Access to the waterfront.
Residents have been cut off from direct access to the Harlem River for over a century, first by railroads and then by the construction of the Major Deegan Expressway, but finally, a 30-year-old vision for a greenway along the river is taking a big step forward to become a reality.
Rendering of the Port Morris waterfront as envisioned by the Haven Project in 2015
On Wednesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that the city will finally expand the Harlem River Greenway, which currently exists in Manhattan, to The Bronx.
“Since its inception, the Harlem River Working Group has been led by community members working improve access to the Bronx and Manhattan side of the Harlem River and develop the Harlem and Putnam River Greenways,” said Chauncy Young, coordinator, Harlem River Working Group.
Young added, “The city’s first greenway plan that included the Harlem River Greenway was developed under Mayor David Dinkins and Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer in 1993. Today, we can finally make those dreams a reality, and I commend Representatives Adriano Espaillat and Ritchie Torres for their unwavering support to secure $7 million for the New York City greenway expansion, and Mayor Adams and Commissioner Rodriquez for prioritizing this environmental justice project once and for all.”
Rendering of the Port Morris waterfront as envisioned by the Haven Project in 2015
The envisioned 7-mile greenway would connect Van Cortlandt Park in Riverdale to the Randall’s Island Connector in the South Bronx’s Port Morris neighborhood in a continuous ribbon of green pedestrian and cycling paths offering millions of residents direct access to the Harlem River.
Millions of residents across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island have enjoyed significant access to their waterfronts which seamlessly and safely connects neighborhoods and communities through these greenways, however, Bronx residents currently have very limited access to the Harlem River.
Access to the waterfront along the Harlem River currently exists at Roberto Clemente State Park and Bridge Park, both of which are connected, and Mill Pond Park several miles to the south.
Proposed segments of the Harlem River Greenway via NYC.gov
While there is no set date for the completion of the proposed greenway, a series of online public workshops will begin next month in order to collect community feedback and the three public workshops will be for each of the three sections of which the implementation of the greenway is being broken down into.
The planned segments as well as date of public workshop for each and registration links are as follows:
These workshops are an opportunity for residents to ensure that it is their vision and plan that is implemented in creating the greenway so please make sure to attend. There will be additional opportunities in the Fall of this year to make your voices heard but these first steps are critical in helping shape these discussions.
The view of the Harlem River at Roberto Clemente State Park
Looking north from the High Bridge towards Bridge Park
Rail and the Major Deegan Expressway have choked off access to the Harlem River for over a century.
A view along the Harlem River at Mill Pond Park which was constructed over a decade ago.
Rendering of the Port Morris waterfront as envisioned by the Haven Project in 2015
Rendering of the Port Morris waterfront as envisioned by the Haven Project in 2015
Proposed segments of the Harlem River Greenway / Via NYC.gov
According to the Mayor’s office, an implementation plan will be published in 2024 that will be guided by these workshops.
The plan to finally move forward with the Bronx’s Harlem River Waterfront Greenway is a result of the city receiving a $7.25 million federal grant to expand the city’s current network of greenways to historically underserved communities.
Bronx resident Karen Argenti, who grew up along the Harlem River at NYCHA’s Sedgewick Houses and then on Undercliff Avenue just north of the High Bridge, and who is a board member of the Bronx Council on Environmental Quality (BCEQ), told Welcome2TheBronx that the organization, “…has been working on cleaning the water of the Harlem River since the turn of the century,” and added that, “We are just fighting for whatever everyone else gets in the City.”
Argenti also sees this as a transformative “green” opportunity for The Bronx and said, “Our vision is that the greenway is an opportunity to create a productive green infrastructure model that captures greenhouse gases (GHG), lowers our carbon footprint, and increases habitat, to begin. In addition, alternative transportation methods of travel to and from work and recreational areas as a secondary benefit in lowering the carbon footprint, and with it the heat island effect.”
“This is a win for the Bronx, the City and the State. Moreover, it will clean the Harlem River,” added Argenti.
Applications are now being accepted via New York City’s Housing Connect Affordable Housing program for a new development in the Highbridge neighborhood of The Bronx.
Located at 1169 River Avenue, the brand-new 19 story building has 245 units across just over 200,000 square feet and is being constructed under the Supportive Housing Opportunity Program of New York State Homes and Community Renewal and the Supportive Housing Loan Program of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.
The building is just steps away from the 167th Street station on the 4 subway line and is just a few blocks away from Yankee Stadium and Reverend T. Wendell Foster Park and Pool.
Rendering of 1169 River Avenue / Via Housing Connect
Of the 195 units, 60% are being set aside for the most vulnerable New Yorkers which includes the formerly homeless and people with disabilities and the remaining 40% of the units, which this lottery is for, is for households making 60, 70, or 80% of the Area Median Income.
Amenities at 1169 River Avenue include bike storage lockers, standard shared laundry room, air-conditioning, a playground, a community center, private outdoor areas, a party room, a business center, a recreation room, an outdoor terrace, concierge, a gym, common area Wi-Fi, smart controls for heating and cooling within individual apartments, and best of all, it is a pet friendly building which even accepts large dogs.
The rents, unit breakdown, and income requirements for 1169 River Avenue are as follows:
60%
$843 a month for studios for households making $31,852-$64,080
$1,065 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $39,875-$72,060
$1,570 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $58,492-$99,380
70%
$1,003 a month for studios for households making $37,338-$74,760
$1,760 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $65,863-$115,850
80%
$1,163 a month for studios for households making $42,823-$85,440
$1,465 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $53,589-$96,080
$1,170 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $65,109-$115,280
$2,037 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $75,360-$132,400
1169 River Avenue (right) is one of three developments going up on one block as a result of the 2018 Jerome Avenue Rezoning.
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.
The development is one of several new buildings constructed within the massive Jerome Avenue Rezoning District that was approved back in 2018 and encompasses over 70 blocks in an effort to create at least over 3,000 units of affordable housing.
To date, at least 1,400 new affordable units have been constructed in the five years since the rezoning was approved and made into law.
How to Apply
For those interested in applying, you have until June 12, 2023 and you can do so online or you can request an application by mail by sending a self-addressed envelope to: Victory Commons c/o Wavecrest Consulting LLC 87-14 116th Street Richmond Hill, NY 11418
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.
5% of units are set aside for individuals with mobility issues and 2% for those with vision and/or hearing impairments. 50% preference for residents of Community Board 3 (to see which community board you live in, click here), and 5% for New York City employees.
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.
