Welcome2TheBronx

Bronx Pilot Bike-Share Exceeds Expectations; JUMP Hopes to Expand Coverage Across Borough

Ed García Conde

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November 20, 2018

Bronx Pilot Bike-Share Exceeds Expectations; JUMP Hopes to Expand Coverage Across Borough

Since the launch of the bike-share pilot in the central Bronx in August, JUMP Bikes has seen over 15,000 rides!

Back when Citi Bike first launched in 2013, we were very vocal that bike sharing in NYC had to be equitable and accessible to all residents including The Bronx despite critics saying there wouldn’t be a strong market up here.

When the pilot program was announced for The Bronx, many residents were skeptical and questioned whether it would be a good fit for The Bronx, but preliminary data appears to suggest it is.

We rode JUMP’s pedal-assist e-bike throughout the coverage area and needless to say we were impressed at the ease of use AND speed!

“JUMP Bikes’ popularity in the Central Bronx has exceeded our already-high expectations.” said Alix Anfang, Communications Manager at Uber in a statement to Welcome2TheBronx.

Anfang added, “We’ve also seen a lot of interest in our bikes in other parts of the borough, and are hopeful that the Department of Transportation will help us meet this demand by expanding our service area to cover the entire Bronx.”

Each dot on this map provided by Uber represents a user who looks at JUMP Bikes while on their app outside of the pilot area. As you can see, practically every inch of our borough is covered with such views.

DOT still hasn’t finished its review process and has in granted a 90-day extension to the pilot program last week for further review.

So where are Bronxites going on these bright, red bikes?

According to data provided to Welcome2TheBronx, the top destinations are as follows:

Tremont Park
Burnside Ave MTA Station
University Ave & W 176th Bus Station
West Farms Square – E Tremont Ave Train Station

Uber recently put out a report that highlights some of the benefits of expanding JUMP’s footprint.

Some highlights from the report are:

The report finds that 1 million daily trips in NYC could switch to shared e-bikes if the city had a full-scale e-bike share program in place along with the needed infrastructure
This would mean 25,000 fewer hours spent in traffic in New York City, and 300 fewer metric tons of CO2 emissions daily
At scale, an e-bike share program in NYC would have between 100,000 and 200,000 bikes

That’s pretty amazing that there’s a potential for 1 million car trips to convert to bikes thus freeing up the roadways and lead to less congestion and pollution.

We also reached out to Motivate, who runs Citi Bike, but have yet to receive comment on their data and experience under the same pilot program and area in The Bronx.

Bottom line is this: We need DOT to approve this and let the city expand JUMP Bikes to cover the entire borough. It’s an affordable alternative to getting around and with their pedal-assist technology, it makes getting around our hilly terrain a cinch.

Furthermore, at $2 bucks for a 30 minute ride and 7 cents per additional minute thereafter, it’s quite an affordable ride. For low-income residents the savings are even deeper as qualifying residents pay only $5 bucks a month for 60 minutes a day. Anything beyond the 60 minutes a day is charged at the 7 cents a minute standard rate.

It’s a win-win for everyone.

WATCH: NYC Sanitation Commissioner Lies; Says They Were Prepared & Bronx Was “Ahead” of Other Boroughs

News

Ed García Conde

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November 16, 2018

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WATCH: NYC Sanitation Commissioner Lies; Says They Were Prepared & Bronx Was “Ahead” of Other Boroughs

Despite the agonizing commute millions of New Yorkers experienced with many sleeping in their cars overnight on highways or enduring 6, 8, 10 hour commutes that typically would take an hour or much less, NYC Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia insisted that they were prepared for yesterday’s storm in an interview today.

Garcia went on to even say that The Bronx was ahead of the other boroughs but that wasn’t the case as reports have been streaming in from across our borough from residents who never saw a plow or trucks salting roads all day.

If New York City and the region were so prepared then why did at one point all roads light up on google maps in red indicating severe traffic and delays throughout all major roads? We’ve never seen anything like this.

Mayor Bill de Blasio is no better who also lied by saying that the plows were out salting the road and that that wasn’t the problem in an interview with 1010 WINS.

But New Yorkers all know that is a flat out lie. Had the roads been salted, had the MTA properly prepared their buses we wouldn’t have had as big of a nightmare that crippled not just The Bronx but the entire region.

Fire Commissioner Kathryn Garcia for negligence and Mayor Bill de Blasio should either admit to his and his administration’s mistake or he should just resign. A real leader knows when to admit when they’re wrong and clearly de Blasio is incapable of owning up to his mistakes.

The Bronx and the rest of New York will never forget this day.

GROSS NEGLIGENCE: The Day The Bronx Stood Still…We Demand Answers

Ed García Conde

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November 16, 2018

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GROSS NEGLIGENCE: The Day The Bronx Stood Still…We Demand Answers

There is absolutely no reason why it should take 7 hours for people to get from one side of The Bronx to another when it would typically take 20 minutes.

Yesterday’s snow storm, which dumped up to six inches—more than the original 1 to 3 inches in the forecast, was absolutely no reason for the chaos we saw and experienced!

181st street at an utter standstill /image by Alonzo Sencion via Councilman Fernando Cabrera’s Facebook page.

From Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYC Department of Sanitation to Governor Andrew Cuomo along with the MTA they ALL FAILED NEW YORKERS!

Trucks and the BxM7 stuck at the Bruckner ramp/Via BronxShots

When I left our offices at 6:30PM at The Hub, we were shocked by the amount of snow on the ground and even more shocked by the fact that the busiest intersection in The Bronx outside of Times Square had yet to be salted or plowed.

WATCH: NYC SANITATION COMMISSIONER LIES, SAYS CITY WAS PREPARED AND THE BRONX WAS AHEAD OF OTHER BOROUGHS

Fortunately my commute is a few short blocks but many of my fellow Bronxites and New Yorkers weren’t so lucky.

Webster Ave at 2:15AM according to Jessica Michelle who posted this on Councilman Fernando Cabrera’s Facebook page

By the time I settled in at home I began to see the horror that was unfolding across our borough and indeed the region.

A friend left Southern Boulevard near Westchester Avenue at 5:30 PM and by 9PM had only made it to Webster and Claremont. 3.5 hours to travel what normally would take 15 to 20 minutes.

Why?

Because buses and cars were stranded after the city’s poor response to the storm.

The City Council must launch an investigation and hearing to figure out how this all broke down.

At midnight there were reports of children still not home from school because their buses were stranded in traffic that just would and could not move.

Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson reported on Facebook that a parent called to complain that a her child was finally dropped off at home at 1AM.

And what about first responders and emergency vehicles? If traffic was at a standstill across the region how were they able to get to those who’s lives were in danger?

The council must also look into how this gross negligence impacted response times on 911 calls.

Meanwhile not a simple statement from de Blasio to take accountability for what happened.

He’s the mayor and ultimately the buck stops with him.

We want answers. We demand answers and accountability.

Office of Nightlife to Host Listening Session in The Bronx

News

Ed García Conde

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November 15, 2018

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Office of Nightlife to Host Listening Session in The Bronx

Please RSVP to this important meeting! If you’re concerned about nightlife in The Bronx, whether you’re a business owner or resident, this meeting is for you!

Via NYC Office of Nightlife:

On Thursday, November 15 at 6:00 p.m. at the Repertory Theater at Hostos Community College in the Bronx, the Office of Nightlife will host the fourth stop of a five-borough listening tour to hear comments, concerns, and ideas for strengthening New York’s distinctive nightlife. Established earlier this year within the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, the Office of Nightlife serves as a central point of contact between City agencies, nightlife business owners, residents, employees, and patrons, promoting a safe and vibrant nightlife scene beneficial to businesses and communities across the five boroughs.

Led by the Office of Nightlife’s senior executive director Ariel Palitz, this listening session is designed to inform the Office of Nightlife as it pursues policy recommendations and long-term solutions to ensure the vitality of New York’s nightlife. The Office of Nightlife welcomes all New Yorkers to share feedback on topics such as quality of life, safety, regulations, enforcement, and the role nightlife plays in fostering creativity and social cohesion.

RSVP to Katarina Mayers at kmayers@media.nyc.gov.

WHAT: Office of Nightlife listens to New Yorkers and their comments, concerns, and ideas for strengthening the City’s distinctive nightlife

WHO: Ariel Palitz, Senior Executive Director of the Office of Nightlife

Representatives from City agencies that have an impact on nightlife

WHEN: Thursday, November 15, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Press check-in 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Repertory Theatre at Hostos Community College/CUNY

450 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY (map)

The Bronx’s Own Ralph Lauren is First American Fashion Designer to Receive Honorary Knighthood

Ed García Conde

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November 14, 2018

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The Bronx’s Own Ralph Lauren is First American Fashion Designer to Receive Honorary Knighthood

Bronx born and raised fashion icon, Ralph Lauren, is the first American fashion designer to receive an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II.

Born in 1939, the fashion mogul went from modest means to controlling an empire worth $6.9 billion.

Vogue writes:

After 50 years in business and countless accolades, Ralph Lauren has just received the most prestigious yet. Announced today, Lauren has been made an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a title bestowed on him by Queen Elizabeth II. Lauren becomes the first American fashion designer to be recognized by Her Majesty with an honorary knighthood and joins the ranks of fellow Americans, including President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President Ronald Reagan, President George H.W. Bush, Michael Bloomberg, Rudolph Giuliani, Angelina Jolie, Steven Spielberg, Bill and Melinda Gates, and Angela Ahrendts.

There are few as deserving of the title as Lauren, who with his life and career in fashion epitomizes not only the American Dream but an international success story. Born in 1939 in the Bronx, New York, he first studied business at Baruch College and then joined the U.S. Army before establishing his fashion company in 1967. At the start, he sold just ties to Bloomingdale’s, but quickly expanded into menswear and tailoring, with womenswear collections following. In 1972, he revolutionized ideas of casualwear and branding with his polo shirt, which featured a logo above the left breast. When he offered it in 17 colorways, you could say history was made.

A young Ralph Lauren poses in The Bronx/Via Ralph Lauren

Not bad for a boy from The Bronx who attended DeWitt Clinton High School and once said, “People ask how can a Jewish kid from the Bronx do preppy clothes? Does it have to do with class and money? It has to do with dreams.”

Bronx Raised Legend, Stan Lee, Dead at 95

Ed García Conde

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November 12, 2018

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Bronx Raised Legend, Stan Lee, Dead at 95

The man who gave the world Spider Man, Black Panther, The Hulk, Dr Strange, and even The X-Men, Bronx raised Stan Lee, who attended DeWitt Clinton High School is dead at 95.

His career spans almost 80 years when he began as an assistant at Timely Comics in 1939 which would eventually become Marvel Comics by the 1960s.

Born Stanley Martin Lieber in 1922 in Manhattan, he made his debut into the comic world with Captain America in 1941 under the pen name Stan Lee.

Today, the comic book industry turned Hollywood movies is a billion dollar global industry thanks in large part to Lee’s dedication.

Rest in peace, Stan and thanks for the wonderful childhood memories!

Bronx Electeds Denounce White Supremacist Hate Group Flyer

News

Ed García Conde

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November 8, 2018

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Bronx Electeds Denounce White Supremacist Hate Group Flyer

Welcome2TheBronx broke the story today about a white supremacist hate group flyer appearing throughout Woodlawn.

Now, Bronx elected officials are speaking out against the despicable and cowardly call for racists to “demonstrate White Strength” against an invasion of “Black thugs and radical Islam”.

Below is the press release in full from various representatives including Councilman Andrew Cohen who represents the district.

BRONX ELECTEDS DENOUNCE WHITE SUPREMECIST HATE GROUP FLYER: “THIS IS NOT WHO WE ARE”

After flyers promoting regular demonstrations of “white strength” were posted in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx, local elected official were quick to condemn the racist message being promoted.

Bronx, NY – The rise in boldness of white supremacists has run into a brick wall of opposition in the Bronx. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Congressman Eliot Engel, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and Councilmember Andrew Cohen were quick to denounce the attempted creation of a new hate group in Woodlawn, which had raised concern among local residents after several flyers were posted in northeastern Van Cortlandt Park at Healy Field, along Nursery Road, and at the Woodlawn Dog Run. The flyers were quickly taken down and it is unknown if other flyers were posted and also taken down before anyone noticed them. The flyer called for public displays along Katonah Avenue on pre-designated days in order to demonstrate “White Strength.”

Corresponding with the rise in popularity of Donald Trump since 2015 and his apparent unwillingness to condemn supporters who espouse racist views, there has been a startling increase in amateur hate groups in and around New York City. Prior to this flyer, which identifies their group as “White Excellence,” there was an incident over the summer at Fort Tryon Park involving a group called “Identity Europa.” Both groups have used similar language, calling on men of European heritage to defend their history and espousing xenophobic views which often accuse immigrants of trying to replace them. Perhaps most prominently, such groups were on display at a 2017 hate rally in Charlottesville, VA which resulted in the death of one counter-protester. President Trump at the time refused to denounce the hate groups involved, instead saying he thought “there is blame on both sides.”

The Woodlawn neighborhood has long been a respite for New Yorkers who are looking for a more secluded neighborhood, attracting a rich tapestry of residents. The neighborhood’s commercial activity is mostly centered around Katonah Avenue.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said: “I am disgusted at whoever created this flyer and there is no place for racism and bigotry in our community. This is not an issue of first amendment rights, no matter how much racists would like it to be, but rather is an attempt to intimidate other people. In my opinion, the person or people responsible have been ginned up by Donald Trump and his supporters who would rather see our country return to the days when only land-owning white males were allowed to vote. I believe that when a President calls himself a nationalist, it is a signal to racists, anti-Semites, Islamophobes, and other haters that he is with them. Hatred must always be condemned and I know that the good people of Woodlawn would be disgusted by these racist losers.”

Congressman Eliot Engel said: “This type of despicable behavior is becoming more and more prevalent in our society, and the Bronx is not immune. Anyone who doesn’t see a correlation between these acts of hate and the type of vile rhetoric we’re hearing at the very top of our government is kidding themselves. All of us must be united and clear in our condemnation of racism, anti-Semitism, and hatred of any kind. This vile, divisive garbage has no place in our community.”

“Hatred has no place anywhere in our borough or our city. Given recent incidents motivated by hatred that have taken place across this nation it is important that we come together as elected officials and community leaders to denounce such revolting conduct in all its forms. I stand with Assemblyman Dinowitz and my colleagues in government to denounce this flyer and its message, and to urge our constituents to rip these flyers down when they see them. We will not tolerate hatred, racism or discrimination in The Bronx or anywhere else,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“This is another vile display of hate occurring our community. It is clear that intolerance is on the rise across the country, but to see such a horrendous display of bigotry and intimidation in our loving Woodlawn community is absolutely appalling. The persons responsible for this disgusting act are in no way indicative of the values and sentiments shared by the members of our community. We must recognize the impact that this type of divisive rhetoric can have and collectively condemn such occurrences. I remain fully committed to fighting against all acts of hate in our district.” said New York City Council Member Andrew Cohen.

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White Supremacist Flyer Appears In Woodlawn; Calls For Demonstration of “White Strength” in Neighborhood

Ed García Conde

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November 8, 2018

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White Supremacist Flyer Appears In Woodlawn; Calls For Demonstration of “White Strength” in Neighborhood

A disturbing hate-filled flyer was discovered late last night in Woodlawn calling for American and European men to “Defend your heritage! Defend your history!”

The discovery was made while a local resident was walking his dog along Van Cortlandt Park East and E 238th Street.

The flyer goes on to ask that men wear a white hat/shirt or both each Wednesday beginning November 14th while eating and drinking along Katonah Avenue to “demonstrate White Strength” against what it calls “an invasion of Black thugs into the neighborhood” and against Sharia Law and radical Islam.

A resident wished to remain anonymous told us, “As a Woodlawn resident of many years, it is shocking and upsetting that white supremacists are trying to recruit other white supremacists in our neighborhood.”

“When I moved here, I was aware that Woodlawn has historically had a racist side to it, but the neighborhood’s demographic has been changing for as long as I’ve lived here. There are more non-white residents of many races, and it’s been great to have them in our neighborhood. There are Indian doctors, African teachers, Philippinos, and many others represented in Woodlawn.” they added.

One of the trees the flyer was stapled to in Woodlawn

Steve Nallen, 37, who’s a life-long resident of Woodlawn and whose family has been living in the neighborhood was surprised when he learned of the white supremacist call to action in his neighborhood.

“…it’s a surprise. I believe it is most likely an act of an individual trying to stir the pot in the neighborhood. A troll. I do not believe there is a white supremacy group forming in Woodlawn. However, there may be a few people in the neighborhood that in general do not like change.” said Nallen.

And Woodlawn has indeed been changing as census records indicate the white population of the neighborhood is declining and is currently at 46.7% as of 2016. During the 2000 census it was at 55%.

He also added, “My family has been in this neighborhood for over 60 years. What I’ve noticed in the last few years in particular from both new home buyers and renters is welcomed mix of people moving into neighborhood. Working professionals that have discovered the area. My thinking is a few people within see this change may not be too happy with it and do something like this to simply gain the attention / stir the pot. This is not the view of most of the neighborhood just someone being ignorant. I don’t expect this continue and this type of hatred will not be tolerated here and should not be anywhere. They will be found out exposed and dealt with accordingly.”

Our anonymous tipster also shared this sentiment and said, “It is New York City. It’s scary that white supremacists feel emboldened to staple a recruitment flyer on a tree in Van Cortlandt Park. Most of Woodlawn residents do not support this mindset and will fight it. Fear of others based on race is not good in any way, and it’s not welcome in Woodlawn.

The timing of the flyers doesn’t escape us as they went up the day after Democrats took control of the House of Representatives in the midterm elections where an historic number of over 100 women were elected including the first two Muslim women elected to Congress along with the first two Native American women elected to the same legislative body as well.

Just yesterday the NYPD confirmed that hate crimes in the city are indeed on the rise.

And it’s not just New York City but a nationwide trend as hate crimes are rising across the country.

We, in The Bronx do not tolerate any kind of hate.

Whether this is an act of a lone individual or a larger group will remain to be seen.

Stay tuned as this is a developing story.

Another Puerto Rican Woman From The Bronx Makes History

Ed García Conde

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November 7, 2018

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Another Puerto Rican Woman From The Bronx Makes History

First she toppled one of the most powerful congressmen and party bosses in a stunning victory during the New York primaries earlier this year.

Now at 29, Democratic Socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman ever elected to Congress in United States History after her landslide win during yesterday’s midterm elections.

Ocasio-Cortez, who’s parents are Puerto Rican, will represent the residents of New York’s diverse 14th Congressional District which spans the East Bronx and into Queens, come January 2019 when she’s sworn into office.

She will also be the 9th congressperson of Puerto Rican descent to serve in the House of Representatives.

The HuffPost writes:

The millennial Latina, born to a Puerto Rican mom and Bronxite dad, famously worked as a bartender just months before winning her primary and had never previously held political office. She garnered former President Barack Obama’s endorsement for the general election.

“Our district is overwhelmingly people of color, it’s working class, it’s very immigrant ― and it hasn’t had the representation we’ve needed,” Ocasio-Cortez told HuffPost in June. Her district, which includes parts of the Bronx and Queens, is one of the most diverse in the country.

A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Ocasio-Cortez is part of a wave of progressive Democrats promising to push the party establishment further left. She refused any corporate PAC money in her campaign and ran on a boldly progressive platform that included Medicare for all, a federal jobs guarantee and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Since her primary win, Ocasio-Cortez has been attacked by right-leaning media pundits, including a Daily Caller editor who called her “populist lines,” such as calling for a living wage, “truly terrifying.”

Aljazeera reports:

On Tuesday, she signalled a deep ambition running beyond the confines of her constituency and thanked organisers for building a “larger movement for social, economic and racial justice in the United States of America” in a stirring speech that ended with confetti falling from the ceiling.

“If we are going to turn this ship around as a country it is not good enough to throw a rock at our neighbour’s yard, we’ve got to clean up our own house,” she said.

You might not agree with her politics but you can’t take away that she made history yesterday.

Lottery Now Open For 43 Units in New Senior Housing Development in The Bronx

Ed García Conde

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November 6, 2018

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Lottery Now Open For 43 Units in New Senior Housing Development in The Bronx

It seems like more and more developments are being constructed to accommodate our aging population.

Now a new one in Foxhurst is accepting applications via NYC’s affordable housing lottery system.

Located at 1017 Home Street, the 8-story building has 43 residential units (3 studios and 40, 1 bedroom units) for seniors 62 years of age and older.

1017 Home Street features 43 apartments for senior residents age 62 and over.

Besides the age requirement, qualifying applicants should not make more than $36,550 for single person households for a studio unit or 1 bedroom apartment or more than $41,750 for two-person households.

The development is located a block away from the Whitlock Avenue Station on the 6 line and about 4 blocks away from the Freeman Station on the 2 and 5 line with shopping nearby at the Southern Boulevard Business Improvement District.

Eligible residents must qualify for Section 8 in order to score an apartment here so make sure you head over to their website for full details and apply here.

Applications are due no later than January 9, 2018.

Good luck!

Massive New Development Announced for the Grand Concourse

Ed García Conde

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November 6, 2018

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Massive New Development Announced for the Grand Concourse

A new 520 unit development might be coming to the Grand Concourse in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the South Bronx.

The developer, JCS Realty, recently purchased three adjoining sites on the Concourse for a combined $27.7 million according to The Real Deal.

Although the building will probably rise only 12 stories, at 400,000 square feet and with 520 units it would be considerably larger than 425 Grand Concourse just a block north on the site of the since demolished beloved landmark PS 31 which will rise 27 stories as the tallest building on the Concourse.

Various businesses currently occupy the sites

That building will only have 277 units across 300,000 square feet and will be fully “affordable”.

JCS Realty is still determining whether the development at 296-334 Grand Concourse (located between E 138th and E 140th Streets) will be affordable or market rate.

425 Grand Conncourse /Rendering credit: Dattner Architects

It’s quite possible that the developer may seek a similar path to Brookfield’s development in Port Morris (formerly owned by Somerset an Chetrit) which will be a mix of affordable and market rate.

No renderings or permits have been filed as of yet nor estimated date for completion have been noted.

211 New Affordable Apartments Available in Soundview

Ed García Conde

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November 5, 2018

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211 New Affordable Apartments Available in Soundview

Applications are now being accepted for 211 brand new apartments at 1530 Story Avenue via NYC’s Affordable Housing lottery.

The building is located just a short walk across the Bruckner Expressway to the Morrison Ave/Soundview Station on the 6 line or a short bus or bike ride to the new Soundview Ferry landing in Clason Point.

These particular units are part of a new two-building expansion of Lafayette Boynton, a 972 unit affordable housing development and the new buildings will add another 435 units to this development which was originally constructed almost 50 years ago.

Rents range as low as $865 for studio units for individuals making 60% of the area median income which is $31,543-$43,680 and as high as $2,184 for a three bedroom apartment for families making 125% of the AMI which is $77,418-$151,250 (the latter doesn’t sound too affordable does it?).

Go to the city’s website to apply and as always, good luck!