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To Speaker Heastie from The Bronx: Pass Sammy’s Law in the budget

Politics

Ed García Conde

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April 17, 2023

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To Speaker Heastie from The Bronx: Pass Sammy’s Law in the budget

April 12, 2023

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

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Bronx population plummets with one of the highest declines in the country

Ed García Conde

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April 3, 2023

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Bronx population plummets with one of the highest declines in the country

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.

According to the New York Post:

“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 is finally getting a waterfront greenway connecting Riverdale to the South Bronx

Ed García Conde

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March 24, 2023

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The Bronx is finally getting a waterfront greenway connecting Riverdale to the South Bronx

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.”

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:

Van Cortlandt Park to University Heights Bridge, Tuesday, April 18th, 6-8PM
Register for April 18th workshop
University Heights Bridge to Macombs Dam Bridge, Wednesday, April 19th, 6-8PM
Register for the April 19th workshop
Macombs Dam Bridge to Randall’s Island Connector, Wednesday, April 26th 6-8PM
Register for the April 26th workshop

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.

Apply now for brand-new affordable apartments near Yankee Stadium starting at $843 a month

Ed García Conde

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March 21, 2023

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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.

Good luck to all who apply!

The rich and deep history of the Irish in The Bronx

Ed García Conde

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March 17, 2023

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The rich and deep history of the Irish in The Bronx

This article was originally published in 2021 by Welcome2TheBronx

Much like other ethnic groups that have called The Bronx home, the Irish have left an indelible mark on our borough.

While many often jump to stereotypes and often peg the Irish to St Patrick’s Day, they’re more than just a holiday, especially in The Bronx where they have left a living, breathing history of their journey in America.

Sure, legend has it that ‘green beer‘ was invented right here in The Bronx on St Patrick’s Day 1914 by Dr Thomas Hayes Curtis, a physician hailing from Ireland living in our borough who unveiled the green drink at a social club on 3rd Avenue and 163rd Street but there’s so much more to Irish history in The Bronx than that.

For example, did you know that things we take for granted in our borough were constructed by Irish laborers who arrived here in the 19th century?

*The High Bridge, connecting Upper Manhattan with The Bronx, was constructed by Irish laborers and is New York City’s oldest standing bridge.*

During the 1800s, many left Ireland in search for a better life for them and their families as they escaped the harsh conditions back home. A great number arrived in New York City and in parts of lower Westchester which would eventually become The Bronx.

These Irish laborers constructed the New York and Harlem Railroad as well as the Hudson River Railroad both of which, pre the COVID-19 pandemic, carried hundreds of thousands of daily commuters to and from their jobs.

Irish pride in Woodlawn is 365 days a year.

The landmarked High Bridge, New York City’s oldest standing bridge was also constructed by Irish laborers leaving yet another mark behind that we take for granted.

Long before Woodlawn Heights became the epicenter of Irish life in New York City, with its Irish grocery stores, butcher shops, pharmacies, and restaurants, they called the South Bronx home in neighborhoods like Melrose and Mott Haven.

*The Emerald Isle Immigration Center on Katonah Avenue*

In “The Remarkable Life of Kitty McInerney: How a Poor Irish Immigrant Raised 17 Children in Great Depression New York”, Christopher Prince writes of Irish life in the South Bronx and says:

“Beyond church grounds boys played in the streets — games like stick ball, hand ball, kick the can, pitching pennies, Johnny on the pony, and marbles. Girls played jacks, hopscotch and jump rope. Kids raised pigeons or flew kites on rooftops and raced gleefully through alleys and courtyards. Adults congregated and watched over neighborhoods from stoops and fire escapes. In summer, kids opened fire hydrants or flocked to sprinklers and wading ponds of nearby parks for relief from the sweltering heat. They rented bikes for 25 cents, jumped on a mobile merry-go-round for a few pennies, and sat on blanketed fire escapes after sundown to unwind in the cool night air. Villagers traversed Bronx Irish neighborhoods on trolleys for a nickel and children hitched on the back for a free ride. The downtrodden sang in courtyards and alleys for coins and bottle caps.

“Saturdays were scored by sounds of the Metropolitan Opera streaming from radios and reverberating through windows and alleyways of Bronx Irish neighborhoods. Holidays lured block parties and parades to crowd Bronx thoroughfares. The carnival set up once or twice a year by Jackson Avenue station, casting a nightly glow over the South Bronx. Small shops lined sidewalks and thrived on abundant foot traffic. The South Bronx portion of Westchester Avenue from Wales to 152nd featured Dolan’s Irish Food Store, Olympia Florist, Cushman’s Bakery, an ice cream parlor, a drugstore, a Jewish baker, a candy store and two newsstands.”

Change the names of the stores, prices, and a few other things and you’d still describe the South Bronx of today.

Perhaps the most famous Irish-American Bronxite is the late Mary Higgins Clark, who was born Mary Theresa Eleanor Higgins, and was a prolific author with 51 books who was known as the ‘Queen of Suspense’.

*Katonah Avenue, the heart of Woodlawn.*

She is but one of many children of Ireland that has made not just the Irish but The Bronx proud.

Today, Woodlawn still remains the Irish capital of not just The Bronx but New York City despite being more mixed than it was even a decade ago.

All things change but history never does.

May you always have walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire.

Lottery open for new and truly affordable apartments in The Bronx as low as $683 for 3 bedrooms

Ed García Conde

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March 9, 2023

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Lottery open for new and truly affordable apartments in The Bronx as low as $683 for 3 bedrooms

WEST FARMS—A new lottery has been launched for a brand new affordable housing residential building with rents that are truly affordable for local Bronx residents.

Located at 1923 West Farms Road, the 16-story building is part of the massive Compass Residences that spans the Crotona Park East and West Farms neighborhoods of The Bronx with 1,374 apartments across eight buildings steps from the Bronx River and one block from the 2 and 5 subway line at West Farms Square/East Tremont Avenue.

*1923 West Farms Road/Via Housing Connect*

Compass Six Residences, as the building is known, offers deep affordability and is truly affordable to many local residents with monthly rents for brand new apartments as low as $397 for a studio, $503 for one-bedroom units, $598 for two-bedrooms, and $683 for three bedroom apartments for qualifying residents that meet the income requirements making 30% of the Area Median Income thanks in part to being constructed under the Extremely Low & Low-Income Affordability Program (ELLA).

Amenities at the building include a gym, bike storage lockers, the standard shared laundry room, outdoor areas, a community center, and energy efficient appliances.

Perhaps the best amenity is, however, access to the Bronx River via Starlight Park which has a new expansion area on the eastern banks of the river scheduled to open soon.

As you may recall, dolphins were spotted in the river within Starlight in January.

The rents, unit breakdown, and income requirements for The Bronx Grove are as follows:

30%

$397 a month for studios for households making $16,183-$32,040
$503 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $20,160-$36,030
$598 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $24,275-$43,230
$683 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $28,080 – $49,650

50%

$777 a month for studios for households making $29,212-$53,400
$980 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $36,515-$60,050
$1,168 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $4,3818-$72,050
$1,343 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $50,709-$82,750

70%

$1,080 a month for studios for households making $39,600-$74,760
$1,356 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $49,406-$84,070
$1,622 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $59,383-$100,870
$1,865 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $68,606-$115,850

80%

$1,314 a month for studios for households making $47,623-$85,440
$1,651 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $59,520-$96,080
$1,974 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $71,452-$115,280
$2,273 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $82,595-$132,400

Typical kitchen at 1923 West Farms Road / Via Housing Connect

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.

Good luck to all who apply!

New luxury building in South Bronx asking $3,068 a month for a studio

Ed García Conde

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March 6, 2023

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New luxury building in South Bronx asking $3,068 a month for a studio

MOTT HAVEN—Where else but the South Bronx can you live practically on top of a major highway and be expected to pay up to $5,500 a month for a two-bedroom apartment?

*Estela, a two-building development with over 500 residential units in Mott Haven has begun leasing. 445 Gerard Avenue is on the left and 414 Gerard Avenue is on the right.*

Welcome to Mott Haven, the epicenter of the gentrification of the South Bronx.

Known as Estela, the two-building $310 million development is nearing completion, and marketing and leasing have begun for one of the buildings, which is located at 445 Gerard Avenue and takes up an entire city block directly adjacent to Interstate 87 aka the Major Deegan Expressway.

Rents at 445 Gerard Avenue begin at $3,008 for a studio in the building and go up as high as $5,554 for a two-bedroom, two bathroom apartment, 980 square foot unit.

According to the marketing website for Estela and active listings on StreetEasy, the units are slated to be available on April 15th of this year, and with the apartments at the second building, located at 414 Gerard Avenue, becoming available a month later on May 15 of this year.

*Roof top terraces and gardens at Estela’s 445 Gerard Avenue/Via Estela marketing website*

Amenities at the development include 24 hour, 7 days a week concierge, a yoga and Pilates room, a fitness center, a private co-working space for residents, a club room that includes a full catering kitchen, game room, kids playroom, a media lounge and theater, and yes, a pet spa.

But as for the local amenities luxury renters in other parts of the city like Harlem, Williamsburg, and Long Island City come to expect, the immediate area is severely lacking and with rents similar to these, why would someone want to pay that much when they can stay in more “established” areas of the city?

*445 Gerard Avenue is just a few feet from the Major Deegan Expressway*

Between both buildings at Estela, over 500 high-end luxury units will flood an oversaturated luxury rental market in the South Bronx where developments such as Bankside’s first phase, which has been struggling to get full occupancy for over a year since they launched leasing back in late 2021.

Meanwhile, when truly affordable housing lotteries are launched in the area, some developments get tens of thousands of applications for a couple of hundred units.

With the desperate need for affordable housing, one would think developers would switch gears and construct the housing that’s actually needed and in demand and not construct so much luxury in one of the poorest districts of the city where no one is truly “flocking” to as predicted.

MTA reports 4% faster bus speeds in The Bronx after redesign implementation

Ed García Conde

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February 28, 2023

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MTA reports 4% faster bus speeds in The Bronx after redesign implementation

After delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bronx Bus Redesign was finally implemented last summer, and now, after half a year of studying the changes in real-time, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced that the changes to bus routes have been a success.

*The Bx19 is one of three bus routes in The Bronx that are now equipped with ABLE cameras to capture bus lane violators in real-time/Welcome2TheBronx*

Once home to one of the slowest bus speeds in New York City, the system is now boasting faster speeds and, according to the MTA, outperforming the other boroughs.

A report issued last week by the MTA indicates that the newly redesigned bus network in The Bronx that went into effect last summer and saw the modification of thirteen routes, the addition of two new routes, and greater frequency along eight major corridors, showed an increase of 4% across overall bus service in the borough and outperforming the rest of the city by 7%.

Some of the most notable highlights from the report are:

Bx36 customers traveling between Parkchester and Manhattan save over 10 minutes in each direction and up to 15 minutes during rush hours
Bx40/Bx42 customers traveling along E 180 St are saving1 1-12% (3 minutes) of their travel time in each direction along E 180 St.
With the Bx11 rerouted to E L Grant Hwy, customers are saving 60-70% (5-7 minutes) of their travel time between Mt. Eden and Manhattan

“The data and feedback collected over six months demonstrates that the new network is delivering on shorter wait times, faster and more reliable trips,” said NYC Transit Senior Vice President of Buses Frank Annicaro. “The Bronx had one of the slowest bus speeds in the city and is now outperforming citywide trends in Customer Journey Time Performance, which measures the percentage of trips that are completed within 5 minutes of the scheduled time. This is a successful step in delivering better quality bus service.”

In a press release issued by the MTA on the study, Bronx Borough President, Vanessa L. Gibson said, “With a large segment of our population living in transportation deserts, which can increase their commute time by as much as an hour, we saw travel time along several routes decrease by as much as 40%. This is a significant win for our borough and the thousands of Bronx riders that rely on our buses to get to their destination. I want to thank the MTA, transit advocates, community boards, and everyone else involved in this initiative for their commitment to transit equity.”

“Most of my Bronx constituents rely on an effective bus service daily,” added Assemblymember Kenny Burgos.

Meanwhile, State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, while rejoicing in the news, reminded everyone that the redesign did negatively impact seniors in places where bus stops were relocated or simply removed entirely.

Fernandez said, “The success of this program goes to show what is possible when investments are made in the Bronx! Ridership is up and Bronx bus routes are now outperforming citywide trends in speed and reliability. However, as with any success, it is important not to rest on our laurels because there is still a lot of work to be done. Boroughwide and citywide increases are truly great, but we still have to make sure we are addressing the hyper-local issues, particularly those that are affecting our seniors and many others who have had their regular stops moved and are now burdened with longer and more strenuous commutes. In the greatest city in the world, none of our communities should be left behind for the success of our neighbors.”

The MTA states that they will continue to monitor bus service and customer feedback within The Bronx and make adjustments if necessary.

Now let’s hold them to that promise.

Adidas opens first Bronx store

Ed García Conde

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February 24, 2023

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Attention sneakerheads: Sneaker giant Adidas has opened their first store in The Bronx

Located at The Mall at Bay Plaza, the store is part of the brand’s expansion in the New York City region and is an 11,000-square-foot space offering the latest in the company’s famed footwear brand.

*The Mall at Bay Plaza on opening day on August 14, 2014 ©Welcome2TheBronx.com*

According to Yahoo, LaNiece Douglas, Adidas VP of retail in North America, said in a statement, “We are thrilled to officially open our newest store in the Bronx. This is an important one for us in our Key City, New York. We can’t wait to welcome everyone and really see it come to life.”

The store features artwork by local Bronxite and creative designer Jae Tips, who will be on hand at the opening.

Adidas’ arrival in The Bronx comes at the heels, pun intended, of the opening of Nike’s first store in the borough back in September of last year at Bay Plaza.

In recent years, the borough has seen an ever-increasing presence of national and global chains opening stores that once shunned The Bronx, including Apple, which opened its first store, and only one thus far, in the borough also at The Mall at Bay Plaza.

Unfortunately, with the presence of such retailers, retail rents have increased and forced smaller businesses to relocate or close, as was the case with 1800Fix at 149th and 3rd Avenue at The Hub, where a Krispy Kreme replaced the electronic repair store that had occupied that corner for almost 30 years.

Over on Fordham Road, a fourth Target store opened last year as part of an aggressive expansion in The Bronx, and just a few weeks later, the company signed a lease for a fifth store to be located at Bruckner Commons at the site of the former K-Mart.

One thing’s for sure, the retail landscape of The Bronx has undoubtedly changed, but at what cost?

Apply for brand new apartments as low as $569 a month for two bedrooms in Bedford Park

Ed García Conde

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February 21, 2023

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Applications for New York City’s Housing Connect lottery are now being accepted for a brand-new development in the Bedford Park neighborhood of The Bronx.

Known as The Bronx Grove, 127 newly constructed units are spread across two buildings located at 261 E 202nd street and 270 E 203rd street and includes amenities like security guards, air conditioning, and a gym, as well as the standard shared laundry room.

The development is also located less than two blocks from the B and D subway at Bedford Park Boulevard and a few blocks away from the 4 line subway line also at Bedford Park Boulevard and is also served by several bus routes.

It’s also located within walking distance to Jerome Park Reservoir, the New York Botanical Garden, the greenways along Mosholu Parkway, and the Williamsbridge Oval as well as Lehman College.

*Rendering of The Bronx Grove / Via NYC Housing Connect*

Sixty percent of the units are set aside for individuals and families that are formerly homeless and disabled and will have access to on-site support services. These units are only available to those that are referred by city agencies.

The remaining 40 percent of the units are open to this lottery and offer deep affordability compared to other so-called affordable housing developments being constructed across The Bronx.

Rents are as low as $362 a month for studios, $465 a month for one bedroom apartments, and $569 for two-bedroom units for those making 30% of the Area Median Income.

Depending on whether you meet the income requirements, you may qualify for these rents or higher.

The rents, unit breakdown, and income requirements for The Bronx Grove are as follows:

30%

$362 a month for studios for households making $15,360-$32,040
$465 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $19,303-$36,030
$569 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $23,932-$43,230

*Typical two bedroom layout at The Bronx Grove / Via NYC Housing Connect*

40%

$522 a month for studios for households making $22,846-$42,720
$665 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $26,160-$48,040
$809 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $32,160-$57,640

50%

$683 a month for studios for households making $26,366-$53,400
$865 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $33,018-$60,050
$1,050 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $40,423-$72,050
$1,205 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $46,835-$82,750

70%

$1,003 a month for studios for households making $37,338-$74,760
$1,265 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $46,732-$84,070
$1,530 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $56,880-$100,870
$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
$1,770 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

*Typical three bedroom layout at The Bronx Grove / Via NYC Housing Connect*

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 April 28, 2023 and you can do so online or you can request an application by mail by sending a self-addressed envelope to:
The Bronx Grove
c/o K&G UPRIGHT
PO Box 1181
New York, NY 10039

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 7 (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!

Brand new and truly affordable apartments now available in Fordham starting at $567/mo

Ed García Conde

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February 20, 2023

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New York City’s housing lottery on Housing Connect has launched lottery applications for brand-new apartments in the Fordham section of The Bronx.

The development, known as Twin Parks Terrace, is a brand-new 14-story building with 181 residential units constructed on a parking lot owned by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) that was underutilized.

*Rendering of Twin Parks Terrace / Via NYC Housing Connect*

As such, having been constructed on land owned by NYCHA, a preference of 25% of units are for residents of public housing.

Rents at the Twin Parks Terrace are genuinely affordable and more in line with local median incomes and with rents as low as $567 a month for studios for those making 40% of the Area Median Income.

*A typical kitchen at Twin Park Terrace/Via Housing Connect*

Amenities are aplenty at the development, with bike storage lockers, air conditioning, common area wi-fi, a playground, a children’s playroom, an outdoor terrace, a recreation room, and will even have onsite community events and classes.

Breakdown of unit size, rents, and income requirements are as follows:

40%

$567 a month for studios for households making $27,875-$42,720
$717 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $27,498-$48,040
$854 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $33,052-$57,640
$978 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $38,195-$66,200

50%

$738 a month for studios for households making $27,875-$53,400
$930 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $34,800-$60,050
$1,100 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $41,829-$72,050
$1,274 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $48,343-$82,750

*A typical unit at Twin Parks Terrace / Via Housing Connect*

70%

$1,080 a month for studios for households making $39,600-$74,760
$1,356 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $49,406-$84,070
$1,622 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $59,383-$100,870
$1,865 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $68,606-$115,850

80%

$1,250 a month for studios for households making $45,429-$85,440
$1,570 a month for 1 bedroom units for households making $56,743-$96,080
$1,878 a month for 2 bedroom units for households making $68,160-$115,280
$2,161 a month for 3 bedroom units for households making $78,755-$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.

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 5 (to see which community board you live in, click here), and 5% for New York City employees as well as a 25% preference for residents of NYCHA.

How to Apply

For those interested in applying, you have until April 11, 2023 and you can do so online or you can request an application by mail by sending a self-addressed envelope to:

Settlement Housing Fund,
Attn: TPT Lottery
247 West 37th Street, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10018

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.

Good luck to all who apply!

Six Bronx Catholic schools among a dozen to be closed by the Archdiocese of New York this June

Ed García Conde

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February 16, 2023

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Six Bronx Catholic schools among a dozen to be closed by the Archdiocese of New York this June

After a brief pause on Catholic school closings by the Archdiocese of New York due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Archdiocese has announced the closures of a dozen New York City schools.

And unfortunately, half of the schools scheduled for permanent closure are in The Bronx.

*Immaculate Conception School of Williamsbridge on E Gun Hill Road, will permanently close this June/Image via Google Streets*

According to a statement issued by the Archdiocese of New York, “Extensive broader community research, detailed studies, and careful deliberation and analysis went into the final determination of which schools would not reopen. Unfortunately, due to shifting demographics and lower enrollment made worse by the pandemic, the impact to the financial stability of these schools was detrimental.”

The schools scheduled to close in The Bronx are as follows:

Holy Family School in Unionport
Immaculate Conception School, 760 E Gun Hill Rd in Williamsbridge
Santa Maria School in Westchester Square
St. Angela Merici School in Melrose
St. Brendan School in Norwood
St. Margaret Mary School in Mount Hope

Also, the following schools in The Bronx will merge according to the Archdiocese:

St. Francis Xavier, Bronx, will merge with St. Clare of Assisi.
St. Gabriel School, Bronx, will merge with St. Margaret of Cortona.

“It is never a good day when we announce closures to any of our beloved schools, but the goal is always to strengthen the remaining institutions and preserve Catholic education in New York for decades to come,” said Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York in a statement.

“We understand these are challenging times for many families, and this is indeed a sad day for everyone in our Catholic schools community,” shared Michael J. Deegan, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York. “I personally mourn the loss of every one of our great schools. However, as we process this news, we must resolve that the great tradition of Catholic education in New York will continue, and we will assist all students who are seeking to carry on their Catholic education to find a seat at another excellent school in the Archdiocese.”

Over the past decade, dozens of Catholic schools have been permanently closed in The Bronx, along with numerous churches and parishes which no longer exist or have merged.

As a product of Bronx Catholic schools, I never thought I’d see the day that many of these schools, let alone the churches, would be gone.

Particularly as a child of the 70s and 80s, the only thing that seemed permanent in those days were these institutions but alas, they have been revealed to be vulnerable to the test of time like anything else.