If you are a Bronx resident who identifies as LGBTQ then please take this needs assessment survey which will be used by the Office of the Bronx Borough President to better understand the needs of our community.
As you are perhaps painfully aware, our borough has been lacking an official LGBTQ center of its own for over 5 years but we’re working to change that and have a vision of getting one at The Hub in Melrose back where it once was.
During this time, however, Destination Tomorrow has stepped up to the plate and has filled the void by serving as our “unofficial” LGBTQ Center so it is important that we support them because without Destination Tomorrow, The Bronx LGBTQ community would truly be without a strong voice.
The Bronx coalition of Business Improvement Districts have issued a joint statement on the selection of top New York City Council leadership posts strengthening our borough and placing Bronx council members at the head of some of the most powerful committees in the city.
The statement issued by the Bronx BIDs is as follows:
New York City Council Leadership Posts Announced
Bronx Business Improvement Districts Support Committee Leadership Appointments
Salamanca, Gjonaj, Torres, Gibson, Cohen, Ayala, and Cabrera build the Bronx’s power-base
The Bronx, New York – The Bronx Business Improvement Districts, a coalition of nine (9) business improvement districts representing over one thousand five hundred (1,500) small businesses in the borough, strongly support the New York City Council Committee Leadership appointments announced today by Speaker Corey Johnson. Speaker Johnson, a Manhattan Democrat, outlined his leadership team and Council committee chair and membership assignments during this afternoon’s Stated Meeting. The Bronx Business Improvement Districts noted that the shift in the number of Bronx-led committee leadership positions strengthens the borough and places Councilmembers with significant experience in their respective industries as leaders of some of the Council’s most powerful committees. Similarly, the committee leadership announcements create a more equitable voice for outer borough stakeholders.
Council Member Mark Gjonaj’s selection as Chair of the Council Committee on Small Business was unanimously supported by the Bronx Business Improvement Districts as Gjonaj brings on the ground small business experience to the position and has worked tirelessly to improve his district’s economic development capacity, first as Assembly Member and now as Council Member. Likewise, the selection of Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr. as the Council’s Chair of the Land Use Committee highlights Councilmember Salamanca’s experience in working with all stakeholders on land use matters first as District Manager and later as Councilmember with district boundaries including a diverse array of uses; including two (2) business improvement districts, large industrial properties, and rapidly emerging housing developments.
Council Member Vanessa Gibson brings a tremendous amount of experience and intellect as she becomes Chair of the Subcommittee on Budget. This is especially significant as the Bronx has a pipeline of large scale capital projects scheduled for the next five (5) years.
The creation of new leadership positions and committees continues the New York City Council’s plan to modernize and more robustly engage with community stakeholders. In addition to key Council Committee positions, Speaker Johnson named Council Member Laurie Cumbo as Majority Leader. Council Member Fernando Cabrera as Majority Whip, Council Member Robert Cornegy, Jr. as Chair of the Democratic Conference, Council Member Rafael Espinal, Jr. as Deputy Leader for Digital Communication, and Council Member Brad Lander as Deputy Leader for Policy. Councilmember Ritchie Torres has been named as Chair of the Council Committee on Oversight and Investigation, a newly created committee.
“Speaker Johnson’s Council committee and leadership announcements provide insight into his leadership style and future of the New York City Council,” noted the Bronx Business Improvement Districts in a statement. “By selecting committee chairs and leadership with on the ground experience with real world challenges, Speaker Johnson has positioned the Council to bring the conversation of equity to a new level. The Bronx Business Improvement Districts are heartened by the announcement and look forward to working with the Council’s leadership team.”
Since it was first announced as the Cromwell-Jerome Study area, thousands of local residents and business owners have joined together in protest against the rezoning citing concerns of displacement and that City Planning will just pave the way for gentrification of the area.
The vast majority of the corridor, dominated by the elevated 4 subway line, is made up of primarily low-density commercial buildings, many of which are home to hundreds of mom and pop businesses including dozens of auto shops providing a pathway to a strong working middle class existence in this city.
But all that is now threatened as the city moves forward to likely approve this rezoning from industrial to mixed-use residential and commercial that is projected to create 3,250 new residential units, 723,000 square feet of space dedicated for community use, and approximately 35,000 square feet of retail.
And at what cost you may be asking yourself? The cost goes beyond simply losing 47,000 square feet of industrial space and 98,000 square feet of auto-related businesses but the skilled middle-class jobs that are currently housed in these spaces many of which have been in families for generations and are immigrant and people of color owned and operated.
CityLimits is producing a series of videos on the topic as we get closer to New York City Council voting (and undoubtedly approving) on the Jerome Avenue Rezoning which is scheduled for next Wednesday, January 17th.
In the first video we have Bronx resident Carmen Rivera-Vega who has lived in the area for 37 years and is also a local tenant activist and a leader over at CASA (Community Action for Safe Apartments).
The second video features Frank Amato, a recent transplant to The Bronx who has only lived here for 3 years and, you guessed it, is for the rezoning (I guess that’s an easy position to take when you don’t have ties to the area like residents who’ve lived there for generations).
But, he also has concerns about the displacement of the autoshops and workers.
Watch both videos below and let us know what you think:
Six students from Bronx Alliance Middle School in Edenwald are raising money to attend the Envision Summer STEM Program this summer.
The six-day program will immerse these bright young Bronxites in the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) with hands on simulations and workshops as they plan for a “Mission to Mars.”
According to the program description, “Few fields are more important to the future of mankind than STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math—and few show as much promise for future career opportunities. Virtually all career fields today require a solid foundation of STEM, and that’s precisely why these are the fastest growing areas of study—and the reason that STEM professionals are in the highest demand throughout the world.”
To that end, the kids have a gofundme campaign to raise $11,200 to cover tuition, housing and other costs associated with the program so kindly donate or share this to help these kids.
If you all donatedjust even $1 we can get these kids there and ensure that they have a bright future!
650 Bronx properties entered first time foreclosure in 2017 representing a 44% increase over the previous year.
The majority of foreclosures were located in the East Bronx with the 10469 zip code, covering neighborhoods like Williamsbridge, Allerton, Baychester, and Pelham Gardens, leading with 84 foreclosures.
According to PropertyShark who put the report together and has the most comprehensive database of foreclosures for New York City, there was a 58% increase in such first time foreclosures across New York City with Staten Island leading the pack with a 134% increase over 2016.
Although the plan to create a massive 280 acre arts district in Port Morris has been shelved, it’s disturbing that a 58-page document was created in secrecy without consulting Bronx-based artists or organizations on something that would have huge implications not just for the South Bronx but the entire borough.
First reported by Danielle Jackson via artnet last week, the article describes how local Bronx artists and organizations, including the Bronx Council on the Arts, were not even approached by Frieze to discuss this basic attempt to take over our borough by developers in the name of art.
Even Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz’s office said they had no knowledge of this project nor had anyone approached them.
The development would have called for 160,000 square feet of market rate housing, 125,000 square feet of “micro-units,” 40,000 square feet of affordable housing (whatever that means in this day and age) and up to 160,000 square feet for galleries of varying sizes. 165,000 square feet would be set aside for collaborative workspace, non-profits, and shared galleries as well.
It’s hard to imagine that this 650,000 square foot ambitious real estate development plan, that went was explored for at least a year between 2016 and 2017, would not only have gone under the radar to local residents but arts organizations and politicians as well.
Jackson writes:
“According to the 58-page document, titled “Frieze South Bronx,” the mega-development in the heavily industrial Port Morris section of the Bronx would solve a problem that has long plagued artists and galleries: the fact that they are often pushed out of “the communities that they helped cultivate.” By contrast, the Frieze-branded district would offer “a new model for housing and development that creates a permanent home for galleries, artists, and cultural institutions.”
Regardless of its status, the proposal vividly captures the vast scope of Frieze’s ambitions and posits a new, unprecedented role for an art company: community developer. It is also a testament to the ongoing real estate speculation that is rampant in the South Bronx, which in recent years has become a hotbed for development.”
What are your thoughts on this? Would love to hear more from our readers.
The $300 million development to replace Spofford in the Hunts Point section of The Bronx just got some new renderings although a little more less dramatic than the originals.
The Peninsula, designed by Gilbane Development Corporation and which is slated to be completed in three phases with a target completion date of 2024, will offer 740 “affordable” housing units spread across 5 buildings on 5 acres and will also include 52,000 square feet of open/green space, 49,000 square feet of light industrial space, 21,000 square feet dedicated to retail, and 48,000 square feet for community space use.
This development is a dramatic turnaround for the site which housed the notorious Spofford Juvenile Detention Center, a place filled with deplorable conditions.
Renderings by Gilbane Development Corporation
It’s also being driving by some major names in the community including stakeholders like The Point Community Development Corporation, Urban Health Plan, Sustainable South Bronx, The Knowledge House, Casita Maria, Rocking the Boat, and BronxWorks to ensure that this development truly meets the needs of the community.
Urban Health Plan, one of the largest health care providers in South Bronx and is no stranger to the neighborhood, will be running an 18,000 square foot health and wellness center at The Peninsula.
As with any “affordable” housing development, there is always concerns as to who will be able to afford to live in such a space, will it be for existing residents who desperately need relief or will it house an influx of newer residents fleeing high rents in other parts of the city?
What do you think of these renderings and the development? Let us know below!
Thanks to Culture with Travel contributor, Brian Cicioni, who writes I May Roam for allowing us to syndicate this post make sure you check out their site for some great tips!
At the turn of the 20th Century, a wave of Italian immigrants began moving to what is now known as “The Little Italy of the Bronx.” Arthur Avenue is the main thoroughfare, followed by East 187th Street. Most of the Italian restaurants and specialty shops are located within the triangle formed by Arthur Avenue, East 187th Street, and Crescent Ave. Everything is within walking distance. In fact, most of the restaurants buy from the local specialty shops. The majority of businesses in the area are considered local institutions. Although a couple new restaurants have opened along Arthur Avenue in the 21st century, most have been in the same families for generations.
Here are my suggestions for where to eat and what to order in The Bronx’s Little Italy:
ANTONIO’S TRATTORIA: BORGATTI’S RAVIOLI
One of the things that makes the Bronx’s Little Italy unique is that most of the restaurants source their food locally. Not just from the same city or state, but within walking distance. For example, the ravioli served at Antonio’s is made at Borgatti’s, which is just one block away.
ARTUSO PASTRY SHOP: RED VELVET CAKE
There are different ways to get red velvet cake right and Artuso’s combination of light, airy cake and thick, sweet frosting is worth the trip from Manhattan, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, etc. You get the idea! They’ve been in business since 1946. The corner of East 187th and Cambreleng is named after Vincent F. Artuso Sr. Tip: get a number as soon as you walk in. There’s usually a line!
MICHAELANGELO’S: ARANCINI (RICE BALLS)
Pietro’s Bakery was once housed where Michaelangelo’s is now located. You can still see the sign in the courtyard-style main dining room. The large risotto balls come three to an order with their delectable marinara sauce. Michelangelo’s is the first Italian restaurant you will see if you are coming from Fordham Road and for once, stopping at the first place you see is a good idea!
RANDAZZO’S: RAW SHELLFISH ON ARTHUR AVENUE
Randazzo’s has a raw bar set up on Arthur Avenue. Andrew Zimmern stopped there during Bizarre Foods: The Bronx. Oysters come from Long Island. For the more adventurous, there’s sea urchin, which has a light custard-type texture. Shrimp are the only option for those who prefer their shellfish cooked.
TAPAS ITALIANO: BACCALA & POLENTA
While tapas are typically thought of as a Spanish thing, Tapas Italiano offers the Italian version. There are a few tables inside as well as wall seating. The inside is replete with entertainment memorabilia, which caters to film buffs. The salted cod in a tomato sauce served over polenta is a local favorite and not something you’ll find at other restaurants in the area.
TINO’S DELICATESSEN: FRESH MOZZARELLA
Tino’s is open seven days a week from 6:30 AM-7:30 PM. The fresh mozzarella (salted or unsalted) is made on site every day along with most of their other items. There’s a small dining area, where Italian television plays in the background. The wall to the left of the television set is covered with signed pictures of celebrities and politicians including all of the American Presidents since 2000. The shelves are stocked with imported jams, pastas, sauces olive oil brands and more.
ZERO OTTO NOVE: MARGHERITA PIZZA
Of all the restaurants on Arthur Avenue, Zero Otto Nove (“Zero-Eight-Nine” in Italian) looks and feels the most European. It is named after the telephone code in Salerno. Their Neapolitan-style oven is on display in the main dining room and temperatures can reach upwards of 800 degrees. While there are other pizza options along Arthur Avenue, Zero Otto Nove is the closest you will get to Naples without crossing the Atlantic.
Have you ever been to Little Italy in the Bronx? Share your impressions. If you’ve never been, what would you most look forward to?
New year, new apartment rental opportunities as 491 Gerard Avenue in the Lower Concourse Rezoning area of Mott Haven in The Bronx is now accepting applications.
While “affordable” housing doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s for low-income, we can all agree that these aren’t meant for the average local resident who the city claims to be helping with these developments.
The 12 story, 130 unit building is located at 149th Street just a couple short blocks away from the 149th Street/Grand Concourse Station on the 2/4/5 line and when complete will feature a community room, roof top deck (how fancy), and a laundry room among other amenities.
The building is also just a few blocks from the Bronx Terminal Market and you can also walk to Manhattan and head over to Harlem if you wanted to right over the 145th Street Bridge.
Rents range anywhere from $865 for a studio for household incomes from $31,543-$40,080 to $1,831 for a 3 bedroom unit for household incomes of $65,349-$99,630.
These incomes are supposed to be 60% and 90% of the area median income but we all know that the AMI is a brutal lie. These apartments have a 50% preference for residents of Community Board 1 but the ACTUAL median income for CB1 is $18,219 so these so called affordable apartments are not for the average CB1 resident where 28% are living BELOW the poverty line.
Anywho, should you want to apply for one of these apartments and see if you qualify, head on over to NYC Housing Connect and click apply.
The most expensive Bronx real estate for 2017 is a bit all over the map but it’s no surprise that most of it is located in Riverdale and Fieldston which was home to the top co-op, condo, AND single family home sale for the year.
Here are the top properties by category:
Single Family Homes
360 West 253rd Street/$6,250,000
Not sure Jesus would approve of this opulence of a mansion…
This home, which was built for the second coming of Christ, FINALLY sold last year after being on the market for 7 years. Initially with an outrageous asking price of $15 million, the 9,500 square foot home on an oversized 100,000 square foot finally managed to snag a purchaser, but it wasn’t Jesus. At least we don’t think he’s back.
Co-ops
3515 Henry Hudson Parkway, #11A/$1,100,000
This co-op looks pretty nice but doesn’t really scream “special”
Sold this past October, this four bedroom, three bathroom co-op at the Briarcliff in Riverdale took the title of the most expensive co-op sale in The Bronx for 2017. The listing boasts of “beautiful Hudson River views” and the unit also includes an enclosed terrace.
Condos
640 West 237th Street, #17A/$1,212,115
Again, nothing special except perhaps the views.
When the Solaria Condos hit the market for the first time back in 2007 it couldn’t have been a worse time. The real estate market crashed in the biggest housing collapse in American history and here was this luxury condominium trying to sell million dollar units in Riverdale where condos are virtually unheard of. This is co-op country we’re talking about.
Well perhaps it’s a bit bittersweet then that 10 years later, The Solaria can shine in knowing that one of its units was the most expensive condo sold for 2017.
The unit is a two bedroom, two and a half bath apartment with 1,541 square feet of living space and since it’s perched on the 17th floor in one of the highest points in NYC, the unit boasts views of not just the Hudson River and the beautiful Van Cortlandt Park but also to the east with views of the Long Island Sound.
Multi-Family Residential Buildings
225 E 149th Street/$78,000,000
This massive, multi-tower 500 unit development spanning an entire city block sold for $78 million back in March of 2017 and was the most expensive transaction for a single residential development in The Bronx in 2017.
The affordable Mitchell-Lama rental property is currently undergoing a major $160 million plan to not only preserve the affordability of these units for another 40 years but the property itself is undergoing major capital improvements as well with upgrades to landscaping, new playgrounds, renovated kitchens and bathrooms, lobby and more.
Thanks to the new owners, MDG Design+Construction, who understand the need to preserve such affordable housing in rapidly gentrifying areas.
Non-Residential Buildings
260 E 161st Street/$115 Million
260 E 161st in Melrose has become the most expensive building in Bronx history after selling last week for $115 million to Jamestown, the owner of Manhattan’s famed Chelsea Market and Brooklyn’s Industry City.
This office building, also in Melrose, not only was the most expensive non-residential building sold in 2017 but it was also the most expensive property in all of 2017 as well as Bronx history.
The building houses a Chipotle, Starbucks, T-Mobile, Walgreens, Dunkin Donuts, and Checkers on the ground floor retail space and counts Legal Aid and Montefiore as its big anchor tenants in the offices above.
So what do you think of these properties? Something to write home about or nah?
A dozen hurt in Bronx fire. None seriously. Dozens homeless. Fire under control #FDNY Frigid temps. @wcbs880 #BronxFire /Image Via Marla Diamond for CBS880 https://t.co/d3xnfx1IgD
We awoke this morning to the news of a massive 7 alarm blaze in Parkchester with over 200 firefighters responding at the scene.
Fortunately, no deaths have been reported but 16 people are injured including 9 children just days after a other massive fire killed 12 people in Belmont in the biggest fire related tragedy in 27 years in NYC history.
Nine injured in massive apartment blaze in the Bronx. East Tremont and Commonwealth Ave. 5 alarms #BronxFire #FDNY @wcbs880 /Image via Marla Diamond for CBS880 https://t.co/MVBnWJGqGk
The fire began around 5:30AM in a furniture on the ground floor and quickly spread to the residential apartments above.
As a result of this blaze, 22 residents have been displaced and were currently inside a city bus seeking shelter from the cold.
The injuries sustained were considered non life-threatening.
Tomorrow, December 30th and Sunday December 31st between 9AM and 4PM you can drop of coats and clothing at Church of St Martin of Tours for the survivors of the horrific fire in Belmont.
Yesterday, just before 7PM a fast moving fire ripped through 2363 Prospect Avenue claiming 12 lives including four children on one of the coldest nights of the year.
Officials say the fire was caused by a boy playing with a stove on the first floor causing the worst fire in New York City history in 27 years.
If you can donate, please drop off new, lightly used and clean coats and clothing at Church of St Martin of Tours at 2239 Crotona Avenue at E 182nd St and Garden Street.
Anything will help these families in their darkest of hours but we are THE BRONX and we take care of our own.
These people are part of our extended families so let’s show them the love and compassion they need right now.
This drive is made possible by the Mayor’s office in partnership with the NYPD, FDNY, OEM, The Bronx Borough President’s office and other elected officials.
UPDATE: You can also drop off canned food and toiletries, body wash, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes at Councilman Ritchie Torres’s office tomorrow December 30th from 11AM to 2PM or during the week from 9AM to 5PM at 573 Fordham Road at Hoffman.
