Mayor Adams’ East Bronx Rezoning Plan Approved for Thousands of New Apartments
Mayor Adams’ administration’s first community-wide rezoning plan aimed at bringing thousands of new apartments to the East Bronx has won approval from two key City Council committees. This significant milestone follows strong advocacy from local council members and signals a pivotal moment in addressing the city’s housing shortage.
Investment in Infrastructure and Affordable Housing
In a crucial step toward rezoning the Bronx Metro-North area, the Adams administration has committed to investing nearly $500 million in various projects. This includes infrastructure upgrades in the areas where new housing will be built, such as Parkchester, Van Nest, and Morris Park. The plan will allow for the construction of approximately 7,000 new apartments, with at least a quarter of them being affordable under the city’s inclusionary housing rules.
Additionally, the plan supports the construction of two new Metro-North stations, Morris Park and Parkchester/Van Nest Station, as part of the broader Penn Access plan.
Council Approval and Community Impact
The City Council’s Zoning and Franchising Subcommittee and Land Use Committee have both unanimously approved the rezoning plan, reflecting a collaborative effort between the city government and local representatives. Councilmember Christy Mamorato, who initially opposed housing developments in her district, has voiced support for the rezoning project after negotiations and modifications.
During discussions, Mamorato emphasized the importance of balancing housing development with maintaining the character and integrity of the community. Her shift in position underscores the collaborative approach taken to address the city’s housing crisis.
Future Plans and Citywide Impact
The rezoning plan is part of Mayor Adams’ broader “City of Housing Opportunity” blueprint, which aims to address the housing shortage by promoting development across the five boroughs. While facing some resistance, the plan has received support from key officials, including City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
As the plan moves forward for final approval, the focus remains on ensuring adequate infrastructure investments and community input. The collaborative efforts between the mayor’s administration, City Council, and local representatives signal a united approach to tackling the city’s housing challenges.
