The City Council recently approved a rezoning plan for the East Bronx that aims to create around 7,000 new apartments near two upcoming Metro-North train stations in Morris Park and Parkchester/Van Nest. The Bronx Metro-North Station Area Plan will rezone approximately 46 blocks surrounding the commuter rail line in these neighborhoods to allow for more housing development.
This rezoning comes at a time when the city is facing a shortage of rental units, and Mayor Eric Adams’ administration is working on a more comprehensive rezoning plan called the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity. This plan aims to make it easier to build housing citywide, particularly around transit stations.
In City Council District 13, where much of the rezoning will take place, there have been only 369 new affordable apartments built between 2014 and 2023, ranking it low in terms of housing development compared to other districts. The neighboring Council District 18, which includes Parkchester, has seen more affordable units built during the same period.
Community boards in the area have issued mixed recommendations on the rezoning plan. Bronx CB11 voted in favor of the rezoning but expressed concerns about the need for infrastructure upgrades to support the growth. Bronx CB9 also supported the plan, while Bronx CB10 opposed it, citing concerns about building heights and calling for more affordable homeownership opportunities.
Councilmember Kristy Marmorato, who represents much of the rezoning area, voted to approve the plan after securing critical modifications to address community concerns. These modifications include capping building heights, reinstating parking mandates, and protecting low-density neighborhoods. Additionally, $500 million in local infrastructure investments will accompany the rezoning, including park and playground renovations, school facility upgrades, and transportation enhancements.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams emphasized the positive impact this work will have on Bronx residents, stating that creating more housing is crucial in addressing the city’s affordability crisis. The development of new housing opportunities near the Metro-North stations presents a unique chance to provide more homes for New Yorkers.
Overall, the rezoning plan aims to address the growing need for housing in the Bronx while considering the concerns and needs of the local community. The investments in infrastructure and modifications to the plan demonstrate a commitment to creating sustainable and affordable housing options for residents in the area.