City Council Committee Approves Bronx Re-Zoning

NEW YORK—On Tuesday (Aug. 6) the New York City Council’s Committee on Land Use voted to approve the Bronx Metro-North Station Area Study rezoning proposal with modifications. The rezoning will pave the way for the development of thousands of units of new affordable housing and invest in neighborhood infrastructure improvements surrounding new Metro-North train stations to be built in the Bronx as part of the more than $3-billion Penn Station Access Project, which is currently under construction.

If approved by the full New York City Council, which is expected, the rezoning will help create approximately 7,000 new units of housing in and around the four new MTA stations to be developed— Hunts Point, Parkchester/Van Nest, Morris Park, and Co-Op City, which will connect commuters in the East Bronx directly to Manhattan’s Penn Station once completed.

The New York City Council announced that in connection with the committee’s approval of the rezoning plan, the council successfully negotiated commitments from the Adams administration to invest $498.5 million for improvements to the surrounding neighborhoods. The infrastructure investments include nearly $96.7 million for renovations of local parks and playgrounds, $11.5 million for upgrades to local schools, street and sewer improvements to address flooding issues, redesign of streets and sidewalks around the new Metro-North stations, and critical repairs and upgrades to the 49th Precinct. The council’s negotiated rezoning will also create up to 500 units for homeownership opportunities.

According to amNewYork, a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams stated after the vote: “From day one, our administration advocated that the Bronx Metro-North Station Area planning was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver thousands of affordable homes and jobs to Bronxites,” said Adams spokesperson Liz Garcia. “Today’s news is a step towards a historic investment in the Bronx for improved public spaces, enhanced transit access, and more affordable housing.”

“Confronting the housing and affordability crisis in our city requires creating more new homes for New Yorkers,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The opening of four new Metro-North stations in the Bronx presents a unique opportunity to develop affordable housing and homeownership opportunities, while delivering critical infrastructure investments that benefit surrounding neighborhoods for generations. This project will have a lasting positive impact for the residents of the Bronx and our entire city.”

“The Bronx Metro North rezoning proposal represents a once-in-a-generation chance to deliver essential housing, enhanced transit options, job access, and safer streets,” said Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías. “I am proud to have championed this development project, alongside securing over $200 million in investments for District 18. These investments were shaped by extensive community outreach, including in-person and virtual events in Parkchester, which resulted in key achievements in affordability, parking, school investments, community-centered spaces, and cultural inclusion.”

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson in a statement called the Council Committee’s vote a “significant step in addressing our housing shortage and creating much-needed homeownership opportunities. Alongside this crucial development, we are also making substantial investments in our parks, schools and infrastructure to ensure that our community’s growth is sustainable and beneficial for all. These upgrades will help prevent flooding and enhance the quality of life for our residents. This comprehensive approach to development reflects our shared commitment to building a stronger, more resilient Bronx….”

There was some opposition to the rezoning plan. For example, The Daily News reported that Council Member Kristy Marmorato of the East Bronx ultimately gave her support after securing a number of concessions from the administration.

Among some of the concessions included requiring a minimum number of parking spaces. “We live in a transit desert where cars are a necessity for daily activities,” said Marmorato. “The Bronx Metro-North rail is not here yet, and even after it arrives, people will still need their cars. We must be proactive in ensuring parking is part of any zoning changes.”

Marmorato also noted that the rezoning plan will still cap building heights.

“This rezoning is the largest we’ve seen in a decade and today marks a pivotal moment in our community’s journey,” said Marmorato. “With any proposed development, it is my job to ensure that it aligns with the district’s vision and safeguards our neighborhood’s integrity. Our collaborative efforts have resulted in significant modifications to the Bronx Metro North proposal, ensuring it respects our community’s character and meets our needs with regards to keeping our parking mandates, respecting and keeping our lower density communities, and securing much needed capital commitments. I have listened closely to the district and fought to secure over $300 million in real, capital investments for our district.”

Among the project benefits include in addition to the four new Bronx stations:

A one-seat ride between Penn Station and the East Bronx, Westchester, and Connecticut.
Significant reduction in commutes between the Bronx to Manhattan.
Newly generated economic growth in and around the East Bronx.
A second Metro-North route into Manhattan and another terminal for the railroad.
A total of 19 miles of new and rehabilitated track along Amtrak’s Hell Gate Line, which will improve reliability and on-time service for Amtrak customers.
Less traffic and air pollution.

Other committee members also reacted favorably to the revised rezoning proposal.

City Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Chair of the Council’s Committee on Land Use, said, “Not only will the creation of four new Metro-North stations – Hunts Point, Morris Park, Parkchester/Van Nest, Co-Op City—dramatically improve transportation from the South Bronx to Manhattan, we will also see an influx of new professional and educational opportunities open up for our constituents. With our City experiencing a heightened housing crisis, thanks to the Bronx Metro-North, there will be an addition of 7000 new units of desperately needed housing built in our borough. The half a billion dollars in capital funding allocated to this project is a historic investment that will improve our stormwater drainage infrastructure, invest in numerous schools and parks, and repair and redesign the city’s roadway streetscape.”

Council Member Kevin C. Riley, Chair on the Council’s Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises. “With the addition of four new Metro North stations, including Co-op City, we are enhancing our public transportation network and creating invaluable opportunities for affordable housing and local job growth. I am particularly excited about the administration’s significant commitments to the Co-op City area, including investments to address illegal dumping, clear debris from the Hutchinson River waterfront, and explore new bus routes with dedicated lanes. These enhancements will greatly improve the quality of life for our residents.”