The project included a rehabilitation of the interior of the original YMCA facility, transforming it into modern apartments.
The study provides a detailed analysis about the need for public transportation throughout the Hudson Valley.
Initially envisioned as a mixed-use project incorporating both rental and for-sale units, the redevelopment strategy was later refined to convert the entire property into for-sale condominiums.
Morris Park’s vision is to transform the area into a premier transit-oriented development hub leveraging the addition of expanded Metro-North commuter rail service and rezoning.
NEW YORK—At a ceremony yesterday at the Morris Park Library, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the Greater Morris Park section of the Bronx will receive $20 million in funding as the New York City winner of the eighth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and the third round of NY Forward.
Recognizing the unique scale and density of New York City neighborhoods, New York City NY Forward and DRI funding are being combined into one $20-million award, state officials said. For Round 8 of the DRI and Round 3 of the NY Forward Program, each of the state's 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million from each program, to make for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.
“We are making an historic investment in Greater Morris Park with this $20 million combined award from our Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs,” Gov. Hochul said. “Through this investment, we’re giving local leaders the tools they need to enhance the quality of life for New Yorkers in their community, draw visitors, and spur economic opportunity in the Bronx for generations to come.”
Greater Morris Park is largely composed of Bronx Community District 11, as well as part of Community District 10. The neighborhood is home to many medical facilities, comprising one of the largest employment centers in the Bronx, and a top 10 job center in all of New York City. This includes the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Calvary Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, and the Bronx Behavioral Health Center.
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine made headlines this year by announcing a generous $1-billion-dollar endowment guaranteeing free tuition to all medical students in perpetuity. The area expects growth in population and economic activity from planned zoning and infrastructure changes, including two new Metro-North stations in the area.
Morris Park’s vision is to transform the area into a premier transit-oriented development hub leveraging the addition of expanded Metro-North commuter rail service and rezoning, which will allow additional commercial and residential growth to bolster existing economic activity and drive future economic and employment growth.
The community’s plan will also support Morris Park’s status as the second-largest job center in The Bronx while maximizing the transformative impact of the new commuter rail service. This vision will enable Greater Morris Park to become a complete community that will feature safe streets, green public spaces, and intermodal connections. The Metro-North expansion presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to put in motion transformative changes that will allow both residents and local businesses of Morris Park to thrive, according to state officials.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The $20-million investment in Greater Morris Park represents a strategic opportunity to transform one of the Bronx's key economic engines into an even more vibrant, transit-oriented community. By leveraging the area's strong medical and educational institutions alongside the planned Metro-North expansion, we're creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth while ensuring residents benefit from improved connectivity, enhanced public spaces, and new housing opportunities.”
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, “Today’s announcement by Governor Kathy Hochul of $20 million in downtown revitalization initiative funding for Morris Park is a significant investment in the Bronx and a huge win for our borough! We have an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to position the Greater Morris Park community as a critical intermodal transit hub that will drive future growth and dramatically enhance the economic vitality of The Bronx.”
Greater Morris Park, Bronx will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtowns. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI and NY Forward grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation, will advance the community’s vision for their downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state's investment.
The Bronx Economic Development Corp President Rob Walsh said, “This $20-million investment is a transformative moment for Greater Morris Park and the Bronx. It will fuel small businesses, improve infrastructure, and drive lasting economic growth. BXEDC, alongside the Bronx Borough President’s Office, is committed to ensuring this funding creates real opportunities for businesses and residents alike.”
The New York City Regional Economic Development Council conducted a thorough and competitive review process of proposals submitted from communities throughout the region and considered all criteria before recommending these communities as nominees.
To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul's Pro-Housing Communities Program. Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities initiative allocates up to $650 million each year in discretionary funds for communities that pledge to increase their housing supply; to date, 277 communities across New York have been certified as Pro-Housing Communities. This year, Governor Hochul is proposing an additional $100 million fund to assist certified Pro-Housing Communities with critical infrastructure projects necessary to create new housing as well as $10.5 million for technical assistance grants to help communities design and adopt policies that foster housing growth.
Many of the projects funded through the DRI and NY Forward support Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda. The DRI has invested in the creation of more than 4,400 units of housing—1,823 of which are affordable or workforce. The programs committed more than $8.5 million to 11 projects that provide affordable or free childcare and childcare worker training. DRI and NY Forward have also invested in the creation of public parks, public art (such as murals and sculptures) and art, music and cultural venues that provide free outdoor recreation and entertainment opportunities.
The project included a rehabilitation of the interior of the original YMCA facility, transforming it into modern apartments.
The study provides a detailed analysis about the need for public transportation throughout the Hudson Valley.
Initially envisioned as a mixed-use project incorporating both rental and for-sale units, the redevelopment strategy was later refined to convert the entire property into for-sale condominiums.
Earlier this year, Pantone, a world-renowned company that provides color standards for design, printing, fashion and other industries, revealed its 2025 Color of the Year as Mocha Mousse, a rich, earthy brown.
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