Webster Avenue has first sale following change rezoning

Webster Avenue has first sale following change rezoning

Reshaping a major stretch of Bedford Park/Norwood under new mixed-use zoning is taking its first small steps.

A Bronx-based developer recently bought a package of commercial properties along Webster Avenue just across from the New York Botanical Garden for $2.25 million.

It’s unclear what the Stagg Group’s plans are for the three sites, between E. 201st Street and Bedford Park Boulevard, though realty company Massey Knakal, which sold the property to Stagg, said affordable housing is in the works.

The site at 2977-89 and 2997 Webster Avenue, part of the Webster Corridor, totals 88,000 buildable square feet. It’s surrounded by a supermarket and is right around the corner from P.S. 20 George J Werdan III.

Formerly owned by Garson Plumbing Supply, the Webster Avenue bundle is the first major sale since the City Council voted for rezoning eighty blocks of the Bronx nabe last year. The new laws allow developers to build even taller structures.

Before going to the Council, Community Board 7 spent five years probing the City Planning Commission on its plans before giving its blessing to amend the zoning laws.

Several attempts to reach CB7 were unsuccessful, with District Manager Fernando Tirado not returning phone calls.

But Massey Knakal spoke on the area’s potential vibrancy.

“This a prime example of a developer…building in a great north Bronx neighborhood close to transit, cultural amenities and shopping,” said Karl Brumback, it’s director of sales.

Scot Hirschfield, a real estate analyst with Ariel Property Advisors, agreed. He called this sale the first of many.

“Ten years from now you’re going to see a whole different Webster Avenue.”

Bedford Park is home to several familiar attractions that besides the Botanical Garden, also include the Bronx Zoo and the Fordham shopping area.

Fordham University is just blocks from the three sites with Metro-North just steps from the Catholic institution.

Reach reporter David Cruz at 718-742-3383 or [email protected].

David Cruz can be reach via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at (718) 742-3383