In August the City Council passed the historic Bronx Metro North rezoning plan. I fought hard for important investments to ensure the plan was focused on building a brighter future for the Bronx. The final plan is informed by extensive input from Parkchester and Community Boards 9 and 10. I took that feedback directly with me to the negotiating table and I am happy to say that most of the feedback I received is a part of the plan now.
I am proud to announce that I have secured nearly $195 million for communities surrounding the Metro North Redevelopment. This investment is long overdue and will upgrade our local streets, schools and parks, and improve our quality of life!
Let’s break this down by agency. The Department of Transportation will allocate $50.5 million to revamp East Tremont Avenue, the intersection at White Plains and Unionport, and has dedicated resources to address future parking demand in the area.
From the Parks Department, we can expect $49.05 million, which includes $19.5 million for Castle Hill Playground, $18.4 million for Taylor Playground and public restroom and $10.9 million for Virginia Playground and public restroom.
Another vital part of the plan is the inclusion of our community’s culture. I ensured that the MTA and the development team were exploring incorporating terracotta statues around the station. They will also dedicate space for regulated vending to ensure a balance of a clean and vibrant space. The city will also conduct a study in fiscal year 2026 for a potential pedestrian bridge over the Bronx River connecting Hunts Point and Soundview. Additionally, the Department of Environmental Protection is bringing in $85 million for water, sewer and stormwater upgrades to address flood-prone streets.
Schools are the heart of our neighborhoods and essential for building a strong future. With this plan, we worked to get the School Construction Authority to commit to $10 million in improvement to schools including; P.S. 106, P.S. 102, P.S. 12X, M.S. 127, P.S. 128, Linden Tree and Archer Elementary. Upgrades include security cameras, roof repairs, auditorium upgrades and much more.
We have nearly 2,000 units of new housing coming to East Tremont Avenue. At 1880 East Tremont, they have committed to exploring affordable homeownership and senior housing programs. Features will include an open plaza concept, free 5,000-square-foot community space available for organizations for four days of each month for at least ten years and a new community center at 5,000 square feet.
At 2000-2040 East Tremont they have committed to $500,000 in capital upgrades to existing Parkchester North and South Condominiums, exploring on-site amenities for tenants and a new full-service supermarket. Features will include a pathway to connect Parkchester residents to the station, redeveloping the current parking lot and adding additional spaces. I have also made sure that the demolition of the current parking lot is in a phased plan with no interruption to Parkchester resident’s parking.
The investments I fought for underscore how I am demanding attention for our community in City Hall. The success of this rezoning is a testament to my commitment to all of you in Council District 18 and how we envision building our community up for the future.
Council Member and Majority Leader Amanda Farías represents the 18th Council District, which includes the neighborhoods of Castle Hill, Clason Point, Harding Park, Parkchester, Soundview and Westchester Square.
