The City Island community is preparing for 32-units of first class waterfront condominiums at a new development called 41° North.
The site for 41° North is the end of Marine Street, a street of charming New England-style homes that runs from City Island Avenue to Long Island Sound.
The development was first approved by the City Council in 1988 when the zoning was changed, according to sources at the City Island Civic Association and City Island Nautical Museum.
Members of the CICA’s leadership said they were generally supportive of the project.
The project calls for one-, two- and three- bedroom units with an estimate price range $488,000 to $888,000 in two 2-story buildings. Units will range from an estimated 859-square-feet to 1,571-square-feet.
“Direct waterfront living provides a universally pleasing experience and we aim to please,” stated Cosmo Marfione, project manager for 41° North, adding that someone should purchase a condominium in the development simply for lifestyle.
“New York City is a city of islands and rivers and the revitalization of those natural elements is one of the most exciting things to happen to all of us,” stated Marfione, adding “We are very proud to be a part of the reinvigoration of this historic and unique part of the Bronx.”
Amenities for 41° North will include a private 43-slip marina, rooftop youth and adult pools, a spa with water views, community garden, individual rooftop patios, grilling area, bocce court, kayak and canoe launch, waterfront gazebo and fish-cleaning station, according to promotional materials and sources.
Onsite parking will be provided underground for the residents, stated Marfione, with public waterfront access which is mandated by zoning.
He added there would be closed-circuit TV security and that City Island contractors would be used during construction, which is estimated to begin in the next three months, with occupancy expected within 16 months of breaking ground.
A condominium project for the site was originally proposed in the late 1980s as a development called Sea Breeze, said Barbara Dolensek, CICA vice-president.
In 1988, the City Council approved a zoning change from a manufacturing to commercial zone to allow for multi-family buildings.
The site had last been used as a boat yard, said Dolensek, adding the original project never came to fruition and the site has remained vacant.
Despite a few islanders opposing the project, she believes it will be positive for the community in part because currently the site is a vacant lot.
“It is good use of the land,” said Dolensek, “I think that the people on Marine Street may be upset because it is going to mean additional (street) traffic.”
She added that the general consensus, with a few exceptions, is that it will be a plus for the island.
Bill Stanton, CICA president concurred.
“City Islanders are very protective of City Island…ultimately we welcome anything that is to the betterment of City Island, and enhances the tenor and tone and quality-of-life,” said Stanton.
For more information about 41° North, visit: 41degreesnorth.condos
