A major South Bronx commercial corridor is growing, but local leaders say addressing quality-of-life concerns will be key to sustaining that momentum.
The Third Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) released findings from its Commercial District Needs Assessment (CDNA) during a March 26 press conference, outlining both the Hub’s recent “economic renaissance” and a roadmap for future growth.
The study, conducted between September 2024 and June 2025 through an Avenue NYC grant from the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), surveyed merchants, vendors, storefronts and customers across the district. Respondents overwhelmingly identified public safety and neighborhood cleanliness as the top priorities for attracting more businesses to the area.
Pedro Suarez, executive director of the Third Avenue BID, said those concerns remain central to the organization’s work, particularly as about 17.5% of storefronts sit vacant.
“Our priorities continue to focus on strengthening public safety, cleanliness and retail attraction,” Suarez said.
The Hub, one of the Bronx’s oldest commercial districts, is home to more than 600 businesses and has seen an influx of new businesses, including 7th Street Burger, Guacado and M&T Bank. The area is also expected to draw increased foot traffic with the opening of the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School and the continued development of Phase 2 of La Central’s affordable housing.
To address safety concerns, Suarez said the BID plans to install dozens of new security cameras using state funding from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, along with more than 50 new lighting fixtures funded through an SBS Public Realm grant. He added that the BID is also looking to build a relationship with the city’s Department of Public Safety to better connect individuals experiencing homelessness or opioid addiction with housing, healthcare and other services.
Cleanliness efforts will continue through the BID’s in-house sanitation team, which operates Monday through Friday. The BID has also invested in public art, completing three large murals aimed at reclaiming and activating public space.
Roberto Clemente Plaza, which briefly reopened for a Bad Bunny lookalike contest drawing roughly 1,000 spectators, will remain closed to the general public except for scheduled community events, Suarez said.
“We really want to build community, bring people out here, raise awareness of the great businesses that have been here for a long time and also bring new businesses to the area,” Suarez said in an interview with the Bronx Times.
The CDNA also highlights the area’s economic potential. In 2025, residents spent an estimated $1.49 billion on retail goods and services in the study area, which extends beyond the Hub into parts of Morrisania, Mott Haven and the Concourse. The study also estimated that residents will spend $1.71 billion on retail goods by 2030.
SBS Commissioner Kenny Minaya said the findings will help guide future investment in the corridor.
“This most recent CDNA report underscores how building a truly affordable New York City that works for everyone also means addressing real concerns about safety and livability — and how our BIDs are at the forefront of those efforts,” Minaya said in a statement.
Minaya, who said he visited the Hub twice within his first two weeks in the role, added that SBS has invested $275,000 in grants in the district, with additional funding opportunities available for commercial corridors.
“The findings of this report will inform how SBS and the BID can better support the businesses along Third Avenue for years to come,” he said.
Suarez said the BID plans to continue applying for grants to support public events, including activations for Bronx Week, as well as public art as the district continues to grow.
Reach Marina Samuel at msamuel@schnepsmedia.com. For more coverage, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
