Photo by David L Roush on Wikimedia

The world’s largest housing cooperative will remain affordable for another three decades, the city announced Friday. Home to more than 15,300 apartments across 72 buildings in the Bronx, Co-Op City opened in 1968 as part of the Mitchell-Lama program. The deal reached between the co-op board and the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development guarantees the development’s participation in the Mitchell-Lama program until 2052.

“We are facing an unprecedented crisis, and after we have defeated this virus and begin to pick up the pieces, we will need affordable housing like never before,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a press release. “Locking in the affordability of these homes across the city will be crucial to ensuring stability for New Yorkers as we recover.”

Co-Op City will also receive $1 million from the City Council to make accessibility upgrades at 45 buildings, which includes making entrances 100 percent ADA compliant. The deal gives the co-op access to $8.5 million of its own reserves for more improvements, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The city also secured the affordability for 384 units in Prospect Park South and 327 homes across 21 buildings for the Cooper Square Mutual Housing Association in Manhattan. The association is a limited-equity co-op on a community land trust. With $1.5 in funding from the office of Attorney General Letitia James, Cooper Square will expand its services for local seniors.

“We must do everything in our power to protect New Yorkers during these challenging times,” James said in a statement. “Ensuring that thousands of New Yorkers can remain in their homes without additional financial stress will provide much needed stability and reassurance in the face of this crisis.”

The city last year said it would restructure the Mitchell-Lama program to weed out abuse issues and its notoriously long waiting list. The initial terms of the Mitchell-Lama contracts from the 1950s expired in 20 to 35 years, which allowed participating developers to convert their units to market rent.

In 2017, de Blasio announced a plan to invest $250 million to protect thousands of Mitchell-Lama apartments from being converted to market rate.

RELATED: 

• 50 years at Co-op City: The history of the world’s largest co-operative housing development
• City seeks ideas for two 100 percent affordable senior complexes on NYCHA land
• Everything you need to know about affordable housing: applying, getting in, and staying put

Screenshot of feeding time at the aquatic bird house via Bronx Zoo

Looking for a new show to stream? The Wildlife Conservation Society is bringing animals of the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium to your living room through live cams, as Gothamist first spotted. Check in with your favorite creatures, from lemurs and little blue penguins to sharks and giant octopi.

 

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Our incredible staff continues to train and care for the animals while we’re closed, you can see some of the action thanks to our live web cams! We are looking forward to a day when we can invite you to the sea lion pool in person. Until then, if you’d like to support us while we’re closed please consider buying a ticket or Membership for a future visit. Thank you as always to our incredible virtual community! BronxZoo.com/Support . . #bronxzoo #sealions #zoosandaquariums #sealion #supportzoos #stayhome

A post shared by Bronx Zoo (@bronxzoo) on Apr 16, 2020 at 7:10am PDT

 

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Reward yourself for making it to Friday and check out our Spiny Forest live cam from our Madagascar! exhibit. Here’s a sneak peek, but visit our Virtual Zoo for more. Link in bio. . . #bronxzoo #virtualzoo #animalcam #lemur #lemurs #madagascar #stayhome

A post shared by Bronx Zoo (@bronxzoo) on Apr 10, 2020 at 8:10am PDT

Inside the aquatic birdhouse, enjoy the little blue penguin exhibit. The adorable birds, considered to be one of the smallest penguin species in the world, grow to be just 13 inches tall and weigh three pounds.

In the zoo’s Madagascar! exhibit, expect to see ring-tailed lemurs jumping around, as well as Coquerel’s Sifaka, the red-ruffed lemur, and the occasional tortoise.

And you don’t have to miss the best part of visiting the zoo: feeding time. Bronx Zoo staff feed the sea lions on Astor Court daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and the penguins at the aquatic birdhouse at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day.

The sharks and many fish of the New York Aquarium in Brooklyn are keeping busy. Check out the live-stream of the “Ocean Wonders: Sharks!” exhibit to watch some soothing swimming of 18 different types of sharks and rays, as well as over 115 marine species. The aquarium’s “Spineless” exhibit features an up-close look at the invertebrates of the ocean, including the Japanese Spider Crab, Lagoon Jellies, Pacific Sea Nettles, and the Giant Pacific Octopus.

According to the WCS, the nation’s zoos, aquariums, and museums are losing $33 million per day from closures related to the coronavirus pandemic. Find out how to support your local New York organizations here.

[Via Gothamist]

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• All the performances, events, and classes in NYC you can stream online
• Free fun and educational online resources for kids at home during coronavirus

Photo via Wikimedia

More than 250 affordable and middle-income apartments are up for grabs at a three-building development in the South Bronx. The rentals, found at 741 Concourse Village West, 702 Grand Concourse, and 180 East 156th Street, are located within the Grand Concourse Historic District and next to Franz Sigel Park. Qualifying New Yorkers earning between 30 and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which start at $331/month studios and go up to $2,406/month three-bedrooms.

Developed by Azimuth Development Group and designed by Aufgang Architects, the complex, dubbed the Concourse Village West Apartments, contains 275 units across the three buildings. The project, which spans three sites along the southern section of the Grand Concourse, was financed under the “Mix-and-Match” program from the city’s Housing Development Corporation and Department of Housing Preservation and Development. More than 100 of the units at the development will remain permanently affordable.

Each contains ground floor retail, a community facility, and on-site parking. Residents will also have access to indoor and outdoor recreation areas, bike storage, and on-site laundry.

In addition to sitting next to the Franz Sigel Park, which has basketball courts and baseball fields, the rental buildings are located half of a mile from Yankee Stadium. Nearest transit options include the 2, 4, 6 trains at 149th Street-Grand Concourse and the B, D train at 161st Street-Yankee Stadium.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the affordable units until June 17, 2020. Complete details on how to apply are available here (pdf). Preference for 50 percent of the units will be given to residents of Bronx Community Board 4. Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

RELATED: 

• 31 apartments up for grabs at amenity-rich rental in Flushing, from $1,750/month
• Middle-income housing lottery launches at luxury Long Island City rental, from $2,241/month
• 4,000 spots open on waitlist for middle-income units across Bushwick, Bed-Stuy

Photo by Ted via Flickr cc

A 4,500-name waitlist has just come online for affordable apartments in 14 buildings across the Bronx. The majority of the addresses are clustered just east of Woodlawn Cemetery, while another few are located farther south near the New Botanical Garden. The units are available to those earning 75, 80, 85, and 95 percent of the area median income and range from $1,056 studios to $2,366 three-bedrooms.

The buildings are all close to stops along the 2 and 5 trains. Specific details of each address aren’t provided, but the advertisement does say that some offer parking for an additional fee.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply to be randomly selected for the waitlist for future vacancies until July 1, 2020. Complete details on how to apply are available here (pdf). Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty.com’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

RELATED:

• 255 affordable apartments available in Grand Concourse Historic District, from $331/month
• 4,000 spots open on waitlist for middle-income units across Bushwick, Bed-Stuy
• 31 middle-income apartments available just off McCarren Park in Greenpoint, from $1,288

Photo by Kai Brinker on Flickr

The city on Thursday launched an affordable housing lottery for 280 mixed-income apartments in the Bronx neighborhood of West Farms. Located at 1932 Bryant Avenue, the newly constructed 15-story rental sits just two blocks from the 2, 5 subway trains and less than half a mile from the beloved Bronx Zoo. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 60 and 100 percent of the area median income are invited to apply for the units, ranging from a $354/month studio to a $2,075/month three-bedroom.

Developed by the Association of New York Catholic Homes, the Catholic Charities of New York, and the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the rental, also known as Second Farms, features 12,000 square feet of retail and 9,000 square feet for community use. The facade of the Dattner Architects-designed building boasts four different colors of brick to define the different sections of the structure, according to the architects.

In addition to the community facility, residents have access to a shared co-working space, bike storage, a landscaped courtyard, and paved seating areas along Bryant Avenue. The 2 and 5 trains found at the West Farms-East Tremont Avenue station are located just a three-minute walk from the building.

Second Farms is part of a 2011 rezoning plan of West Farms, the largest implemented in the borough at the time. Led by Dattner Architects, the West Farms Redevelopment Plan aimed to revitalize 11 blocks of the neighborhood by adding affordable housing and new job opportunities.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the affordable units until June 30, 2020. Complete details on how to apply are available here (pdf). Preference for 50 percent of the units will be given to residents of Bronx Community Board 6. Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

RELATED: 

• 4,500-name waitlist opens for affordable apartments near Woodlawn Cemetery and the Botanical Garden
• 31 middle-income apartments available just off McCarren Park in Greenpoint, from $1,288
• 110 affordable apartments for seniors available at new South Jamaica rental

Photo by Fletcher6 on Wikimedia

There are 25 middle-income apartments available at a newly constructed building in the South Bronx through the city’s affordable housing lottery. Located at 603 Pontiac Place in Melrose, the six-story rental is conveniently located one block from the 2 and 5 subway trains, making a commute to Midtown less than 30 minutes. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 80 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, which include 15 one-bedrooms for $1,320/month and 10 two-bedrooms for $1,591/month.

Residents can enjoy a roof terrace, bike storage, and an on-site laundry room. The largest park in the South Bronx, St. Mary’s Park and Recreation Center, is nearby and boasts a basketball court, indoor pool, dog-friendly areas, and a handball court.

Nearest transit options include the 2 and 5 trains at Jackson Avenue and Westchester Avenue, the 6 train at Southern Boulevard and 149th, and the Bx42, Bx40, and Bx4A buses.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the affordable units until July 7, 2020. Complete details on how to apply are available here (pdf). Preference for 50 percent of the units will be given to residents of Bronx Community Board 1. Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

RELATED: 

• Lottery launches for 280 mixed-income units near the Bronx Zoo, from $354/month
• 4,500-name waitlist opens for affordable apartments near Woodlawn Cemetery and the Botanical Garden
• 31 middle-income apartments available just off McCarren Park in Greenpoint, from $1,288

Grand Concourse running through the West Bronx; Photo by Dan DeLuca on Flickr

The city on Tuesday launched a housing lottery for 33 units at an affordable housing rental in the West Bronx. The newly constructed 12-story building at 2051 Ryer Avenue sits between the Grand Concourse and Webster Avenue in the neighborhood of Mount Hope. New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which include $605/month studios, $769/month one-bedrooms, $933/month two-bedrooms, and $1,069/month three-bedrooms.

Amenities include a community room, shared backyard garden, card-operated laundry, bike storage, and an on-site super and front-desk security. The building was constructed through the city’s Supportive Housing Loan Program, which sets aside the remaining units (those not offered through the lottery) for low-income or formerly homeless New Yorkers.

The building sits close to a number of attractions, including Richman (Echo) Park, Fordham University, the Bronx’s Little Italy, and, a little further east, the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden. Nearest transit options include the B, D trains at the Tremont Avenue station.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the affordable units until July 8, 2020. Complete details on how to apply are available here (pdf). Preference for 50 percent of the units will be given to residents of Bronx Community Board 5. Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

RELATED: 

• Live 25 minutes from Midtown at this new South Bronx rental, from $1,320/month
• Lottery launches for 280 mixed-income units near the Bronx Zoo, from $354/month
• 4,500-name waitlist opens for affordable apartments near Woodlawn Cemetery and the Botanical Garden

Photo by Daniel Vargas on Unsplash

A drive-in festival with live performances, movies, and local food vendors is set to open near Yankee Stadium this summer, offering New Yorkers a way to have fun without violating social distancing rules. From the event planners who put on the Bronx Night Market and the Bronx Beer Fest, the “Uptown Drive-In Experience” is slated to open in July as a “social distancing playground,” according to the organizers.

MASC Hospitality Group told Time Out New York the event series is planned for every weekend starting in July. Taking place in parking lots near the baseball stadium, the event will feature live performances from local artists, car-side dinner from street vendors, a movie showing, games, and raffles, all experienced from inside your car.

The series will highlight Bronx-based businesses and artists. “Since we were planning on having the Bronx Night Market, the Bronx Beer Festival and Uptown Epicure Festival running this summer, which was supposed to start in May, we already had a lot of great options available,” Marco Shalma of MASC said in an interview with Time Out.

The Drive-in Experience includes either a family-friendly bunch or date-night version, Shalma said in an email to 6sqft. The tickets are all-inclusive and will be sold online; the pricing has yet to be announced. Because there will be limited availability, those interested should join the waitlist here.

The throwback entertainment venue resurfaced in Queens this month. As a result of the coronavirus, Bel Aire Diner in Astoria transformed its parking lot into a pop-up drive-in theater, offering multiple showings per week.

[Via Time Out NY]

RELATED: 

• A diner in Astoria has transformed into a pop-up drive-in
• Iconic Asbury Park music venue The Stone Pony hosting live stream concerts
• ‘Save a seat’ fund gives free Broadway tickets to frontline workers

Photo of Crotona Park by edwardhblake via Flickr cc

In the Crotona Park East section of the Bronx, 79 affordable apartments are available for senior households earning between $0 and $51,200 annually. Those who qualify and have one household member who is 62 years of age or older will pay 30 percent of their income for the studio and one-bedroom apartments. Located at 1490 Southern Boulevard, the brand new building has a laundry room, fitness room, community room, elevator lobby lounge, bike, storage, and on-site social services. It also boasts a landscaped rear yard and a large outdoor terrace on the eighth floor with plantings and plenty of seating.

In total, the building has 115 units of senior housing. It was designed by Bernheimer Architecture. The on-site social services are provided by JASA, and the LGBT Network is operating a community facility on the first floor. It’s located just a few blocks from the 2 and 5 trains at both Freeman Street and 174th Street.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the affordable units until August 4, 2020. Complete details on how to apply are available here (pdf). Preference for 50 percent of the units will be given to Bronx residents. Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty.com’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

RELATED:

• 110 affordable apartments for seniors available at new South Jamaica rental
• Lottery launches for 280 mixed-income units near the Bronx Zoo, from $354/month
• 70 mixed-income units available at Bjarke Ingels’s East Harlem rental, from $1,023/month

Photo by Nelson Mejia Jr. via Flickr cc

In a super convenient Bronx location, a brand new, sustainable development that was built as subsidized housing to help seniors “age in place” has just opened an affordable housing lottery for 84 apartments. Available to households with at least one member who is 62 years of age or older and who earn between $0 and $51,200 annually, the units will cost tenants 30 percent of their income. Designed by MAP at 122 East Clarke Place in the Concourse Village neighborhood, the building encourages social interaction through lounges on each floor, a roof terrace, and landscaped rear yard for outdoor cooking.

The full suite of amenities includes a 24-hour attended Lobby, elevator, community room, bike storage, computer
lab, laundry room on every other floor, outdoor recreation area, and on-site social services. Some units have terraces. According to MAP’s project page, “The main stair with a window wall creates a day-lit circulation spine connecting these and other leisure areas and is directly adjacent to the main entrance of the building, to encourage physical activity.” The architects are also targeting LEED Platinum certification and have included green elements like rain-screen panels, double-glazed windows, sun shades, low-flow plumbing, electric heating and cooling, and LED lighting and daylight sensors.

The building was developed by the Volunteers of America-Greater New York, who will host activities such as exercise groups, health education, art therapy, gardening, game nights and shopping trips. It’s just a few blocks from the 4, B, and D trains at 170th Street and a short walk to both Yankee Stadium and Claremont Park.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the affordable units until August 10, 2020. Complete details on how to apply are available here (pdf). Preference for 50 percent of the units will be given to Bronx residents. Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty.com’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

RELATED:

• 79 affordable senior apartments come online near Crotona Park in the Bronx
• 69 affordable senior apartments available near Shirley Chisholm State Park in East New York
• 20 mixed-income apartments available at new Downtown Brooklyn tower, from $690/month

Rendering of La Central A and B, credit: MHG Architects and FXCollaborative

A housing lottery launched on Monday for 494 affordable apartments at a sprawling development in the South Bronx. Two buildings of the five-building complex La Central are now accepting applications for the units, which range from $395/month studios to $2,689/month four-bedrooms. The rentals, located at 556 and 600 Bergen Avenue, contain a 50,000-square-foot YMCA, GrowNYC-operated rooftop gardens, and ground-floor retail. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 60, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments.

Designed by MHG Architects and FXCollaborative, La Central measures 1.1 million square feet and contains in total nearly 1,000 income-restricted apartments, 80,000 square feet of community space, and 45,000 square feet of retail space. The rentals available through the new lottery, buildings “A” and “B,” were developed by Hudson Companies, BRP Companies, Kretchmer Companies, ELH-TKC LLC, Comunilife, and Breaking Ground, along with the city’s Housing Preservation and Development and Housing Development Corporation.

“We are excited to invest in the Bronx, and to bring high-quality affordable housing to families who truly need it,” Aaron Koffman, principal of the Hudson Companies, said in a press release. “As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic it is critical that we invest in modern housing that can support families of all sizes.”

Breaking Ground and Comunilife’s 160-unit supportive housing building, which has apartments set aside for formerly homeless individuals with special needs and low-income New Yorkers, opened last fall.

Buildings C and E–two 100 percent affordable housing mixed-use buildings with 350 units also developed by Hudson–will break ground this summer. The development will include a community facility space, a skate park, and a telescope on the rooftop of building E, operated by Bronx High School of Science. La Central’s final phase is expected to be completed in 2023.

In addition to the YMCA and rooftop gardens, 556 and 600 Bergen Avenue residents have access to bike storage, on-site laundry, resident lounges, a parking garage, and WiFi access throughout the building. Apartments include stainless steel appliances, a dishwasher, and energy-efficient HVAC systems.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the available affordable housing units until August 14, 2020. Complete details on how to apply are available here (pdf). Preference for 50 percent of the units will be set aside for residents of Bronx Community Board 1. Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty.com’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

RELATED: 

• City Council approves La Central development, bringing nearly 1,000 affordable units to the Bronx
• La Central, 992-unit affordable Bronx development, ramps up construction
• Apply for 63 affordable studios at new La Central development in the Bronx for $650/month

Streetview of 842 Manida Avenue, Map data © 2020 Google

The Bronx has gained a new historic district, making it the 150th district to be landmarked in New York City. The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to designate the Manida Street Historic, a block of semi-attached brick homes in Hunts Points. Residents first pushed for the South Bronx street to be recognized in 2010, as development began to accelerate in the neighborhood. “This gem of a district is a complete district that still exists and is not only a reminder of the 20th-century residential development of the South Bronx, but it’s also a reflection and testament to the commitment of its current community,” LPC Chair Sarah Carroll said on Tuesday.

Streetview of 843 Manida Avenue, Map data © 2020 Google

The Historic District consists of 42 properties between 814 and 870 Manida Street, which represent “an intact example of the early 20th-century development” in the neighborhood that coincided with the launch of the subway and industrialization of the area, according to the LPC.

According to a 2010 New York Times article, when the designation was first proposed, the homes along the 800 block of Manida Avenue were built around the turn of the century in a “Flemish architectural style that would have been familiar to the Bronx’s overwhelmingly Germanic population at the time.”

With the introduction of the subway to the Bronx in 1904, the area began its transformation from rural to urban, becoming one of the largest industrial areas in the city. The subway, along with access to the waterfront and the Oak Point Yard rail yard, made Hunts Point ideal for the growth of industries.

And as one of the only remaining blocks of early 20th-century architecture in Hunts Point, the intact residences on Manida stand out significantly against its commercial and manufacturing neighbors.

The boundary of the  historic district, courtesy of LPC

Two developers and two developers led the design and construction of the block between 1908 and 1909. The LPC called the district’s consistent modest Renaissance Revival style a “discreet enclave within Hunts Point.” There are two city landmarks near the block: the American Bank Note Company Printing Plant on Lafayette Avenue and Sunnyslope, a historic home built in 1860 located on Faile Street.

The Manida Street Historic District is now the 13th historic district in the Bronx. Manhattan is home to the most historic districts in the city at more than 80, followed by Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.

During a public hearing last month, the Historic Districts Council testified in support of the historic district, which called it a “stand-out block” in the borough. “The solid architectural bones of the street, its handsome urban ensemble and the decades of house-proud stewardship continue to communicate its intrinsic worth to new generations of Bronxites,” the HDC said in its designation testimony.

“It’s a classic New York story and this is a classic New York block. The Historic Districts Council salutes the community for all its work in keeping places like this block alive and vital, and thanks the Landmarks Preservation Commission for recognizing the community’s commitment and supporting their efforts.”

RELATED:

• LPC designates Bay Ridge’s first historic district
• Ahead of proposed rezoning, Gowanus gains five individual landmarks
• Landmarks designates new Inwood historic district

Editor’s note: This story was originally published on January 21, 2020, and has since been updated.

Photo of Citi Field by Tomas Eidsvold on Unsplash

Baseball is back. After the coronavirus pandemic put the sport on hold for over three months, Major League Baseball on Tuesday announced a plan to return, with “spring” training to resume on July 1 and opening day games scheduled for July 23 and 24, with no fans. The training will take place at the home stadiums for teams, meaning the Yankees and Mets will return to the Bronx and Flushing starting this week.

On Saturday Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he spoke to Yankee president Randy Levine and Mets president Jeff Wilpon about hosting training camp at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, respectively, and making sure the teams meet state health protocols.

“In a bleak time and in a season that obviously had significant hurdles to deal with, to have a spring training camp in New York? That is the first bit of really good news when it comes to baseball that we’ve had in a long time,” Cuomo said during a press conference last weekend. “So, I’m excited.”

The 2020 season will consist of 60 regular-season games, with the schedule including 10 games for each team against four opponents in its division and 20 games against the other league’s “corresponding geographical division,” meaning, for example, American League East plays National League East.

“Major League Baseball is thrilled to announce that the 2020 season is on the horizon,” Commissioner Robert Manfred said in a statement. “We have provided the Players Association with a schedule to play 60 games and are excited to provide our great fans with Baseball again soon.”

While the shortened season will look different for players, who will be tested for COVID-19 every other day, wear masks when not playing in the game, and be barred from any “celebratory contact,” the businesses surrounding the New York stadiums, which rely on the fans who attend the games, will also be greatly affected.

As Crain’s reported on Wednesday, century-old sports bar Yankee Tavern is at risk of permanently closing. Owner Joseph Bastone told the news site he is losing $5,000 a week without Yankees home games this year. “I’ll have 300 people in here before games start,” Bastone told Crain’s. “Then another 150 to 200 after. That’s all lost.”

According to the 161st Steet Business Improvement District, roughly 20 small businesses near Yankee Stadium are behind on rent.

RELATED: 

• New York reopening guide: What’s open and what you need to know
• New York’s latest COVID antibody survey shows a rise in the Bronx and minority communities
• Seven New York regions will be in phase 3 this week, gatherings of up to 25 now allowed

Rendering courtesy of RKTB Architects

Applications are now being accepted for 96 income-restricted apartments in the South Bronx, with half of those units set aside for seniors. Located at 700 Manida Street, the Hunts Point rental contains eight stories and 108 total units. To apply for the senior housing, New Yorkers must have at least one household member who is 62 years of age or older and earns $40, 960 or less, annually. Eligible applicants will pay 20, 30, or 40 percent of the area median income (AMI) for units that range from a $211/month studio to a $667/month one-bedroom. For the remaining 48 units, New Yorkers earning 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 percent of the AMI can apply for apartments, ranging in price from an $810/month two-bedroom to $1,960/month three-bedroom.

Designed by RKTB Architects, 700 Manida Street measures 85,000 square feet and includes roughly 3,7000 square feet of community space, including a green rooftop. Other perks include on-site laundry and storage room for bikes.

The new rental sits a block from the newly anointed Manida Street Historic District, which consists of 42 residential properties which represent an intact example of early 20th-century development in the neighborhood, according to the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

While the area remains largely commercial and industrial, a number of green spaces can be accessed easily from the building, including the Hunts Point Playground, the Julio Carballo Fields and the Hunts Point Recreation Center, and the Bronx River-facing Hunts Point Riverside Park. Transit options include the 6 train at Longwood Avenue and the Bx6, Bx6-SBS buses.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the affordable units until August 28, 2020. Complete details on how to apply are available here (pdf). Preference for 50 percent of the units will be given to residents of Bronx Community Board 2. Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty.com’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

RELATED: 

• Lottery opens for 13 income-restricted units in Brownsville, from $800/month
• 118 affordable apartments up for grabs at new Far Rockaway rental, from $367/month
• 29 affordable senior and supportive housing units available near Prospect Park, from $411/month

Credit: Peter Clements Architect P.C

A housing lottery launched this week for 126 affordable and moderate-income apartments in the Bronx neighborhood of Longwood. Located at 975 Tiffany Street, the rental features a fitness center, a community facility, bike storage, and a laundry room. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, 60, and 100 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from a $471/month one-bedroom to a $1,200/month three-bedroom.

Developed by Camber Property Group and Property Resources Corp., the eight-story building contains 161 total units, with 34 of the units set aside for individuals formerly experiencing homelessness. Peter Clements Architects, P.C. handled the design. Camber and PRC have also worked together on two affordable projects in the area, 1000 Fox Street and 960 Simpson Street.

“It is important that new affordable housing provides options for families of all types and sizes, and the Tiffany Street Apartments do just that,” Rick Gropper, Principal of Camber Property Group, said. “By providing homes for the formerly homeless as well as large families we are ensuring that New Yorkers from all backgrounds and have a chance to live and thrive in our city as we recover from the COVID-19 crisis.”

Closest transit options include the 2 and 5 trains at Intervale Avenue and the 6 train at Hunts Point Avenue.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the affordable units at 975 Tiffany Street until August 28, 2020. Complete details on how to apply are available here (pdf). Preference for 50 percent of the units will be given to residents of Bronx Community Board 2. Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

RELATED: 

• Lottery opens for 94 affordable senior apartments in the heart of Harlem
• Apply for 96 mixed-income apartments, half set aside for seniors, in Hunts Point, from $211/month
• Lottery opens for 13 income-restricted units in Brownsville, from $800/month

All photos courtesy of the Belmont Business Improvement District

With indoor dining on hold, the city has committed to expanding the already very successful outdoor dining program it launched in late June when phase two began. With more than 7,000 restaurants participating, the program grew this month to include several open streets across the five boroughs, and in the Bronx, the selected street is Arthur Avenue, the heart of Bronx Little Italy. Starting tonight, from Thursdays to Sundays, Arthur Avenue between East 188th Street and Crescent Avenue is transforming into a European-style al fresco dining setup called Piazza di Belmont, with more than 25 restaurants participating.

Plan courtesy of Sam Schwartz

Bronx Little Italy is located in the Belmont neighborhood and has been a Italian-American community since the early 20th century. And in the heart of it all, filled with red-sauce restaurants, bakeries, and butchers, is Arthur Avenue. The Belmont Business Improvement District (BID) worked with traffic engineer Sam Schwartz to create the design for Piazza di Belmont, which was approved by the Department of Transportation. It includes six-feet spacing between tables, signage for pedestrians, temporary street closures during the weekend evenings, and regular cleaning and disinfecting according to CDC guidelines.

Arthur Avenue is closed to vehicular traffic Thursdays to Saturdays from 6-10pm and Sunday from 1-9:30pm. Though street is open to traffic and parking during the day, outdoor dining on sidewalks is still available during the week. Some of the more than 25 participating restaurants include: Ann & Tony’s, Antonio’s Trattoria, Arthur Avenue Fiasco, Azgardz, Bronx Beer Hall, Café Nocciola, Cka Ka Qellu, Emilia’s Restaurant, Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue, Estrellita Poblana III, Gerbasi Ristorante, Gurra Café, Mario’s Restaurant, Mike’s Deli, Michaelangelo’s, Pasquale’s Rigoletto Restaurant, San Gennaro Restaurant, Tapas Italiano, Tino’s Deli, and Zero Otto Nove.

Peter Madonia, Chairman of the Belmont BID, said in a statement, “While Little Italy in the Bronx has been operating during COVID-19 due to our essential businesses including butchers, pharmacies, fish markets, delis, bakeries, pizzerias, and many other specialty stores and services, we have looked forward to reopening our restaurants which make up the other half of our historic, multi-generational neighborhood.”

RELATED:

• Starting this weekend, 22 open streets in NYC will be dedicated to outdoor dining
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• 100 NYC restaurants with outdoor dining
• New York City postpones indoor dining

All photos courtesy of the Belmont Business Improvement District

Leave it up to Riverdale to supply some of the most jaw-dropping, “is it really in New York City?” properties. This Greek Revival mansion at 5501 Palisade Avenue looks like it belongs upstate, but it’s located right here in the Bronx, in a neighborhood known for impressive properties with views. The 1.7-acre property is situated on the top of the hill, so it has prime views of the Hudson River and the Palisades. The interior, which boasts five bedrooms, isn’t too shabby, either.

Before heading inside, it’s worth exploring the grounds. A patio looks out over the meticulously-landscaped property, which fronts the Hudson River. Because the home is perched atop a small hill, you’re getting 360-degree views of the waterfront and greenery surrounding you.

There are some historic details inside the house, like the wood-burning fireplace in the living room and a curving central staircase.

The best rooms, however, are the ones that take advantage of the view. This sunroom faces toward the west.

The eat-in kitchen has doors that lead to the patio and is adjacent to the formal dining room.

There could be either five or six bedrooms depending on how many an owner needed. Most come with huge windows and floor-to-ceiling French doors to keep things bright. They also serve as a good reminder to what an incredible property surrounds this home–and all for the price of a luxury condo in Manhattan!

As the listing explains, “You could renovate the existing two-story Greek revival house or use the new survey, zoning analysis, and site plans to build your dream home. The survey confirms that one to four homes can be built on this property.

[Listing details: 5501 Palisade Avenue at CityRealty]

[At Brown Harris Stevens by Tobias B. Schapiro and Ann B. Schapiro]

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published on August 16, 2016, and has been updated with new information and pricing.

Photos courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

Photo via Wikimedia

Applications are now being accepted for 45 affordable apartments at a new supportive residential building in the Claremont Village section of the South Bronx. Located at 3500 Park Avenue a half-mile from Crotona Park, the seven-story development sets aside some studios for homeless veterans with disabilities, chronically homeless adults with mental illness, and homeless seniors with disabilities. The remaining apartments, now available through the housing lottery, are designated for low-income seniors and families that earn 50 and 60 percent of the area median income.

To apply for the eight seniors-only studio apartments, one household member must be 62 years of age or older and earn $45, 500 or less, annually. Eligible applicants will pay 30 percent of their income for the studios. New Yorkers earning 60 percent of the AMI can apply for the remaining units, which include $748/month studios and $1,148/month two-bedrooms.

The building, which contains 115 total units, offers supportive services on-site for residents, including groups to foster community, like tenant committees and gardening clubs. Amenities include 24/7 front desk coverage, a multi-purpose room with a kitchen, a laundry room, a computer lab, a playroom, and an outdoor recreation space with a garden.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the affordable units until August 31, 2020. Complete details on how to apply are available here. Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty.com’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

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• 235 chances to live in a luxury waterfront rental in Greenpoint, from $2,370/month
• Lottery opens for 126 affordable apartments in the Bronx’s Longwood, from $471/month
• In Ridgewood, Queens, 40 middle-income units up for grabs, from $1,797/month

All images courtesy of EXR Realty/The Arches

A housing lottery launched on Friday for 129 middle-income units at a new rental project in the South Bronx. The Arches, a pair of 25-story towers on the Harlem River, claims to be the first luxury residential development in Mott Haven, boasting amenities like a landscaped rooftop, indoor movie theater, and fitness center. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, which include $2,150/month studios, $2,246/month one-bedrooms, and $2,730/month two-bedrooms.

Located at 224-228 East 135th Street, the project includes a mix of 430 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments. The Arches also contains a 25-room hotel and 6,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. Leasing also kicked off this week for the market-rate rentals.

Current availabilities (with incentives) start at $2,246/month for a studio, $2,613/month for a one-bedroom, and $2,933/month for a two-bedroom, according to The Arches website.

Developed by Chess Builders and designed by Fischer Rasmussen Whitefield Architects, residences at the Arches boast high-end finishes, floor-to-ceiling windows, with some apartments featuring private terraces and balconies. Premium units feature Control4, which allows residents to control the front door lock, music, and thermostats through smartphone devices.

Amenities include a health club, yoga studio, a business center with a private conference room, movie theater, a children’s playroom, and a library with a fireplace. Plus, residents can enjoy a landscaped roof garden and outdoor lounge with a fireplace and sweeping skyline views.

“The South Bronx has a rich cultural history, and Mott Haven’s housing renaissance is emblematic of the bright future that lies ahead for the blossoming neighborhood,” Michelle Monko, director of business development at EXR. “From the high-quality finishes and spacious floor plans to the first-class amenities, services and unparalleled views, The Arches sets a standard of elevated quality for the numerous residential developments that are currently under construction in the neighborhood.”

The project is also conveniently located between the 4,5 trains at 138th Street and the 6 train at 3 Avenue-138 Avenue, making a commute to Grand Central less than 30 minutes. The Arches is also within walking distance to a number of bars and restaurants that have popped up along Mott Haven’s waterfront as part of the neighborhood’s revitalization.

Thanks to a rezoning of the Bronx waterfront a decade prior, a number of new developments are in the works, including 1,350-unit Bankside developed by Brookfield Properties and the Joinery, a luxury condo building.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the affordable units until October 14, 2020. Complete details on how to apply are available here. Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty.com’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

RELATED: 

• 8 middle-income units available at new Bed-Stuy rental, from $2,156/month
• Apply for 15 affordable apartments off Williamsburg’s Metropolitan Avenue, from $818/month
• Lottery opens for 45 affordable units at supportive rental near Crotona Park, from $748/month

All images courtesy of EXR Realty/The Arches 

Courtesy of Douglaston Development

Plans to bring hundreds of new affordable apartments for seniors and low-income families in the Bronx are moving forward. The New York Botanical Garden and Douglaston Development this week closed on two separate 99-year ground leases at 2856 Webster Avenue and 410 Bedford Park Boulevard, which will hold a two-building, 100 percent affordable development. Located just a block from the Botanical Garden, the project includes a new 12,000-square-foot Cherry Valley Marketplace store on the ground floor. The existing Cherry Valley grocery store, located at the site of the project, will remain open throughout construction.

“With a 40-year development track record in the New York City area and beyond, we’ve seen the critical need for more affordable housing options in our City, especially for our senior population,” Jeffrey Levine, chair of Douglaston Development, said.

“We’re thrilled to be joining forces and visions with The New York Botanical Garden on this project, an institution with roots in the Bronx community dating back 129 years to provide this vital housing resource to the community.”

Phase one of the project includes a building at 2856 Webster Avenue with 188 units designated for seniors earning up to 50 percent of the area median income (AMI). Fordham Bedford Community Services will provide on-site social services.

The site is currently home to the Cherry Valley Marketplace, which has operated at the location for over a decade. Developers will retain the existing store on the ground floor of the development, with both buildings connected to the store.

The new 12,000-square-foot Cherry Valley will operate as a Food Retail Expansion to Support Health Programs (FRESH) store, a city program that provides tax breaks to store operators that offer healthy and affordable food options.

As part of phase two, a 260-unit rental at 410 Bedford Park Boulevard will set aside apartments for New Yorkers earning between 30 and 130 percent of the AMI. There will also be an additional 8,000 square feet of community retail space.

The developer expects construction financing arranged in agreement with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development and New York State Housing and Community Renewal to close in December, with work wrapping up in 2022.

RELATED:

• NYC financed over 30,000 affordable homes this fiscal year
• 450-unit affordable housing development planned for New York Botanical Garden property
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden ramps up fight against proposed Crown Heights towers with new exhibit