The City Council has approved the rezoning of a 92-block stretch of Jerome Avenue rezoning in the Bronx.
The deal is expected to pave the way for increased commercial and residential development along the corridor that has been zoned for light industrial use for years.
And it comes with a guarantee that housing will be income targeted under a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing agreement.
Department of City Planning Director Marisa Lago hailed the vote as “a big step forward toward making this community more safe, healthy and vibrant.”
Lago added, “Implementation of the Plan will transform Jerome Avenue into a lively corridor full of affordable housing, open space, retail, schools and other community facilities.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio said, “This plan marks another milestone in the important progress we are making to build a fairer and more affordable New York City. With the Jerome Avenue Neighborhood Plan, this Bronx community will, for the first time ever, get the overarching City investments and protections it richly deserves. ”
As well as over 3,000 units of housing, the rezoning was designed to open the door to new business, including a wider variety of retail and community services, as well as increase local job opportunities.
There will be zoning for heavy commercial and light industrial uses in areas to support mixed uses and jobs. Development spurred by the rezoning is expected to create nearly 1,000 permanent new jobs.
