Wilhelm Ronda applies a “small-town” approach to his duties as the Director of Planning for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Whether it’s identifying parcels of land for new schools, or taking steps to protect the architectural integrity of a neighborhood building, Ronda understands that these issues can profoundly affect the borough’s residents. For this reason, Ronda encourages his staff to treat each issue with the same “tender love and care” that a small town’s … <Read More>
Search Results for: Bronx, NY
Bronx’s Kingsbridge Armory plan heads to Council
- Proposed redevelopment of the Bronx’s Kingsbridge Armory. Image: Courtesy of Related Companies.
City Planning Commission approved Related Companies’ Kingsbridge Armory plan,with four Commissioners voting against proposal. On October 19, 2009, the City Planning Commission approved Related Companies’ proposal to redevelop the landmarked Kingsbridge Armory in northwest Bronx. The plan is a result of the combined efforts of the EDC and the Kingsbridge Armory Task Force, which was established by the City in 2006 to facilitate … <Read More>
Court upholds BSA ruling denying vested rights
Bronx developer claimed non-compliance with zoning law was minimal and should not impede vesting of rights. Developer GRA V LLC applied for an excavation and foundation permit from the Department of Buildings for construction of a 63- unit apartment building in a neighborhood of one- and two-family buildings within the Bronx’s Van Cortlandt Village. Despite an Administrative Code requirement that permit applications be accompanied by a lot diagram survey prepared by a licensed surveyor, the … <Read More>
Bronx’s Little Italy BID approved
New district to include over 352 businesses. On May 21, 2008, the City Planning Commission approved an application by the New York City Department of Small Business Services to create the Belmont Business Improvement District, located in the Bronx in the neighborhood generally known as Little Italy. The Belmont BID would be bounded by East Fordham Road to the north, Lorillard Place to the west, East 183rd Street to the south, and Southern Boulevard to … <Read More>
Testimony heard on Special Hunts Point District
- Hunts Point proposed rezoning. Image: Courtesy of NYC Department of City Planning.
Borough President testified against the rezoning because of as-of-right hotel use and “big box” retail provisions. On April 9, 2008, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Department of City Planning’s proposal to rezone a 75- block area in the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. The proposed rezoning would establish the Special Hunts Point District, bounded by … <Read More>
Bronx engraving plant landmarked
American Bank Note Company’s printing plant serves as an example of early 20th century industrial architecture. On February 5, 2008, Landmarks voted to designate the America Banknote Company printing plant. Constructed in 1911 by architecture firm Kirby Petite & Green, the Round Arch-style plant includes Gothic details and a nine-story tower with a crenellated parapet. The plant printed bank notes, stocks, bonds, checks, and possibly dollar bills, until it closed in 1984.
At the public … <Read More>