FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PR- 148-09 March 30, 2009 STATEMENT BY MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ON START OF PUBLIC REVIEW FOR 161ST STREET/RIVER AVENUE REZONING TO STRENGTHEN BRONX CIVIC CENTER New Development Will Provide 1,350 Office and Retail Jobs "Today, we’ve taken an important step towards achieving
the goals of our South Bronx Initiative with the start the public review process
for a rezoning of 161st Street and River Avenue. Our plan will create 1,350 new
jobs, more than half a million square feet of office space, new housing, and
year-round retail to serve this growing community. It’s yet another example of
how we are preparing key, transit-oriented sites throughout the City to provide
new economic opportunity for New Yorkers, while strengthening their
neighborhoods. The rezoning will build on significant public and private
investment in the area, from Lou Gehrig Plaza to the Bronx Hall of Justice, the
blossoming homes in Melrose Gardens to the new Yankee Stadium. Consistent with
our sustainable development policies, it will encourage the redevelopment of
vacant and underutilized lots and facilitate some 900 units of new and
affordable housing." MEDIA CONTACT: Stu Loeser / Andrew Brent (212) 788-2958 |
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