Press Releases

For Immediate Release
January 4, 2024

Contacts:
Casey Berkovitz, Joe Marvilli – press@planning.nyc.gov (212) 720-3471

NEW YORK – Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Dan Garodnick today announced that the agency will host a virtual online information session about the Bronx Metro-North Station Area Plan for the public on Wednesday, January 10 at 6 PM to share detailed information on the public review process and answer New Yorkers’ questions about how to weigh in on the proposal moving forward. The info session will include an overview of DCP’s zoning framework, a recap of past community input, and a preview of next steps, and comes as the plan approaches certification to begin ULURP, the city’s formal review process for land use changes. Interested New Yorkers can RSVP here.

The Bronx Metro-North Station Area Plan is a revamping of the land use around new Metro-North stations that are coming to the East Bronx – in Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester/Van Nest and Hunts Point – to better support the community’s current and future needs, including economic development, improved public space and community services, transit access, new housing opportunities, and more. In partnership with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and the New York City Council, DCP has been conducting extensive outreach in the communities around the new stations, including both in-person and virtual workshops, weekly “office hours” to answer questions, surveys, and small-group meetings.

DCP released a draft scope of work and held information sessions about the plan and environmental review process in December 2022. Since then, DCP has been conducting an analysis of the environmental impacts of the proposed land use changes. The proposal will certify to begin ULURP later this winter, which will begin a roughly seven-month process that includes recommendations from the local community boards and Borough President Gibson, followed by votes at the City Planning Commission and the City Council. The final detailed environmental analysis will be released in conjunction with the ULURP application.

The plan would bring new housing, including permanently affordable income-restricted housing through MIH, to the East Bronx by allowing residential uses in some areas that are currently designated for manufacturing and commercial uses only; it would also allow more homes to be built than are currently allowed in some areas. In addition, it would establish workforce training programs, allow for new open space amenities and neighborhood connectivity, and support important community institutions and job centers such as Jacobi Medical Center, Montefiore Hospital, Calvary Hospital, and Hutchinson Metro Center.

The MTA anticipates the four new Metro-North stations will open in 2027.

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Department of City Planning
The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City.

In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space.