Staten Island 

#1. The Staten Island Boat Graveyard

The Arthur Kill waterway hides a ghastly secret beneath its waters, and some of those secrets are still worth discovering for visitors to Staten Island’s Tugboat Graveyard. Twisted wood planks and metal spires reach from the waves as the last remnants of more than 200 ships that were “put to rest” here since the 1930s. Part of the ships have sunken, decomposed or even been stripped for their metals and sold, leaving this eerie field of wreckages and a sordid reminder of the environmental results of industry. This “accidental museum” is a bit of a trek though, and as it’s a 13-mile bus ride from the Staten Island Ferry, these murky depths are reserved for only the most determined of dark tourists. 

#2. Staten Island Museum

While the scenic Staten Island Ferry gets plenty of well-deserved love, The Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor, founded in 1881, is another icon of the Forgotten Borough that shouldn’t be missed. The museum is dedicated to the heritage of Staten Island and features paintings by Marc Changal, work from Asia, Africa, Indigenous America and Europe, as well as over 500,000 insects, if that’s your thing. Welcoming over 200,000 people each year, this former dormitory for retired seamen has been converted into one of the premiere natural history, art and cultural museums in the city. It’s well-worth the bargain as well, tickets start at $2 for Children 2 to 12 up to $8 for adults, (Children under 2 get in free).

#3. Fort Wadsworth

One of the oldest military installations in the nation, tracing its initial foundation back to 1779, midway through the American Revolution. Originally inhabited by the British, it was one of the forts fortified by U.S. forces following the war along with others like Fort Lafayette in Brooklyn, Fort Jay on Governors Island and Fort Gibson on Ellis Island; otherwise known as the Second American System of coastal defense. The Fort also served as a base of operations for soldiers during the Spanish American War, World War I and World war II before being turned into a national park in 1994 by the US Navy. Beyond the fort itself, the park is available for camping, fishing, and hiking in addition to horseback riding, boating and access to sporting facilities. 

Manhattan Destinations

#1. The Cloisters

The Met Cloisters, found in upper Manhattan and situated in Lenapehoking, homeland of the Lenape diaspora, is a medieval-style building that is just under 90 years old. Designed by Charles Collen and funded by none other than John D Rockefeller, the building was built atop and around the original museum built there by George Grey Barnard, a sculpture artist trained in France. The location is built to be reminiscent of medieval European monasteries, churches, castles and other structures into a coherent museum of architecture, horticulture and art. Tapestries, paintings, sculptures, artifacts and several flower gardens make this location an eclectic and exciting visit, with something for everyone just a short walk from the 1 or the A. In addition to their permanent installation, the museum is host to ongoing and rotating exhibits, such as the current Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina or the upcoming exhibition on Afro-Hispanic Painter Juan de Pareja. Tickets are pay-what-you-want for NY residents and students from New Jersey, and Connecticut as well.

#2. Little Island 

After opening in May 2021, Little Island is a new public park and part of Hudson River Park, built atop an artificial “island” more than two square acres large. Offering an abundance of free programming, including educational, natural, artistic, and community projects, the park saw over 1 million visitors in its opening year, usually filling to capacity before noon, so if you plan a visit, make sure you have a timed-ticket if you plan on visiting later in the day. With two performance venues featuring work by one of their multiple artists-in-residence (such as the fantastic playwright Tina Landau and actor Michael McElroy), and over 350 species of plants, the park is more than worth a visit for nature and entertainment lovers alike. Weather permitting, the park, free to the public, is open 365 days a year from 6am and closes at a different time depending on time of season; so plan your visit accordingly! 

#3. The High Line

A public park located on the West Side of Manhattan, the High Line is also a nonprofit organization that offers tours, art performances, and food along with a one-of-a-kind NYC tourism experience. Built on an elevated rail line and sanctioned as a park in 2006 by Mayor Bloomberg and the City council, the high line is an excellent example of urban refurbishment, taking what had been an eyesore of a defunct rail line and turning it into a cultural center and metropolitan getaway. Take a stroll from Gansevoort Street to 34th street, a 1.45-mile stretch that allows one to view 10th and 12th avenue from a wheelchair-accessible platform above the city. There’s no shortage of activities near and on the high line, including amateur trapeze flying, swimming at the Chelsea pier, and visiting the Whitney Museum of Art.

Year-Round Fun in The Bronx

#1. New York Botanical Garden

An “Advocate for the plant world”, the New York Botanical garden was established in 1891 and takes up more than 250 acres of space, making it the largest in any city in the U.S. A National Historic Landmark, the garden features over 30,000 types of trees and hosts 100 Ph. D-level scientists currently engaged in 250 international collaborations in 49 countries! Committed to preserving and protecting New York and the world’s biodiversity, NYBG is an excellent chance to see a wide diversity of plants and flowers while also learning about the rich history and wide importance of horticulture. Activities include the family-friendly Edible Academy, The Wetland Train and the dining at Hudson Garden Grill.  Tickets for New York City residents start at $7 for students and seniors, while non-member adults will pay $15. Children and members get in free.

#2. Edgar Allan Poe Cottage

Quoth The Raven, the poet and author Edgar Allen Poe, famous for works such as The Tell-Tale Heart, Lenore and The Fall of the House of Usher, lived in The Bronx from 1846 to 1849, when he died under mysterious circumstances. While he wrote “The Raven” at a previous home in Manhattan, Poe, a Boston native, wrote several of his most famous poems while at this location, including The Bells, Annabel Lee and his short story, The Cask of Amontillado. The Poe Cottage is now a historic landmark and is on the National Register of Historic places, owned by NYC and run as a museum, open Friday through Sunday from 9am to 12pm and then from 1pm to 5pm. Just be wary of still-beating hearts beneath the floorboards! 

#3. The Bronx Zoo

Taking up more than 265 acres of space, the Bronx Zoo offers unparalleled opportunities to get up and close with wildlife in New York City, not counting pigeons of course. Opening in 1899, the Bronx Zoo houses over 4000 animals representing more than 650 species. Highlights include The Congo Gorilla Forest, Tiger Mountain, and the Aquatic Bird House & Sea-Bird Aviary. They even offer a seasonal Butterfly Garden experience, from April through October, where one can interact with the butterflies directly and get to know other animals in their biome. Date-Specific tickets are required, and parking can fill to capacity on peak attendance days so an alternate mode of travel is suggested during especially busy periods such as holidays.

Queens Destinations

#1. MoMA PS1

MoMa PS1 (or the Museum of Modern Art) was founded by Alanna Heiss, who now serves as curator, in 1976, and has been a powerhouse of contemporary art and culture in Queens ever since. MoMA PS1 is an artist-centered, community driven organization that hosts a wide variety of programming, such as the ongoing After The Fire mural project, or the upcoming dance / performance art project by London’s Onyeka Igwe, A Repertoire of Protest (No Dance, No Palaver). Best of all, admission is free to all New Yorkers; so be sure to check out the campus from time to time to see some of their ever-changing selection of exhibits and events. 

#2. Astoria Park

Featuring the oldest and largest pool in the city, Astoria park sits on the edge of the East River and takes up nearly 60 acres of land. Originally called William J. Gaynor park after the mayor at the time, and then East River Park, the Board of Alderman officially named the park “Astoria” in 1913. Located beneath the Robert F. Kennedy and Hell Gate Bridges in Queens, the park also features over a dozen tennis courts, several playgrounds, and a skatepark. The pool is, however seasonal, it’s open only whenever the New York City public school season is not in session, so mostly over the summer, although you can check the website for more specific dates yearly.  Also, note you’ll need to bring a combination lock for a locker, and food, glass bottles, electronic devices, and newspapers aren’t allowed in the pool; so you’ll need to leave those at home. 

#3. Louis Armstrong House Museum

After the passing of her husband, famed jazz musician and civil-rights legend Louis Armstrong, the late Lucille Armstrong stayed at their home on 107th Street in Corona, Queens working to preserve his legacy. This effort has resulted in The Louis Armstrong House Museum (LAHM), a National and New York Historic Landmark that holds exclusive archival material, private recordings, and other documentation on the life of the musician, along with live music performances and other programming. The house is open Thursday through Saturday only and has limited hours, so it’s important to schedule ahead to make sure to make the most of your experience, but once there be sure to take part in one of the daily guided tours that walk you through this piece of music history, “frozen in time”. 

Brooklyn Locations To Visit

#1. Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

Located in North Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Academy of Music has been a home for performance and art for over 150 years. With programming in theatre, dance, music, film and opera, there’s always something to see or do on the beautiful campus. A quick glance at their extensive calendar of events you’ll see how live installations are often placed alongside current films and live performances, making a day-long visit to BAM well worth the trip. With three separate venues, The Peter Jay Sharp Building, BAM Fisher and BAM Strong, there’s always plenty to see, and membership offers access to even more advantages and art. The work at BAM is often critically acclaimed and world-renowned, cementing it as an underground incubator of important new work and a showroom for the avant-garde. 

#2. Brooklyn Bridge Park

While the Brooklyn Bridge is an obvious choice for tourism when visiting New York City, the crowds and traffic constantly crossing the structure may make viewing it difficult from the walkway. For a different vantage point, another choice may be the Brooklyn Bridge Park which offers a stellar view of the bridge, and is a bit of an open secret amongst locals for its out-of-the way vistas, expansive piers filled with activities and programming, as well as a waterfront park. From the labyrinth on Pier 3, to the famous outdoor Jane’s Carousel, to the glamorous Empire Stores, the park has year-long activities perfect for anyone looking for a quiet stroll, a brisk kayak trip, or a casual throwdown at the ping-pong tables.

#3. Coney Island

The last stop at the bottom of the Q Train will take you to one of the most historic and iconic summer getaways in the city. From the boardwalk and amusement park rides, to the long hot beach, Coney Island is synonymous with New York Summer fun, and has been a staple in the city since 1895 when the first enclosed amusement park opened in the area. Some track the invention of the Roller Coaster back to 1884 Coney Island and LaMarcus Adna Thompson, where he built his gravity-based “Switchback railway” which would become the foundation for our modern rides. Some of Coney Island’s current featured attractions include the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park and the New York Aquarium. Coney Island is also a famous filming location in New York City, with movies such as The Wiz, The Warriors and Requiem for a Dream filming on or near the beach.

The post 15 Cheap and Underrated Ideas For Spring Break in NYC appeared first on CitySignal.

We’ve rounded up a list of the most affordable neighborhoods for one-bedroom apartments in NYC as of February 2023 to get you started. Without further ado, here are the options in the 5 boroughs of NYC.

Cheapest Places To Live NYC

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

Average 1br rent: $2,000

The neighborhood of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn is a historic enclave that offers its residents a quiet and comfortable place to call home. 

And best of all, it is one of the cheapest places to live in NYC. Originally settled by Dutch farmers, the area has seen a great deal of redevelopment in recent years, with new housing and businesses popping up along its tree-lined streets. 

There’s something for everyone in Bay Ridge, from trendy cafes and restaurants to mom-and-pop shops and art galleries. 

The people who live here are warm and welcoming, making it easy to feel at home in this vibrant community with great schools and convenient commutes – great for families!

Sunnyside, Queens

Average 1 br rent: $2,500

Sunnyside Queens is a lively and vibrant neighborhood located in the borough of Queens, New York. It is known for its close-knit community and its diverse population. 

The area is home to many cultures. The streets are alive with activity throughout the day, as people make it to their destinations. Sunnyside has become known for its local restaurants and cafes that cater to all kinds of tastes. 

After dark, Sunnyside transforms into a bustling social scene where one can find bars and pubs that offer live music entertainment or karaoke nights. 

Sunnyside also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as biking trails and parks that allow residents to get out and enjoy nature from within the city limits. 

There’s never a dull moment in Sunnyside, making it one of the best affordable neighborhoods in NYC. 

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn

Average 1br rent: $2,683

Bed-Stuy, also sometimes referred to as Bedford–Stuyvesant is an iconic, vibrant neighborhood in NYC renowned for its cultural diversity and rich history. 

It’s a melting pot of people from all walks of life, from young families to senior citizens, from those born and raised in the area to newcomers. 

With its grand brownstones, tree-lined blocks, and diverse population, Bed-Stuy is a neighborhood like no other. 

From trendy cafes and chic boutiques to local hot spots, Bed-Stuy has an abundance of great places to explore. 

Whether you’re looking for the best spot to grab a bite or just enjoying a stroll around the block, you will be sure to find something special when exploring Bed-Stuy.

Kew Gardens

Average 1br rent: $1,800

Kew Gardens can be found in Central Queens, about a 30-minute subway ride away from Midtown Manhattan. The neighborhood has been around since 1868 and was one of seven planned garden communities built in the 19th century to 1950. 

There are a lot of single-family, million-dollar homes in the area, but there are also plenty of spacious, cheap rental opportunities. Prime architectural styles are Dutch Colonial Revival, and Beaux-Arts styles, and buildings tend to have spacious apartments that are between four to ten stories and are a mix of both standard rentals and co-ops. A change to the neighborhood makeup has started to occur as homeowners are selling their properties to developers who in turn are building high-rise and flashy new developments. 

While the building make up has started to change, the Hispanic and Asian populations have grown since 2000, providing a haven for members searching for those communities. 

Residents of the area have access to Forest Park to the West and Maple Grove Cemetery, two places that allow New Yorkers to get a breath of fresh air.

Washington Heights

Average 1br rent: $2,200

Washington Heights is an enchanting neighborhood in New York City, located near the Harlem River and boasting stunning views of the Hudson River. 

It’s an incredibly vibrant area that offers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and entertainment for both locals and visitors alike. Washington Heights also has several parks and green spaces for relaxation and recreation. 

Its close proximity to Manhattan means that locals can easily access all of the shopping, dining, cultural attractions, and nightlife the city has to offer. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a night out on the town, Washington Heights has something for everyone.

Riverdale, Bronx

Median rent: $2,573

Riverdale is described as being often being confused for the suburb, and no, it’s not the TV show we’re talking about. In the 19th century, Manhattan’s notable figures would build their country estates in the area and later brought wealthy businessman who lived their year round. 

A mix of both single family homes, co-ops and rental buildings, Riverdale is a perfect example of a mix of city and suburbia. Residents get to be in close proximity to the Hudson River, Yonkers and the city.

Astoria, Queens

Average 1br rent: $2,675

Astoria is a historic and vibrant neighborhood in Queens, New York City. Situated along the East River, it is bordered by Long Island City to the west, Sunnyside to the south, and Woodside to the north. 

The area is known for its cultural diversity and history and popular attractions, including Astoria Park, The Museum of the Moving Image, and so much more! 

The neighborhood also has many local restaurants serving up a variety of cuisines from around the world. Not to mention – it’s affordable! 

Harlem, Manhattan

Average 1br rent: $2,600

Historically, Manhattan has never been the cheapest borough to live in NYC, but Harlem provides a little exception. Living in Harlem is a great experience. 

There are many things to do in the neighborhood, and it’s close to all of the amenities you could need. The people who live there are friendly and welcoming, and it’s a safe place to live. 

You’ll find everything you need here, from restaurants to shopping to nightlife. From cultural attractions and historical landmarks to vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone. 

If you’re looking for a great place to call home, Harlem is a great choice! 

Cheapest Borough to Live in NYC

North Shore, Staten Island 

Average 1br rent: $1,800

If you don’t mind a bit of a commute – including a ferry ride – you might consider adding Staten Island, the cheapest borough in NYC, to your browsing list. The North Shore of Staten Island is made up of multiple neighborhoods but is most notably known for housing West Brighton, New Brighton, St. George, Tompkinsville, Clifton and Port Richmond. 

A few-minute bus ride will get you from your apartment to the Staten Island Ferry that runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From there, you’ll be brought to the south of Manhattan where you can access the rest of the island via a transit method of your choice. You also have easy access to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge where you can take a bus to get to South Brooklyn.

Residents love that Staten Island is so close to nature, with easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots in nearby Clove Lakes Park. There is also the benefit of being close to shopping as Empire Outlets is right off the ferry stop in St. George. You’re far more isolated from Manhattan than in other boroughs of New York, but some people prefer the space that allows them to disconnect. 

Need a helpful place to start your search in your budget? We leaned heavily on RentHop’s Stats & Trends page to get an idea about what was out there. Moving to NYC (or relocating in NYC) can be challenging and daunting, but don’t fret, hundreds of other people have been in the same boat as you.

The post 9 Most Affordable NYC Neighborhoods appeared first on CitySignal.

Staten Island Sins

Staten Island, the forgotten borough, has had more than its fair share of fascinating cases of true-crime horror, from The Nimer Murders to the murder spree of Salvatore Perrone. But perhaps no name is as famous or feared as that of convicted kidnapper Andre Rand, who is currently serving several consecutive life sentences for several murders and kidnappings in the city. The borough’s most notorious serial killer, in 2004, he was convicted of abducting Holly Ann Huges from her Port Richmond neighborhood on the East Shore in the early 80s. But his terrible misdeeds stretched back earlier, all the way to 1972 with the disappearance of at least six other people, although he was never formally charged for their disappearance. 

In August 1987, the body of a 12-year-old Westerleigh resident, Jennifer Schweiger, was found in a shallow grave on the grounds of what is now the College of Staten Island; but the jury only convicted him on kidnapping charges, not murder.

It’s unknown how many more victims Rand has, and he shows very little remorse for his actions. Rand is a prolific writer known for sending out several Mother’s Day missives “to all the ladies of Staten Island who supported ‘prosecutorial vincitvness’ against an innocent person.’  In 2001, while in prison, he released a series of letters to The Advance, a newspaper, the earliest of which was written back in 1994. The letters include an argument against nuclear proliferation, autobiographical stories of his youth, and a detailed sketch of a small aircraft. The quiet neighborhood where Rand lived in what is now West Brighton only blocks away from the famous Staten Island Zoo, with listings such as this 3 Bedroom on Marion Street only a few minutes walk away from Rand’s previous home.

Bad Clams in Manhattan

Located at 129 Mulberry Street, Umberto’s Clam House in Little Italy was the location of one of the most sensational assassinations of a mob boss, when Joey “Crazy Joe” Gallo was murdered only weeks after getting married. After celebrating his birthday with his wife, his sister, child, and bodyguard at the Copacabana, Gallo and his entourage were found dining at the Clam House, Joey ordered the shrimp and scungilli salad. While they ate, a quartet of gunmen arrived and open fire at the family, fatally wounding Gallo but not before they were able to turn the butcher table on its side to provide shielding for the rest of his family. Gallo stumbled to the front door, cursing at the gunmen as they fled before collapsing into a puddle of his own blood in the street: a scene straight out of any mafia movie. 

This was a particularly brazen attack as the hit had been conducted while Gallo was celebrating his birthday and was with his family at the time, and was a marked escalation in the conflict between the Five Families of New York. “Crazy Joe” had started a war against his bosses for control of the family and paid for it with his life. His death started another war when his crew broke off from the rest of the Colombo Family, leading to a series of ten gangland slayings before they eventually rejoined, making it one of the bloodiest mafia wars in the city’s history. 

The restaurant had only been open for two months before the 1972 hit, but Umberto’s Clam House is still open, serving as a historical landmark and tourist attraction for true-crime fans, mafia aficionados, and clam lovers alike. Want to live where the mafia used to frequent? Right around the corner is 181 Hester Street, where you can snap up a 1 bedroom apartment and feel like the mob boss that you are.

The Red Circle Slayer of Queens 

The Red Circle Slayer terrorized the quiet community of Hollis Hills in Queens, New York, throughout the late 1920s and early 30s, and although a suspect is currently behind bars, no one is sure if it’s the right man. The popular patch of woods where the first attacks took place was filled with booze, used condoms, and underwear; a popular spot for young lovers at the time. The killer attacked young couples and lovers who found themselves within his unfortunate gaze, often while out “necking” or making out in their cars. His first victims were Lewis Weiss, 20, a clerk at a steel company, and Frances Hajek,19, who worked at her family’s bakery.

Separate similar incidents earlier in the decade were attributed to the 3X Murderer who taunted police and had victims near the site of the Red Circle slayings, although this did nothing but murky the waters of a new, potentially dangerous killer on the loose. 

Due to a number of bad leads, unreliable witnesses, and false admissions of guilt, the killer, who was known for placing a red circle painted in lipstick on the foreheads of victims, has never been confirmed. But in 1938, Walter Wiley, a career criminal with a long rap sheet, could not come up with an alibi for the night of Hajek’s death. While a jury was ultimately unable to indict Wiley on murder charges, he was put behind bars for unrelated robberies and spent 40 years behind bars, effectively ending the Red Circle Slayer’s reign. Locals, although, were less reassured; perhaps there’s a serial killer living amongst the quiet Queens community after all these years. For those amateur sleuths or those who simply want to do a little necking in a picturesque New York neighborhood, this three-bedroom, second-floor apartment is in a beautiful, safe location, but only minutes away from the Red Circle site.

The Hole of Brooklyn

John Gotti, or the Teflon Don, is one of the most famous names in popular media when it comes to the Italian Mafia. Before passing away in prison at the age of 61 while serving a life sentence, he was the leader of one of the most notorious crime families in New York, the Gambinos. After seizing power by ordering the murder of Paul Castellano, who was the head of the family at the time, he became a famous public figure. Gotti was known for his expensive taste and less-than-scrupulous business practices, earning him an additional nickname; the Dapper Don. But the Dapper Don had some dark secrets, not including the bodies that his “operations” would inevitably pile up; and he needed a place to dump them. Enter The Hole.

This ten-block stretch between East New York and Howard Beach is directly on the border of Brooklyn and Queens, and today is almost unrecognizable as “New York City” from a traditional standpoint. The neighborhood is at a lower elevation than the surrounding area, resulting in a noticeable dip, earning it its name. The Hole is also named so for another reason, as it was one of the largest mass graveyards for the mob, and a personal favorite of John Gotti. Residents of The Hole have recovered so many bodies from the area that they can be used as landmarks, and they continue to be found even as recently as 2004 when the bodies of Dominick “Big Trin” Trinchera and Phillip “Philly Lucky” Giaccone were exhumed. THe area now serves as a base for a branch of the Federation of Black Cowboys. While living in The Hole is a bit risky, the area frequently floods due to its low elevation; those who want to live near this grim reminder of mob history will be happy to know there are many listings near the neighborhood, such as this fully furnished 2 bedroom duplex only blocks away from where bodies were found.

The Son of Sam in The Bronx

David Berkowitz, also known as the Son of Sam, lived at 35 Pine St, Yonkers NY after being brought up in the Bronx. After the death of his adoptive mother, he became a loner before joining the army in 1971, distinguishing himself as a marksman. After his return to New York he worked as a security guard, all while being haunted by the voices in his head, demons he would later claim, who were spurning him on toward murder. He took his first victims in 1975 on Christmas Eve, when he attacked a young Michelle Foreman and another unidentified woman with a hunting knife. Foreman was 15 years old at the time. Berkowitz moved to Yonkers in 1976, where the demons in his head took the form of the neighborhood dogs and eventually Sam’s neighbors themselves; it wasn’t long before he continued his spree.

With victims in four of the five boroughs, not including Staten Island, the entirety of New York felt the terror of the .44-caliber killer, so named because of the bullets used to tie the murders to a single killer.

After sending a series of letters out to previous landlords, neighbors, and other affiliates, local police were alerted to a potential candidate for The Son of Sam and reported it to the NYPD’s special Omega Task Force tasked with nabbing the killer, but these tips ultimately went unheeded because of the sheer number of false leads. It wasn’t until an eyewitness came forward to report that she’d seen Berkowitz with a gun only moments before she heard gunshots in Brooklyn that he was finally apprehended by the police.

When his Yonkers apartment was searched, they found satanic graffiti drawn on the walls and diaries detailing over 1,400 arsons he was also allegedly responsible for. Berkowitz ultimately rescinded his claims of demonic influence and stated he instead was lashing out in anger at a world he felt had rejected him. True crime fans who want to see and hear the demons that drove Berkowitz mad can find availabilities at the 42 Pine Street apartments just a few doors down from his Pine St resident, though his building is now privately owned, dark tourists aren’t guaranteed welcome.

The post Where To Live Near NYC True Crime appeared first on CitySignal.

Amenities at 2850 Webster Avenue

The building has a number of benefits for residents. Building and unit amenities include:

• On-site laundry facility 
• 24-hour superintendent 
• Part-time security on-site
• Social services 
• Accessible entrance
• Elevator
• Smoke-free
• Reserved units for select disabilities 
• Access to D, B, 4 trains and 26, 34, 41, 1 buses

More on the Webster Avenue Units 

Webster Avenue units are exclusive to applicants who meet age requirements (62 years or older) and must qualify for section 8. There are only studio and one-bedroom units available at this time – a total of 105 studio units and 25 one-bedroom units. 

A set number of units are reserved for those with select disabilities. 5% are reserved for those with mobility impairments, while 2% of units are reserved for those with vision and hearing impairments. 

Webster Avenue Units Eligibility 

Units are available based on a number of factors, including AMI and income, plus household size.

50% AMI – Studios 

• 1 Person – household income $0 – $46,700
• 2 Person – household income $0 – $53,400

50% AMI – 1 Bedroom 

• 1 Person – household income $0 – $46,700
• 2 Person – household income $0 – $53,400
• 3 Person – household income $0 – $60,050

About the Area 

The Bronx offers a unique blend of culture and history, making it a highly desirable destination for New Yorkers. This location of Webster Avenue is conveniently located near everything you’ll need. Within walking distance are parks, schools, the New York Botanical Garden, Cherry Valley Marketplace, Fordham University, and so much more. Nearby stations include Fordham and Norwood-205 Street. 

How to Apply for NYC Housing Lottery

Before applying, be sure that you meet the guidelines outlined by the New York Housing Connect, including age and section 8 restrictions. Applicants may submit their information online or request an application to be delivered via mail. 

Those opting for mail must send a self-addressed envelope with their request to the Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation. There are no deposit or application fees. 

Only submit one application per lottery and no duplicate application, including a virtual and a paper application simultaneously. Doing so may risk disqualification. The Webster Avenue Senior Residences lottery runs until January 3, 2023. 

For information on the Webster Apartments, visit here. You can read more about how to apply for an affordable housing lottery or other buildings available on Housing Connect on CitySignal.

What to Expect After Submitting an Application 

After submitting your lottery application, your information will be reviewed once the lottery has closed. If your application shows you are eligible, you will be contacted to set up a screening interview. During this interview, you can expect to verify the information supplied on your application to ensure eligibility, including household size and income. 

The post 2850 Webster Avenue Senior Apartments Housing Lottery Currently Open appeared first on CitySignal.

Welcome To City Island

While visiting City Island, you might get asked by a curious resident, “Are you a Clamdigger or a Cusselsucker?” This nautical-themed neighborhood is famous for yachts and lobster, capturing the ambiance of a resort town with lasting success. But to island-born residents (called “Clamdiggers”) and non-native residents (Musselsuckers), it’s just home. Tucked into the northeastern corner of the Bronx and a bridge away from the worries of Manhattan, City Island welcomes tourists and residents alike with old-world style and small-town approachability. If you want a New England seaside experience without leaving New York City- this is the place for you. Come for a day trip, and don’t forget your appetite- City Island is famous for its seafood.

History

It’s easy to miss out on City Island. Heck, lots of New Yorkers barely even know it exists. Dangling off the backside of the Bronx and connected to Manhattan only by a bridge through Pelham Bay Park, it’s easy to feel like City Island is its own little world away from the rest.   

Few know that the island- a relatively small island of just 1.5 miles long- was at one point intended to be the commercial rival of Manhattan. Benjamin Palmer purchased the island in the 1700s but fell short of his dream of dominating the 13.4-mile-long, 2.3-mile-wide economy of Manhattan. While it did not become the powerhouse he envisioned, it did become a maritime cornerstone of New York.

Geographically located at the end of Long Island Sound, the island is south of Pelham Bay and east of Eastchester Bay. City Island is technically part of New York City and specifically the Bronx borough. It is also one of the Pelham Islands. These islands belonged to Thomas Pell in the 17th century and include The Blazes, Chimney Sweep Islands, Davids Island, Goose Island, and six others. Much of this land was later incorporated into New Rochelle.

City Island, the largest of the Pelham Islands, has 235 acres and is well situated for boating and maritime, given its easy ocean access. City Island has a quaint population of 4,387 people and 1,874 households, according to the most recent census. The median age of residents is 43 years old. According to population statistics, 84% of the City Island population is made up of white-collar workers, with 157 residents working as entrepreneurs and 420 at government institutions. Under 22% of households have children.

Of rich and dense history, the land of City Island changed hands a number of times over the years. These lands were the original home of the Siwanoy band of Lenape Indians. Their homes and lives would eventually be scattered by European settlers around 1614. First claimed by the Dutch, the Siwanoy people were forced off their lands.

In the mid-1600s, Englishman Thomas Pell purchased the land from the Siwanoy, refusing Dutch requests for departure. The Pell family stewarded the land until the mid-1700s when Benjamin Palmer purchased the island with the intention to revive it into a commercial rival of Manhattan. First called New City Island, the incoming population of shipbuilders and oyster fishermen began to refer to it as City Island. The island voted to become part of New York City in 1895, then was consolidated into the Bronx in 1898.

The shipyard dream of years before was eventually realized as City Island evolved into a shipbuilding outpost. During the World Wars, City Island contributed to United States war efforts through the construction of minesweepers, tugboats, and landing crafts. Following the war, the island continued to expand into a healthy yacht-building community. Over time, seven of the America’s Cup-winning yachts have come from City Island, making it a boat makers’ paradise.

The economy is composed of restaurants, yacht clubs, and marinas. You can find yacht clubs, sailing schools, marinas, sailmakers, lobster and fishing boats, and marine supply and repair shops all within walking distance on this modest but bustling island.

City Island remains a favorite day-tripping destination for visitors and a quiet and peaceful home for residents. There is little residential development on the island, and the population has been stable for a long time. A 43-unit condo complex built in 2015 was the first major residential building project since the year 2000.

City Island’s Maritime History 

Due to its location on Long Island Sound, City Island has always had a relationship with the sea. In the 1800s, oysters were an important food staple and protein source amongst locals. Around the 1850s, over 100 City Island families earned their living harvesting oysters in the bay. That would not last forever, and in 1862 the island’s first major boat builder appeared: David Carll Shipyard. Slowly but surely, the island turned from oysters to boat building, including rebuilding commercial, racing, and luxury yachts and boats. Of the 20 12-meter yachts built in the US between 1935 and 1980, 12 of those were constructed on City Island. 

“Virtually the yachting center of New York. No yachtsman in this vicinity will dispute the fact that the Sound has superior advantages over any other place in New York City for yachting,” said Rudder magazine in 1891, “Which alone proves that someday City Island will be the great building place of these waters. Already three or four more or less prominent builders have located here….” 

Wealthy New Yorkers began to keep their yachts moored on City Island. Hell Gate pilots from City Island would escort ships down the East River and back. City Island remained the convenient and obvious choice for boat servicing due to its location between north and south New York. 

While boats are no longer built on City Island, boating remains a cherished pastime. Numerous yacht and boating clubs dot the island: City Island Yacht Club, Morris Yacht and Beach Club, Harlem Yacht Club, Touring Kayak Club, North Minneford Yacht Club, and South Minneford Yacht Club. There are also sail lofts and boatyards. 

Manhattan’s Columbia University docks a fleet of dinghies at City Island Yacht Club. City Island is home to their sailing team, who travel from Manhattan four times a week to practice. Other local teams include Fordham University’s sailing team. 

Fishing excursions are available along Long Island Sound, and smaller boats can be rented for the day. A number of head boats will take passengers out fishing.

The America’s Cup and City Island’s Golden Touch

City Island’s true yachting fame lies within its role in the America’s Cups. The oldest recorded competition still being held in any sport, the America’s Cups are yacht sailing races held between the current trophy holders and any challenger. Prestige surrounding the America’s Cup has long attracted internationally famous sailors, yacht designers, and sponsors. Informally known as the Auld Mug, the America’s Cup is a trophy awarded in sailing. Teams often spend over $100 million per competition. Races generally occur every 3 to 4 years, the most recent being in March 2021. 

City Island contributed heavily to the winning side. In 1870, the first America’s Cup challenge took place in New York Harbor. The race was won by Magic, an American Yacht from Philadelphia. This marked the beginning of a 132-year winning streak; the United States won 23 more times until finally losing in 1983 to Australia. The majority of the ships participating over the years: Vigilant, Defender, Columbia, Shamrock I, Shamrock II, Defiance, Vanity, Shamrock III, and Shamrock IV were stored and serviced on City Island. All the Cup defenders until 1958 had City Island-local Ratsey & Lapthorn sails. This was a great source of pride and joy to the local community, who worked hard to support the racing teams. 

Where to shop

Businesses are staggered around the island’s City Island Avenue. Stores along the avenue include a gas station, pharmacy, supermarket, bank, and hardware store. Small shops include A Taste of Italy, Amadiz Cigars, and Dressed by Jess and Jill’s Cottage.

Tourists mainly venture to City Island for incomparable seafood. Famous for lobster, ocean bakes, and fried delicacies- there are countless delicious options to choose from amongst the seafood restaurants along the avenue or further south at Belden Point. 

The second most popular is shopping for antiques. There are a number of adorable antique shops along the drag while on the quest for turn-of-the-century antiquities and pre-colonial treasures. We listed a few local favorites here. And if that isn’t enough- jump to the end for a fun independent movie theater experience.

Early Ruth Antiques– Specializes in art and antiques. Open only on the weekends; call for an appointment.

Kaleidoscope Gallery Inc.- Open daily until 7pm this gallery specializes in jewelry, custom-designed jewelry, and repairs, as well as kids’ toys, art, and souvenirs. A great place to find a gift for someone.

Lollipop Antiques, Collectibles, and More- This business features antiques, collectibles, glassware, and jewelry. They claim ‘a bit of everything from the 1800s to the 1950s’.

239 Play!- A vintage toy shop and memorabilia store- find collectibles, rarities, and curios. Many dazzling old-school toys to play with.

Focal Point Gallery – Run by proprietor Ronald Terner, this art gallery and salesroom does much to support the local community and arts scene. Operating since the mid-1970s, the Focal Point gallery regularly puts calls out for local artists to submit work. The gallery work of all mediums.

Cinema on the Sound– Opened by a Bronx filmmaker, the 50-seat cinema brings moviegoers a unique opportunity to get close to the film. Owner Jerry Landi organizes to bring filmmakers, as often as possible, to watch and speak with the audience afterward. This theater space can also be rented.

Museums

Currently closed until May 2023, The City Island Nautical Museum is located in the corner of old schoolhouse PS 17 and is rumored to be built on an Indian burial ground. They have an interesting collection of artifacts, photos, and information on famous residents. Photographs and records detail how the island’s workers and industry supported the US efforts during WWII. The museum also contains exhibits such as the History of Oystering in New York and the Boat Building History of City Island. The museum is run by volunteers and asks for a $5 donation upon entry.

The City Island Pelham Masonic Historical Society is a local organization working to study and preserve island history. The Historical Society researches notable Bronx County families and businesses, presenting public exhibits on their findings. For information on genealogy research or public historical records, contact the center.

Where To Eat

It is truly all about seafood here. A popular specialty on the island, there are 30 different eateries to choose from. Some restaurants operate seasonally, but most are open year-round. A number of coffee shops include Clipper Coffee, Hip Hop Café, and Dunkin Donuts if you need to get a buzz!

City Island Diner: A longstanding favorite by tourists and locals alike, City Island Diner has all the greasy spoon options your heart desires. The breakfast menu includes omelets and pancakes, along with lunch favorites, burgers, paninis, and sandwiches. This old-fashioned diner features countertop seating and a seasonally rotating menu with specials. Take out and delivery upon request.

Johnny’s Reef: Slinging clams and slaw for over 60 years, this restaurant is a part of local culture. At the very end of the drag, get a good look at City Island while in line for some grub. With fun sides like fried frog legs or fried chicken livers, don’t forget to try the house favorite piña colada. On busy nights Johnny’s will have a separate line just for cocktails. Includes indoor and outdoor seating.

The Black Whale: What this restaurant lacks in water view, it makes up with history. Coming into its second lifetime now- The Black Whale first appeared in the 1960s as an antique shop that served coffee. This led to desserts, poetry readings, plays, and even a speech from a member of the Communist Party. Owner exhausted, the building eventually closed in 1998. Luckily a new owner came along to revitalize the community centerpiece. The Sunday brunch is a favorite amongst locals. Enjoy indoor or outdoor seating, weather permitting. The regular menu includes seafood, pastas, sandwiches, steaks, and salads.

Sammy’s Shrimp Box: One family- two restaurants, for your choosing. On one side of the street is Sammy’s Fish Box, and across the street is Sammy’s Shrimp Box. For those of you who like sidewalk seating and reservations- this is your place. An old-school Italian seafood restaurant, you will leave with a load of leftovers. Specials include combos and shared platters.

Once seated, you are welcomed with a plate of antipasti, including cornbread and Italian bread. Sides include tostones, fries, or linguine. Open until midnight every night, Sammy’s offers dishes like Super Fried Seafood Combo Platter- with shrimp, fillet, scallops, and calamari, or the Clam Bake Special with corn on the cob. Also, a fine menu of steaks and pastas, including “Pot of Succulent Rope Mussels,” that sounds like poetry.

City Island Lobster House: Serving all varieties of lobster at far cheaper than standard New York prices, the Lobster House is where you’ll satisfy that lobster craving. Choose from lobster rolls, lobster bisque, lobster pasta, lobster paella, lobster tail surf and turf, and whole lobsters steamed or broiled. The list goes on, but luckily your hunger won’t.

Lickety Split: Eventually, you’ll get your fill of seafood. Lickety Split will be here when you do. The old-school dessert staple of City Island, some visit just for the fantastical cottage vibe. Like an ice cream parlor straight out of the 1950s, the handwritten menu features ice cream, soft serve, and gelato. Pull up a chair and enjoy a waffle cone, banana split, piece of pie, float, or shake! Seating includes an outdoor patio area to enjoy the sunset. With dozens of flavors of Breyers to choose from, take a break from seafood and enjoy something sweet. 

Where to live

If one is thinking of moving to City Island, there are so many gorgeous locations to live in with stunning views of the Sound and other scenic panoramas. Here are a few developments that are great places to get started in your search.

On The Sound

As recent as of 2016, On The Sound contains 43 units of waterfront development located on 5 acres of land. This private, gated community offers amenities like a clubhouse with a fitness center and lounge, playground, and a heated pool. Individual units built with luxurious detailing; maple wood cabinets, Caesarstone countertops, double sink master bathrooms, gas fireplaces, hardwood flooring, garage, and private laundry facilities. Some current availabilities include 28 Island Point, 46 Island Point, and 26 Island Point.

The Sailmaker at City Island Condos

The Sailmaker is a three-story, 34-unit “Boatel” converted from the former Ratsey & Lapthorn sailmaking loft. Converted in 1990, this building is prime waterfront property. Featuring post-war construction, the building includes a pool and an elevator. Individual units feature studio and one-bedrooms with fireplaces, large closets, and whirlpool baths. Originally pitched by developers as a “resort condominium” or “weekend retreat” the building kept original high ceilings, between 12 and 14 feet. Residents can purchase boat slips.

Parks and Outdoor Areas At City Island

There are a number of memorable parks to explore on City Island. Hawkins Park and City Island Park are the most popular.

Hawkins Park

Smack dab in the middle of City Island is Hawkins Park. The park is built in celebration of US Navy Seaman Second Class and City Island native Leonard Hilson Hawkins, who died in World War I. The park features a sizable granite monument honoring Hawkins and other City Island inhabitants who served in the war. Situated as a triangle-shaped plaza, this is a nice place to visit during your time on City Island.

City Island Park

City Island Park is on the waterfront between City Island Avenue and Bridge Street. There is a network of walking paths to enjoy. A favorite path leads to the green area along the water, overlooking Eastchester Bay. Benches are included for rest and leisure, and lampposts provide lighting in the evening.   

The only disappointment in visiting City Island is that there are no public beaches on the island itself. The closest beach to enjoy is the nearby Orchard Beach. Across the bridge on the edge of the Bronx, locals and residents love Orchard Beach for catching sun and playing with the family. Online calendars highlight local performances and summer concerts. Around the beach are hiking trails with a plethora of bird watching. Bird watchers are very satisfied with this area, reporting a number of sought-after species to marvel. 

How To Travel To City Island

At one point in time, you could only reach City Island by ferry. In the 1760s, this was a rope ferry, making travel difficult and time-consuming. The first bridge to the island was constructed in 1873, later replaced by a three-lane steel bridge built in 1901. This survived until the New City Island Causeway Bridge took its place in 2017. Nowadays, weekend roamers can easily drive or bus over to see what it’s all about.

While on the island, there are limited methods for transportation. Two bus routes through the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) run to and from City Island. The MTA Regional Bus Bx29 route operates from the Pelham Bay Park Station, while the BxM8 express route runs to Manhattan. Otherwise, take the 6 to the end of the line, then catch a bus. City Island itself is only 1.5 miles long, making it perfectly walkable for visitors.

Day Trip Itinerary To City Island

If you’re itching to give City Island a go but only have a limited amount of time, here’s the perfect day trip itinerary just for you: Take the bus to the end of City Island. Start at Johnny’s Reef, explore some fried seafood favorites on the patio, and enjoy a beverage or two. Wander up City Island Ave until you hit The Snug. This old-timer pub is laid back and charming. Meet some locals and enjoy a pint or two. For closing out, check out Lickety Split, situated right across the street. Grab a nice ice cream cone and, walk the island again, wander the bridge over to Pelham Bay Park. Add in Orchard Beach either before or after for some quality sun R&R and bird watching.

The post City Island in the Bronx: Take A Trip To The Island Created To Upstage Manhattan appeared first on CitySignal.

Mayor Eric Adams made addressing homelessness and affordable housing a central part of his campaign and early mayoral tenure. For Adams, building more supportive and affordable housing units was and continues to be a top priority. In an interview with radio host Brian Lehrer, Adams spoke about why it is so important to provide housing for New Yorkers living on the street.

“When I looked at some of those encampment sites — some of them I visited at one, two, three in the morning — looked inside, talked to people who are homeless, I saw people living in human waste. Drug paraphernalia, no showers, no clean clothing, living like that. That is not dignified, it is not acceptable”, Adams said.

Despite efforts to construct and build comfortable, affordable housing units, many occupants experience poor living conditions once they move in. This year, RentHop found that as rental prices decrease, heating violations increase, meaning those in lower-priced units are more likely to experience extreme cold.

Building affordable and supportive housing is the main solution to ending chronic street homelessness, but new city data indicates 2,585 vacant supportive housing units in NYC. Reportedly, the number of vacant supportive apartments has doubled since July, when about 1,100 supportive housing units sat vacantly.

Filling supportive housing units is just as big a challenge as building them in the first place. In January 2022, 3,400 people lived on the streets and subway stations of NYC. If all of the vacant supportive units were filled, 75% of those individuals would be in housing.

So why are there so many vacant supportive housing units in The Big Apple? Bureaucracy and red tape may be the most significant factor.

Getting access to affordable housing is difficult

The application process to acquire an affordable housing unit can be difficult. There is extensive paperwork, a lengthy approval process, interviews, multiple rounds of mental health evaluations, and a waitlist. Even after families and individuals receive approval for supportive housing, most do not actually receive housing. According to the New York Times, between July 2021 and 2022, 7,400 individuals or families were approved for supportive housing, but only 16% of them received an apartment. Some of the 16% didn’t even move in.

The most startling statistic? Only 16 people in that time frame moved into supportive housing from the street and subway stations. The application process for housing isn’t accessible for the most vulnerable New Yorkers living outside. Mayor Eric Adams previously promised to cut the red tape and make the application process more accessible and streamlined, but it hasn’t worked so far.

Efforts to build more affordable housing units continue to stall, decreasing the inventory for newer, up-to-date units that could comfortably house more potential renters. Combine a lengthy application process with lower-quality apartments where renters complain about heat, condition, and accessibility, and the city enters the current situation where too many units sit vacantly.

“How do you have a vacant apartment, when you need people to be in the apartment, and you have so much paperwork that they can’t get in the apartment?” Adams said. “That is not how I’m going to run this city.”

The post Why 2,600 Supportive Housing Units Sit Vacant in NYC appeared first on CitySignal.

Ken Eakes, Executive Director at MWSF, noted that “there are many hurdles to overcome while running a small business and operating in a borough like the Bronx, where recovery has been stalled. Citizens and MWSF have a track record of supporting small businesses and seeing the results of our support extend to the communities around them.” The award will help business owners like Estrella further develop their mission to help veterans.

Military Warriors Support Foundation and Citizens Award

Citizens and MWSF teamed up to provide three awards to veterans who operate small businesses in the Bronx. Citizens Financial Group provides various retail and commercial banking products to consumers, from individuals to large corporations and institutions. Citizens follows through on efforts to support robust New York City communities with initiatives like their Workforce Development Program in Queens and Chinatown Renewal Fund.

The institution and non-profit, which have worked together for eight years, provide the largest corporate grant for veterans in the Bronx. Citizen’s Head of Consumer Banking, Brendan Coughlin, remarks that they have “a long-standing commitment to supporting veterans, particularly in under-served communities where small businesses are struggling to recover from the pandemic.”

At this time, community members can also donate non-perishable food items for Worldwide Veterans and Family Services at all Citizens locations in the Bronx.

Who is Military Warriors Support Foundation?

MWSF, founded in 2007 by Leroy Sisco, is a 501c3 non-profit charity that assists Combat-Wounded Heroes and Gold Star Families with housing, transportation, leadership development, and outdoor recreation. For the past fifteen years, their focus on housing and homeownership has helped veterans acquire mortgage-free homes.

One of their programs, Hope4Heroes, specifically helps veterans develop their small businesses. “Hope4Heroes is an extraordinary initiative helping veterans all across the country, and we are proud to partner with Citizens to bring the program to the Bronx,” Eakes notes.

$300,000 Grant for Veteran Small Businesses in the Bronx

The $300,000 grant provides recipients tailored support and resources to strengthen their veteran-owned small businesses. With the grant, owners can renovate their storefronts, implement new technology and training programs, and receive a full year of financial mentorship.

While the program awarded its first recipient this week, eligible applicants can continue to submit through the end of 2022.

Marisa Estrella Wins

Estrella received the program’s first award this week, which provides her with funding to further develop her small business, WVFS. Estrella, who served in the US Army from 1997 through her honorable discharge in 2006, now works to help veterans who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness lead a dignified life.

On winning the award, Estrella remarks, “I am grateful for this amazing grant and invaluable support for my business, and I want to thank Citizens and MWSF for making this happen. The Bronx is my home, and I am proud to start here, serving veterans in my neighborhood. Rehabilitation of low-income veterans is critical to help them transition to civilian life and continue contributing to their communities. My goal is to help homeless or at-risk veterans have better and dignified lives. Citizens and MWSF are helping make my vision a reality.”

What is Worldwide Veterans and Family Services?

WVFS is a 501c3 non-profit charity that helps veterans with various services like counseling and referrals, emergency funds, and transitional and permanent housing solutions to individuals and families in the Bronx. By fostering a strong community through a veterans-helping-veterans approach, the team continues to provide services emphasizing dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency.

Those interested in supporting WVFS can click here to donate directly or learn about other opportunities to help.

Items in the Award

With the $300,000 grant, Estrella received the following:

• 2023 Ford Transit Cargo Van and 1 year of commercial insurance
• 1-year financial mentorship
• Tech to help her succeed
• Two laptops and an all-in-one printer
• Accounting software, Quickbooks for Non-profits
• $1,000 in a gas card

Information for Prospective Applicants

Veterans in the Bronx who own small businesses can continue to apply for the program through the end of the year. Applicants must demonstrate honorable character and service and can click here to learn more and apply.

The program will continue to award two more recipients before closing applications for this year. Recipients will receive an award tailored to their specific needs, potentially including material support and equipment, website design, storefront improvements, and other needs as deemed fit.

The post Marisa Estrella Wins the First of Three Awards to Support Veteran Small Business Owners appeared first on CitySignal.

Welcome to Mott Haven, the birthplace of the Bronx! This historic neighborhood often gets a bad rap due to its tumultuous past. However, this area is making a major comeback and has a lot to offer its residents. With great food, shopping, and green spaces, Mott Haven is quickly becoming one of the best neighborhoods in the Bronx.

History of Mott Haven

Mott Haven was first settled by the Dutch West India Company in 1639 after they “purchased” the land from the Wecquaesgeek of the Lenape Nation. After the purchase, a Swedish sea captain named Jonas Bronck built his homestead there. The land became known to locals as “Broncksland,” and the current spelling of “Bronx” appeared in 1697. The name stuck ever since.

The area was considered part of a larger village named Morrisania until 1849 when an entrepreneur named Jordan Lawrence Mott purchased the land for his iron works. The factory brought jobs to the neighborhood, leading to a population boom and rapid development of the area.

Mott Haven became a working-class area full of public housing projects. Bad policies and illegal practices, like blockbusting, led the neighborhood into a period of disarray, high crime rates, and severe poverty for much of the 20th century. Redevelopment efforts began in the 1990s and have slowly transformed the neighborhood into a much safer and more economically successful place to live.

Where to Shop in Mott Haven

 

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Mott Haven thrives on small, local businesses that focus on building community. Some of these amazing places include:

Beauty Town 138

This local beauty supply shop focuses on the health of hair, skin, and nails. The store works with dozens of brands, from big names in the beauty industry to smaller brands making a name for themselves. The products are quality and the service is unbeatable.

Cruz Bike Shop

This sales and repair establishment specializes in traditional bikes, scooters, and e-bikes. They have dozens of five-star reviews on Google from happy customers hailing their fast service, excellent prices, and quality of repairs.

Bronx Native

This clothing store embraces the borough through stunning apparel and art. In addition to the shirts, hoodies, and hats they’re known for, they host many events each year. These events include artist exhibitions and “The Salsa Project” which promotes the continuation of Salsa traditions in the Bronx.

Mott Haven Landmarks

Mott Haven doesn’t just have historic buildings but multiple historic neighborhoods. These areas include:

Mott Haven Historic District

This district rests between 138th Street and 141th Street on Alexander Avenue. It includes some beautiful row houses once called “Doctor’s Row,” as well as a branch of the New York Public Library that dates back to 1905.

Mott Haven East Historic District

This district rests between 139th Street and 140th Street between Brook Avenue and Willis Avenue. This district holds the oldest row houses in the neighborhoods, dating back to 1883. They were all built by architects William O’Gorman and William Hornum.

The Bertine Block Historic District

This district is known for its yellow brick row houses. All designed by architect Edward Bertine between 1891 and 1895, this district rests on 136th Street between Brook Avenue and Willis Avenue.

Where to Eat in Mott Haven

 

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Mott Haven has an emerging food scene that is quickly becoming known by all of NYC. Some of the best places to eat here include:

Maisonetta ($$)

This unique restaurant combines Mexican and French cuisine, which was inspired by the diversity of the neighborhood. Some of their best entrees include moules mariniéres, pan-seared salmon, and their Maisonetta paella.

Original Venice ($$)

This Italian restaurant has been a staple in Mott Haven since 1951, serving up delicious dishes like baked clams, meatball subs, and a wide variety of pasta with savory sauces. They also have an extensive wine menu, adding an extra flair to any evening.

Los Nisperos ($$)

This Peruvian restaurant serves light, flavorful dishes like their leche de tigre ceviche, sudado de pescado, and milanesa de pollo. They often have amazing deals, including family combos, that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.

Jerry’s Hamburger Place ($)

This “jack-of-all-trades” restaurant has everything from burgers to burritos. Their menu is enormous and features sweet treats, filling entrees, and a ton of beverages that will quench your thirst and leave you energized.

Charlie’s Bar & Kitchen ($$)

This ambient restaurant is known for their great food and entertainment. The establishment serves bottomless mimosa brunches that feature live music. Some of their best offerings include their fish and chips, 454 burgers, and their biscuits & gravy. 

Bars in Mott Haven

 

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Mott Haven has an emerging bar scene full of lounges, pubs, and dive bars. Some of the coolest places include:

Bricks and Hops ($)

This large beer garden has over 50 varieties of IPAs, sours, and lagers. They have multiple specials, including happy hours, lunch specials, and fixed prices for sporting events like the Super Bowl.

The Living Room II ($$)

This lively bar has a ton of specialty cocktails and hosts several fun events every week, including live music, karaoke, and sexy outfit parties. This place has dance floors, pool tables, and large TVs that play special sporting and reality TV events.

The Bar at 47 Bruckner ($$)

This cocktail bar is a classy establishment with live music and billiards tables. Their classic and specialty cocktails are out of this world and, along with the bar’s atmosphere, have put this place on the map.

Cafes in Mott Haven

 

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Mott Haven has an extremely active coffee culture, with many cute shops and bakeries to choose from. Some of the best include:

Chocobar Cortez

This cute cafe is the sister location to the original restaurant in the Dominican Republic. This family business was established in 1929 and has seen 4 generations of familial ownership between three locations. All of their coffee and chocolate are made from Caribbean cacao beans.

Mottley Kitchen

This breakfast place is an ideal way to start your day. The food and coffee are certainly good, but the real highlight is the rooftop seating, which lends itself to serene views of the surrounding neighborhood.

St. Ann’s Cafe

This Dominican treasure boasts an extensive menu with food, drinks, and delicious coffee. From breakfast to dinner, this place always has something to offer, and its outdoor seating is perfect for those who want to enjoy a sunny day.

Where to Live in Mott Haven

Mott Haven is becoming a very popular area to move to. The homes here are stunning and, more importantly, affordable. Some of the best places to live include:

Rentals in Mott Haven

The Haven

This beautiful building opened its doors in 2020, and people have been flocking to it ever since. Spacious homes are flooded with natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, and many homes come with private outdoor space.

109 Bruckner Boulevard

A stunning red brick building near the river, this rental complex features large, open-concept living rooms and kitchens, usually separated by a peninsula. Stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry come standard here. Many homes have private outdoor space.

The Arches

This modern marvel features great views of the neighborhood, river, and Manhattan. The amenities in this complex are amazing and include a media room, valet parking, and a fully equipped fitness center.

Homes for Purchase in Mott Haven

Bronx Bricks

This luxury condo was converted from a former paint shop. The beautiful red brick facade hides some magical apartments full of natural light, stunning archways, and open concept living spaces.

432 East 136th Street

This yellow brick building is part of the Bertine Block Historic District and is a perfect example of the quality row houses available in this area. These homes usually house two to three families, and many have been renovated to meet modern standards.

Getting Around Mott Haven

Mott Haven is a well-connected neighborhood full of trains, buses, and options for car and bike rentals. Some of the best ways to get around include:

Trains

The NYC subway system has multiple train lines within Mott Haven, including the 2, 4, 5, and 6 trains.

Buses

The buses in this area cover nearly the entire neighborhood. These bus lines include the Bx1, Bx17, Bx19, Bx21, Bx32, Bx33, and M125.

Ride Shares and Rental Bikes

Many people in Mott Haven drive, but most of the population get around via rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft, who have an easy time traversing the wide streets and minimal traffic. There are also a ton of Citi Bike docking stations in the neighborhood, which means you can expect to see many cyclists here.

Mott Haven has seen its fair share of hard times. However, the communities that call this neighborhood home are resilient, creating a part of NYC that people want to see and explore. As time marches on, Mott Haven will only thrive more. The neighborhood is already expanding its culinary, artistic, and residential resume, and this rapid growth shows no signs of stopping.

The post Mott Haven, The Bronx Neighborhood Guide appeared first on CitySignal.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and homeless services nonprofit Project Renewal have worked together to create this opportunity for New Yorkers who were previously homeless, for families impacted by mental illness and substance abuse, or for those living with HIV/AIDS. Phase I of the project has 71 apartments available for qualifying individuals or families. The other 46 apartments have been designated for low-income households earning up to 60 percent of the area median income (AMI).

Unique Amenities at 2865 Creston Avenue

Located in Bedford Park in the Bronx, this building was constructed in 2019 and has a total of 117 rental apartments. Amenities in this 14-story building include a rooftop terrace, elevator, attended lobby, concierge, event room, bike storage, laundry room, and garden. Beyond the usual amenities, however, Project Renewal will provide on-site social services, including a greenhouse with aquaponic urban farming on the roof.

Aquaponics Farming System

The 1,500-square-foot rooftop greenhouse features fish, vegetables, herbs, and microgreens that will allow residents to grow fresh food all year long. The vertical farming system will allow residents to raise vegetables and edible fish in an ecosystem. The fish’s tanks are connected to a bio-filter that breaks down their waste and carries the nutrients to the plant roots. The space outside the greenhouse will be used for organic farming for vegetables that do not grow well via aquaponics. Residents will work with the horticulturist provided by Project Renewal to learn to grow their own food.

Environmentally Friendly

Greenery has been planted to grow from the top floors to the ground, reducing the energy use for the building and pollutants surrounding the building. Bedford Green House also features continuous exterior insulation, lowering energy use and reducing the building’s carbon footprint.

Streetscape

Bedford Green House’s streetscape includes landscaping along the sidewalk and seats at the setbacks that encourage residents and neighbors to gather outside the building. The colorful community playground will be accessible to the children who live in the building as well as other children of the surrounding neighborhood.

Social Services

Project Renewal will also offer case management, occupational therapy, and horticultural therapy. Phase II of the project will include even more amenities for the residents with 116 additional apartments, a 5,000-square-foot medical clinic, a fitness center, and a library.

Safe, High-Quality, Affordable Housing

The project’s goal is to create a safe and positive environment for its residents, who have previously struggled. Project Renewal hopes that shared activities that support healthy living will help bring residents of the building together.

Mayor Adams commented: “Affordable housing, homelessness, public health, and our environment are all connected, and Project Renewal demonstrates the kind of creative thinking we need to tackle all of them together.”

The building reflects the ongoing goals that the mayor has for getting New Yorkers into safe, high-quality and affordable housing.

The Neighborhood of Bedford Park

Bedford Park is a quiet community in the northern section of the Bronx with small residential streets that feature old Victorian and Tudor-style homes. Surrounded by parks like Jerome Park and the New York Botanical Garden, this area has plenty of green space. Bedford Park has several nearby bus stops and is close to the 4 subway line. Bedford Park is home to several prestigious colleges, high schools, and some of the city’s oldest churches, reflecting the diverse cultures in this community.

Future Housing Projects

There has been strong support for the vision of Bedford Green House, and those who are passionate about this project are hoping it leads to more of its kind. Studies have shown the healing benefits of being connected to nature, and that is what Bedford Green House serves to accomplish.

HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. says it serves as a model: “This development is a model for housing New Yorkers with dignity while providing the services needed to live healthy lives. Thanks to Project Renewal, our partners at the city and state, and the entire development team for making this innovative and sustainable project a reality.”

Future housing developments may take note of the special amenities and services Bedford Green House provides to its residents. These services are meant to stabilize their lives, so they can function in the community while also receiving the support they need.

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How “The Bronx” Got Its Name

Probably the question asked most is why is it referred to as “The Bronx” instead of just “Bronx”? This then leads to the question of how the Bronx got its name in the first place. The answer to both is simple enough!

In 1639, a Swedish-born man named Jonas Bronck came to a Dutch settlement in New Amsterdam. There, he found Native Americans who sold him 680 acres of land.

The land was east of the Harlem River, below the line of present-day 150th Street. The area was known to the Natives as “Ranaqua”, or “the End Place,” as it was at the south end of an old trailway. The river that lay to the east of this land was known to the Natives as “Aquahung” – or the “River of High Places.” Once the land was sold to Bronck, it was referred to as “Bronck’s Land,” and the river was then called “Bronck’s River.” Bronck wanted the land for growing tobacco and brought others to work with him who also built farms on the land.

In April 1642, a peace treaty was negotiated and signed at Bronck’s homestead between Dutch authorities and the Weckquaesgeek sachems Ranaqua and Tackamuck

But in 1643, just 4 years after the land purchase, Bronck inexplicably died. It’s quite strange that there are no details on his death, as it must have been fairly sudden. Bronck would have only been 43 years old at the time of his death, and no records indicate he was ill.

His wife, Teuntie Joriaens, recorded a detailed inventory of the farm and his possessions in May of 1643, just after Bronck’s death. By June of 1643, Joriaens had remarried to a man named Arent van Curler, and moved away. Interestingly, Bronck had one of the most extensive libraries ever recorded at that time. The volumes within it indicate he was a highly educated man, revealing he was fluent in at least 4 languages.

After Bronck’s passing, eventually, the only aspect of the area that was named after him was the river, which over time had the “ck” of his name replaced for the easier to spell“x”. The borough went over 200 years with no official name until New York City received the land from Westchester County. Since the land was in the middle of the river, it received the name “The Bronx” instead of just “Bronx.”

How “Manhattan” Got Its Name

The story of how Manhattan got its name is fairly simple. It comes from the Native American Munsee Lenape language, where the term manaháhtaan roughly means “the place where we gather wood for bows,” as the area had a grove of hickory trees that were ideal for making bows. It was first recorded in writing as “Manna-hata”, in the 1609 logbook of Robert Juet, an officer on Henry Hudson’s yacht Halve Maen (Half Moon). It appears on a map in 1610 as Manna-hata. Originally, Manhattan was inhabited by the Munsee Lenape and Wappinger tribes.

How “Brooklyn” Got Its Name

Brooklyn’s etymology is also really simple as it is named after an ancient Dutch village in Holland called Breukelen. It is made up of two words: broeck, meaning marshland, and lede, meaning small stream in peat areas, specifically. On the American continent, Breukelen was established in 1646 and first seen in print in 1663. Interestingly, Brooklyn was its own official, independent, incorporated city – before it was an official village and town – until 1898, when it was finally consolidated with the rest of the boroughs to form New York City.

How “Queens” Got Its Name

One of the original 12 counties designated in 1683, Queens County is believed to be named for English Queen Catherine of Braganza, who reigned during this time, from 1638-1705. On one of Queens’ borders is Brooklyn, which lies in Kings County, which we know was named after King Charles II, husband of Queen Catherine. Richmond County (Staten Island), which also borders here, is named after King Charles II’s illegitimate son, the 1st Duke of Richmond. Thus it’s fairly clear that this is why Queens was so named, even though there was no official declaration to this effect.

How “Staten Island” Got Its Name

Last but certainly not least, the fifth and final borough in NYC is Staten Island. This section of NYC is so named for the Staten-Generaal (States General) of the Dutch Republic. In 1898, Staten Island became one of the five boroughs and was know as Richmond before being renamed Staten Island in 1975. Staten Island was originally spelled Staten Eylandt, and was referred to as this by Henry Hudson, an English explorer who disappeared in June of 1611. Henry Hudson was the explorer who had the vessel Halve Maen, referred to in the section above on Manhattan. Additionally, the Hudson River was named after him after he sailed up the river and laid the foundation for Dutch colonization there.

As the story goes, Hudson was on his final major voyage, again looking for the rumored Northwest Passage to Asia. He was the first European to see Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay. In 1611, Hudson was ready to press onward to the west after spending the winter on the shore of James Bay. Unfortunately for him, his crew objected in mutiny, putting him, his son, and seven other crew members who supported him and cast them adrift. They were never seen or heard from again.

These are the stories of how the five NYC boroughs got their names. We hope you’ve enjoyed them!

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