City announces rezoning proposal for 181 blocks in north Bronx

City Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden has announced a rezoning proposal for 181 blocks in the Williamsbridge and Baychester neighborhoods in the north Bronx to encourage development and still protect lower density blocks from out-of-character buildings.

The proposed area is bound by the Bronx River and Shoelace Park to the west, the New England Thruway to the east, 233rd Street to the north and East Gun Hill Road, Lurting Avenue,Givan Avenue, and Hammersley Avenue to the south.

The rezoning, City Planning said, would “channel moderate new growth opportunities to wide corridors with better access to transit that can accommodate future growth, including White Plains Road and East Gun Hill Road.”

The proposal would also severely limit the depth of commercial overlays, keeping businesses from encroaching on residential side streets and destroying the character of the area.

Burden said, “City Planning worked closely with the Community Board and the East 222nd Street Block Association to develop a rezoning proposal for Williamsbridge and Baychester that meets the goals of the community and addresses their concerns about out of character development.” –Katherine Clarke