Rezoning proposal seeks to revitalize Bronx neighborhoods

City Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden launched a public review process yesterday for a plan to revitalize Third and Tremont avenues in the Central Bronx, an area that has long been inhibited by antiquated zoning, according to the Department of City Planning. The proposed rezoning, between the Cross Bronx Expressway and Fordham Road, would spur investment in mixed-income housing and commercial development, while protecting the lower density character of the residential neighborhood west of Third Avenue. The proposal aims “to make these two key corridors more welcoming, lively and walkable so that they knit together and better serve the neighborhoods of Tremont, Belmont, Fordham and Bathgate,” a city spokesman said. By revising the zoning that has been in place since 1961, Burden hopes to create close to 700 units of new and affordable housing, while reactivating Third Avenue and reinforcing Tremont Avenue as the area’s downtown. The community board now has 60 days to review the proposal. TRD