Major infrastructure upgrades scheduled for the South Bronx

Ambitious new projects are rising in the South Bronx. But before the neighborhood can really change and welcome in a new wave of residents, major infrastructure upgrades are necessary. But never fear, developers: the city has got your back.

The city is moving forward with a plan that will make streets pedestrian-friendly, replace water and sewer lines, carve out a new park and expanding broadband access.

“It’s not just about changing the zoning, it’s about improving the infrastructure,” Maria Torres-Springer, the president and chief executive of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, told the New York Times. “It’s literally strengthening the bones of the community.”

On five acres of vacant, city-owned land in the South Bronx, 700 to 900 units of affordable housing are being developed as well as an esplanade, stores and businesses, and exhibition, performance and meeting spaces for community groups and others, according to the Times.

The city will also develop a riverfront park on two-and-a-half acres.

“Only positive things can come from investing in our infrastructure,” Ruben Diaz Jr., the Bronx borough president, told the Times. “The South Bronx has come a long way and we want to continue to build on these successes, as we bring transformative development and new growth to our borough. Adding a world-class infrastructure system is a key component in that growth.” [NYT] —Christopher Cameron