City mulls rezoning for 80 Bronx blocks

A gritty stretch of 80 blocks along Webster Avenue in the North Bronx could be reborn, according to the Wall Street Journal, as city officials consider a plan to rezone the industrial area. After holding a hearing yesterday, the Department of City Planning said it may revise old zoning regulations for the area, known as a haven for car-repair shops. Under the department’s proposal, the area would be rezoned to promote affordable residential development, as well as retail shops and hotels. Fernando Tirado, the district manager for the local community board, said that the proposal would be a welcome change. “Currently Webster Avenue has a lot of vacant properties. At night it’s pretty much abandoned,” Tirado said. “This is going to provide a great economic engine for the Bronx.” [WSJ]