Wilhelm Ronda on the Bronx Borough President’s Office

Wilhelm Ronda applies a “small-town” approach to his duties as the Director of Planning for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Whether it’s identifying parcels of land for new schools, or taking steps to protect the architectural integrity of a neighborhood building, Ronda understands that these issues can profoundly affect the borough’s residents. For this reason, Ronda encourages his staff to treat each issue with the same “tender love and care” that a small town’s … <Read More>


IDA approves $46M in tax and other benefits

Proposed office tower for 125th St. Image: Swanke Hayden Connell Architects.

Major League Baseball project in Harlem is among the beneficiaries. On March 6, 2008, the New York City Industrial Development Agency held a public hearing on proposed public subsidies to private entities, including a joint venture between Vornado Realty Trust and California Urban Investment Partners. The joint venture was established to build a 21-story office tower on 125th Street and Park Avenue, directly southwest … <Read More>


HPD Announces New Apartment and Theater in Mott Haven as Part of “24 in 24” Initiative

On February 16, 2024, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) announced that the city-owned parking lot at 351 Powers Avenue in the Bronx will be converted into “Powerhouse Apartments” and accompanied by a community theater. The apartments will be deeply affordable, and the theater will be housed in an electric powered building in Mott Haven. Lemle & Wolff Development Co., HELP Development Corp., and True Development New York, LLC will … <Read More>


City Planning Announces “Walkshop” Walking Tours Along Cross Bronx Expressway

On August 22, 2023, the Department of City Planning announced a series of “walkshops” along the Cross Bronx Expressway to discuss the city’s ongoing efforts to address negative impacts of the expressway on the health of local residents. The tours will be in collaboration with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and both the city and state Departments of Transportation. Members of the public will have the opportunity to see existing conditions of the … <Read More>


Council Passes Bill to Establish the Office of Marine Debris Disposal and Vessel Surrendering

On April 16, 2023, Local Law 46 was adopted in NYC. The law was previously passed on March 16, 2023 by the City Council. The new law originally introduced by Council Member Joann Ariola, as Intro. 210 of 2022, will establish an Office of Marine Debris Disposal and Vessel Surrendering to remove marine debris, develop disposal procedures for marine debris and abandoned boats, and recommend plans and enforcement to help prevent the accumulation of marine … <Read More>