Creating a Plan

Like several other communities in the city, Bronx Community District 8 created a long-range plan to guide development of our neighborhoods over the next 5 to 10 years. 

Titled CD 8 2000: A River to Reservoir Preservation Strategy, the plan is the result of many years of discussion and study.  The idea for the plan was first suggested by the Riverdale Nature Preservancy in the early 1990s.   Once planning began, in late 1998, city agencies, residents, and business owners examined the area’s characteristics and needs, and laid out policies and strategies to guide future growth and development in Bronx Community District 8.  The Preservancy played a major role in shaping the recommendations for the Special Natural Area District. 

The New York City Council adopted the plan on November 19, 2003.  Since then, the Department of City Planning has acted on the plan's recommendations for rezoning.  Approved rezonings can be seen on the table Zoning Districts Currently Mapped in Bronx CD 8.  Continuing rezoning activity is described on the Department of City Planning website.

You can purchase the complete plan from the City Planning Book Store. This page summarizes its recommendations.

CD 8 2000: A River to Reservoir Preservation Strategy

Neighborhood Character
Preserve the existing scale and form of the area’s neighborhoods through a series of zoning changes. The plan notes that the “zoning changes are proposed to ensure that the type of development permitted more closely matches underlying built form”.

For updates on zoning changes as they occur, visit Department of City Planning website. 

Special Natural Area District (SNAD)
Strengthen protection of natural features within the SNAD by tightening SNAD zoning controls, similar to the controls recently developed for the Special Hillsides Preservation District; reducing or eliminating the exemptions to SNAD regulations; improving the proposal review process; and extending the area covered by the SNAD.

Click here to view the Preservancy’s primer on the approved changes to SNAD regulations.

Hillsides
Protect steep slopes from erosion, and protect neighborhood character in hilly areas by mapping Special Hillsides Preservation Districts.

Scenic Views
Protect scenic views of the Jerome Park Reservoir, the Palisades, the Hudson River, and the Harlem River from intrusion by development by mapping Special Scenic View Districts.

Historic Resources
Further protect the Jerome Park Reservoir and Van Cortlandt Lake by designating them New York City Scenic Landmarks.

Prevent the loss of local historic resources by extending the Riverdale Historic District and identifying other resources eligible for historic district or individual landmarking.

Protect the area’s road network through a historic roads program.

Housing
Increase the range of housing for all segments of the population.   A targeted housing revitalization strategy is recommended for renovation of the existing housing stock.  Reuse of commercial and other non-residential structures as residential is recommended.

Improve the grounds and surrounding streets around the Marble Hill Houses.

Parks and Recreation
Enhance the availability and quality of parkland resources.

Specific recommendations for Van Cortlandt Park include:

Better maintenance of fields and addition of a permanent comfort station near the soccer fields in the northern portion of the park, known as the Parade Grounds

Installation of a consistent system of informational signage at park entrances and of directional signs to parking lots along surrounding streets

Ideas for the existing trail along the Old Putnam Line include linking it to east-west routes, improving directional and informational signage, and renovating the abandoned Van Cortlandt station as a rest stop and visitors' center for cyclists and hikers

Creation of off-road and paved bicycle paths within the park

Restoration of, increased maintenance of, and improved access to Van Cortlandt Lake

Increased protection and recognition of historic sites in Van Cortlandt Park through the planned Heritage Trail, designation of a Historic District, and improved signage.

Increase voluntary and cooperative efforts involving area schools.

Increase recreational and transportation opportunities through a network of greenways and bike trails, including the Old Putnam Line—both within and south of Van Cortlandt Park—the Hudson River Valley Greenway, and various on-street routes.

Improve access to the Hudson River waterfront via an access point adjacent to the Riverdale train station.

Create new parkland in the district by designating the Jerome Park Reservoir as parkland. A running track around the reservoir, gardens, reuse of the historic pump houses, and preservation of the reservoir itself as a spectacular historic water element at the center of the park are suggested.

Increase access to open space in neighborhoods that are not within walking distance of existing parks, particularly in Kingsbridge Heights, through identification of opportunities for vest pocket parks.

Economic Development and Commercial Districts
Maintain and improve the community’s identity by upgrading the appearance and safety of commercial corridors and local shopping areas.

Encourage economic development for district residents through establishment of small business incubators/business support center.

Educational, Social, and Employment Opportunities
Improve the quality of the district’s public education system. Recommended programmatic changes include creating smaller schools at all levels; linking and coordinating educational resources, such as schools, libraries, and public housing community center education programs; and sharing physical facilities.

Meet the library needs of local residents, including many young families with children, by expanding local branch libraries to recommended standard sizes. New space would accommodate shelf space, seating space, meeting rooms, and work rooms.

Increase proficiency in computer technology among area students and access to internet information through the Tech Scouts program in area middle and high schools and a technology consortium involving local colleges, institutions, and community groups.

Meet the health and social service needs of increasing populations of elderly and school-aged residents by expanding access and types of services.

Transportation
Increase parking, provide safer pedestrian crossings, improve access to local shopping for limited mobility populations, improve east-west access, and create linkages between major parks and existing and proposed linear open spaces through a wide variety of physical and programmatic improvements, including:

Public and special transportation for area seniors and the health aids on whom they depend

Increased east-west bus service

Improved roadway safety for bicyclists, bicycle racks on buses, and bicycle facilities at new developments

Physical changes to streets and sidewalks to increase pedestrian safety

Increased maintenance and sanitation of step streets

Provision of additional parking, both off- and on-street

Relocation of Broadway IRT track support columns

Increased enforcement of truck routes

Coordination with local and state DOTs to ensure that future projects minimize disruption and respect neighborhood character

Monitoring of projects to minimize delays in completion

Where appropriate, ensure availability of the waiver of the requirement for construction of streets to their full, mapped right-of-way during development.