The Riverdale Nature Preservancy
Local Events
We'll see you at the block party!
Bronx Urban Forest Update
May 14th, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM
Learn about urban forestry projects happening in the Bronx and how to get involved. Please join us for an in-person workshop in partnership with Forest for All NYC and the Bronx is Blooming. Presentation moderated by Nelson Villarrubia, Executive Director of Trees New York and presenters include:
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Paul Lozito, Deputy Executive Director of the NYC Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice. Paul will discuss the newly released NYC Urban Forest Plan.
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Gabby Perez, Education and Outreach Manager at the Bronx is Blooming, and Christina McLaughlin, Urban Forestry Program's Manager at Trees New York, will discuss youth programming opportunities and how to connect youth to urban forestry projects.
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Raymond Pultinas, Director and President of the James Baldwin Outdoor Learning Center. Their mission is to strive for inquiry and project-based solutions on the juncture of food, environmental, and social justice.
When: May 14th, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM
(Doors open at 5:45PM and the program starts at 6:00PM.)
Location: 1087 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx River Arts Center, Bronx, NY 10460
Register here: Bronx Urban Forest Update! | Trees New York
Support Local Ecology
Pollinator Pathway NYC
Pollinators are critical for maintaining local ecology. Most bees have a range of about 750 meters. If there is a break in inviting habitat larger than the polliators' comfortable range, their ability to move about and do their important work is threatened. Pollinator Pathways are initiatives to engage with the local community to create an intentional pathway for pollinators ensuring their free motion to, and through, our area. With enough participation, communities will ensure that a hospitable path for pollinators exists throughout the western hemisphere.
Local Development
Hebrew Home Updates
December 1, 2025 CB8 Land Use Meeting
Special Permit Renewal Application: Hebrew Home - Special Permit Second Renewal
Renewal of a prior CPC approval: a ZS pursuant to ZR 74-901 to allow the development of a long-term care facility in an R1-1 district.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MEETING MINUTES: James Powers presented on seeking a second permit renewal as originally approved by the Land Use Committee to allow for a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) at Hebrew Home Campus. There are no changes to the site plan on this second renewal from the first modified renewal of the Site Plan presented on September 11, 2024 that was approved by the Land Use committee and Regular Board in September 2024. Special Permit has a ten-year term. They have until November 2028 to start the foundation work in phase one under the renewal. CEO David Pomeranz said the construction will begin in early February with a 36-month construction schedule. Will resume quarterly construction meetings consisting of community members. Will try to minimize impact for community at large second permit renewal as originally approved by the Land Use Committee to allow for a continuing care retirement
community (CCRC) at Hebrew Home Campus. There are no changes to the site plan on this second renewal from the firstmodified renewal of the Site Plan presented on September 11, 2024 that was approved by the Land Use committee and Regular Board in September 2024. Special Permit has a ten-year term. They have until November 2028 to start the foundation work in phase one under the renewal. CEO David Pomeranz said the construction will begin in early February with a 36-monthconstruction schedule.Will resume quarterly construction meetings consisting of community members. Will try to minimize impact for community at large
Committee Concerns and Comments:
• Do you have the staging plan for construction – they will follow up as it is still being formulated.
• Mansion is still there that board was hoping to preserve for historic purposes - It remains as it is.
• 167 of the trees will be removed, this is 20% of all trees on site can you reconsider if this is absolutely necessary? Can you preserve more of them? - They will replace with 239 new trees which are in their landscape plan previously approved. Chair asked them to send details on why they are taking them down and to re-evaluate if they all have to go,give plan on what the replacement and timeline will be for replacement.
• Will you have public access to the river when/if a Greenway is built? – Yes, it is still part of the agreement (MOU) made in the past.
• Does DEP require a Storm Water prevention Plan (SWPP)? - SWPP submitted, reviewed and approved.
• Reducing from 607 to 384 nursing beds due lack of adequate financial support from the State and Government. Medicaid reimbursement is inadequate and an economic burden. Can ask Health Committee to look into this and help deal with these economic issues.
• Are they aware of the project on West 254th Street occurring while their project is happening? The West 254 th Street Safety Plan will impact traffic here and by the Hebrew Home. - Will work with T&T Committee, DOT/DDC to minimize impact as much as can.
• November 6, 2025 they were approved to start construction.
West 254th Street Construction
A community meeting was held at Riverdale Country School on December 12, 2025. Click the buttons below to view informative documents from the meeting. As additional information becomes available, we will share it here.
Meeting Info:
The City of New York, through the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), intends to acquire specific street areas, shown on the accompanying map below, to support the reconstruction of roadways, sidewalks, curbs, sewers, and water mains. The proposed acquisitions are limited to properties located within the existing street right-of-way (ROW). The project area also includes a City-owned segment of W. 254th Street.
DDC will provide an overview of the project, including its location, purpose, scope, anticipated construction impacts, and the process for acquiring the necessary street areas. Following the presentation, DDC representatives will be available to answer general questions and address community concerns related to the project and the City’s use of eminent domain for acquiring street ROW.
Long Term Planning
Greater Greenways Long-Term Expansion Plan Survey
NYC Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with NYC DOT and NYC Parks, is working to enhance and expand the greenway network and provide high-quality, continuous biking and walking facilities for New Yorkers in all five boroughs.
To find more information, please visit the project website: https://edc.nyc/citywide-greenways
This initiative is just getting underway, and we are seeking community input from a diverse set of New Yorkers. Sharing your thoughts in the 5 minute survey below will help us understand how these spaces are used and will shape the future of greenways in New York City.
Learn more about funding from NYC DEP
NYC DEP offers green roof retrofit funding for private property owners in New York City. The goal is to incentivize private property owners to retrofit their roofs with green roofs to manage storm water runoff.
Attend an online workshop to learn more:
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June 10, 2026; 2–3:00 pm
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September 9, 2026; 2–3:00pm
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December 9, 2026; 2–3:00pm
