As the East Bronx moves closer to getting four new Metro-North stations, the city is also working to figure out what that will mean to the surrounding communities.
Authorities say the four new Metro-North stations that have been proposed would save Bronx residents between half an hour and 50 minutes on their commutes into Manhattan, with direct access to Penn Station.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so we want to use every way we can to get as broad a range of feedback, and get as much input as possible,” said Deputy Director for the Bronx Office of the NYC Department of City Planning Shawn Brede.
While the Metropolitan Transit Authority is handling the construction of the stations, the Department of City Planning is handling the areas around them.
They are launching a new website, in both English and Spanish, where residents can watch videos, see renderings and read about the proposals for what the renovated areas could look like.
They will also be able to submit their recommendations and hopes for things like housing and public open space--both through the site and in virtual remote open houses.
Jeremy Warneke, the District Manager at Community Board 11, says anything that gives residents more of a voice in the process is a good thing.
"They are likely to get a few more people than they would otherwise, so I think the more people are involved, the better off the project will be in the long run,” said Warneke.
Right now, the website is up for just the Morris Park and Parkchester/Van Nest stations. The DCP says it will be taking feedback through the end of June, then doing the same thing for Co-Op City and Hunts Point over the summer.
They hope to put out a plan near the end of the year when the MTA hopes to release their station designs.