Federal and local officials came together on Monday to discuss a revitalization plan for the South Bronx.
A $300,000 down payment from the federal government will go directly to improving the area where nonprofit SoBro will lead the plan. The Bronx Hub Development Plan will focus on the 149th Street commercial corridor.
“It's so wonderful to drive in today and see the vibrancy that the Bronx has and the enormous amount of growth that has occurred. But we still have a long way to go,” said Alejandra Castillo, assistant secretary for economic development for the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Officials and stakeholders came together to discuss a strategy for success – they say they hope to develop a sound five-year blueprint for improvements in the neighborhood.
“We're rich in talent. We have a wealth of potential. And what we need are the federal resources to realize the limitless potential of the Bronx,” said Rep. Ritchie Torres. “We're intent on making the Bronx the center of economic development in the United States.”