Governor Kathy Hochul has announced funding awards for 10 community development projects in Greater Morris Park in the Bronx. The projects, which will receive nearly $20 million combined, were awarded funding through the Downtown Revitalization Initative and NY Forward.

“The Greater Morris Park section of the Bronx is an incredibly deserving recipient of the DRI and NY Forward awards,” said Hochul in a statement. “Its diverse, vibrant community represents the very best of New York. These funds will support their existing resources and allow residents and business owners to thrive through enhanced community partnerships and continued economic development projects.”

Among the larger awards was $2.75 million for the construction of a new civic plaza connecting to the proposed new Metro-North Morris Park station entrance to the Hutchinson Metro Center Campus and Marconi Street.

The other projects include:

• Establish St. Peter’s Westchester Square Community Engagement Center ($938,000): Renovate and improve existing community space and offices to establish a community engagement center that offers space for cultural, wellness, afterschool, support services and family events for the entire community.
• Convert the Former St. Francis Xavier into a Greater Morris Park Resource Hub ($3,500,000): Transform the former St. Francis Xavier School into a multi-use community hub with a preschool and a fully renovated gymnasium.
• Establish a Small Business Improvement Fund ($1,000,000): Establish a fund to provide grants for small businesses within the DRI Investment Area to complete exterior and limited interior renovations that enhance functionality and appearance. 
• Revitalize Morris Park Avenue with Streetscape and Horticulture Improvements ($750,000): Install street trees, planters, tree guards, banners and other public amenities to enhance the streetscape on Morris Park Avenue between Unionport and Williamsbridge Road.
• Enhance Matthews Muliner Playground ($3,500,000): Renovate the northern portion of Matthews Muliner Playground to include accessible, inclusive and engaging play elements, address recurring flooding issues, add lighting and make other site improvements.
• Upgrade and Modernize the Pelham Parkway-Van Nest Library ($2,260,000): Renovate the Pelham Parkway-Van Nest Library located at 2147 Barnes Avenue to improve accessibility, visibility and programming opportunities for patrons of all ages.
• Renovate Bronx Excellence Elementary School ($1,140,000): Renovate the Bronx Charter Excellence Elementary School's kitchen, cafeteria and gymnasium to create healthier, more supportive spaces for students, staff and the Greater Morris Park community.
• Renovate R.A.I.N Work Space ($740,000): Transform R.A.I.N.’s currently vacant 2405 East Tremont Avenue facility into a modern, healthy workspace to host new-hire training programs.
• Renovate Bronx Excellence Middle School ($2,822,000): Construct a new kitchen at the Bronx Charter Excellence Middle School and upgrade safety and accessibility building components.

To date, the DRI has invested in projects creating 5,000 units of housing — including 2,000 units of workforce or affordable housing.

Source: Urbanize New York

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