Jerome Avenue Rezoning Will Cost The Bronx Over 100,000 Square Feet of Auto Related Businesses

City Limits reports that New York City is potentially losing hundreds of thousands of square feet of industrial space including automotive related spaces thanks to rezonings.

Thanks to the Jerome Avenue Rezoning, The Bronx, in a “reasonable worse case scenario”, is poised to lose 126,802 square feet of auto-related spaces alone.

According to the analysis, an additional 36,295 square feet of industrial space can be lost in the same scenario.

The loss of these spaces will decimate Bronx wages further despite the promises by our elected officials that this is “good for The Bronx” it is the exact opposite.

In New York City, the average annual salary for an auto repair employee is $44,000 according to Pratt Center’s report on urban manufacturing in NYC called, “Under The Hood: A Look Into New York City’s Auto Repair Industry”

So when these buildings are lost and residential buildings are built in their place what will open up on the retail and commercial spaces?

Not the high paying wages these workers are currently making.

Please explain to us how this is good for The Bronx? We’re still waiting.

Ed García Conde

Ed García Conde is a life-long Bronxite who spends his time documenting the people, places, and things that make the borough a special place in the hopes of dispelling the negative stereotypes associated with The Bronx. His writings are often cited by mainstream media and is often consulted for his expertise on the borough's rich history.