Living in Morris Park

A lot has changed in Morris Park as new faces and families have moved in over the past decades yet much has also remained the same.

The New York Times explores Morris Park in their “Living In…” fluff pieces and takes a look at what makes the neighborhood tick.

Sadly (and predictably) the article misses the heart of Morris Park because, well, after all, The New York Times Real Estate section is notorious for simply advertising neighborhoods as commodities rather than a place you live.

The article reports:

“An older Italian-American man across the street welcomed him with coffee and cake. “There is no barrier here to where you come from or who you are,” said Mr. Marrero, who was born in the Bronx and raised in Puerto Rico, and had previously lived on Pelham Parkway, just north of the neighborhood. Referring to his new block, he said, “I think I’m the only Hispanic here, and I’ve been very well received.”

Morris Park is a place where village-like congeniality continues to flourish among urban asphalt and flux.

First the site of a racetrack and airfield, then an Italian-American stronghold with pizza and calamari to rival that of Arthur Avenue, Morris Park presents changing faces in a largely unvarying streetscape.”

Morris Park has done quite well for itself without so much outside attention. It’s what makes it charming despite some of its own older residents who aren’t too keen on the “new” faces that have moved in (i.e. non-Italian people of color).

It is a true, blue working middle class Bronx neighborhood.

Will Morris Park survive the new York Times created onslaught that may ensue like usually happens after one of their neighborhood profiles?

Perhaps.

Read the full story: Morris Park, Bronx: Where Congeniality Flourishes

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.